I'm kicking myself for not noticing this gem of a sculpture park sooner.

I've probably driven past this whimsical sculpture garden just outside of Hamilton, Montana, a dozen times and I've never really noticed it. That was until this weekend.

I had gone for a hike up the Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail. If you've hiked those trails then you know that when you're heading south on US-93 you turn onto Bowman Road to head west toward the mountains.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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There on the left-hand side of the road was a menagerie of creations, each larger than life, and several of them turning and twisting, like animatronics at a theme park.

There was what looked like a small, gravel parking lot and an entry with no gate so I pulled over and go out.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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I saw benches facing each of the sculptures so I was pretty sure this was in fact something meant to be enjoyed.

This one sort of reminds me of Disney's Wall-E.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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And I loved the way this one uses old farm machinery to look like a pinwheel.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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This one reminds me of a Ferris wheel without seats.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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There were other Montana-esque features, too.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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But I think the structure that looked the most magnificent was the fire lookout with its geometric pattern of supports and the winding staircase.

Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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Credit: Ashley
Credit: Ashley
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Here's the kicker: for what appeared to be a sculpture park, I couldn't find a sign or placard anywhere that explained what I was looking at, who made it, or why it was there.

I asked around and someone said that a man built the sculptures for his wife, but they didn't know any of the specifics.

Do you know the story of how this whimsical sculpture park outside of Hamilton came to be? Send us a message on our app.

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