Roadside Attraction: Big Bruce

Standing proudly in Bruce County is a large replica of a Hereford Steer. It represents the people and cattle of this area, and some consider this to be one of the best roadside attractions in Ontario.

I had to see this and took my wife with me on our journey into this region. 

I never tell her where I am taking her. She wants it that way because each stop is a surprise. I am doing the research and planning, and I rarely experience the surprise of a site as my wife does.

We were travelling and had many great stops already on this day. She was eager to see some of the more unique stops that I still had to take her to that day. 

Until she saw this.

"I am not getting out of the car," she said to me.

Seeing Big Bruce surprised me. Likely the same level of surprise that Charlene gets when I take her places. I was surprised by how big it was and how well maintained! It was constructed in 1976, and clearly, the people here take pride in Bruce since this statue remains beautiful, big and proud. 

I was enthralled with what I was looking at as we approached this gem of fibreglass creation. I pulled into the parking lot and was ready to get out when I heard again:

"I am staying in the car,"

What?

Why?

How come?

Thoughts stirred in my head as to why Charlene would not want to get out and marvel at this representation of the cattle farmers' pride in this proud cattle region. Clearly, Big Bruce is living up to its name of being big. And we were in Bruce County, after all. Why would she not want to get out of the car?

Confused and bewildered, I insisted that she come out so she could take a picture of me.

She struggled to open her door with reluctance and took my phone to snap this picture.

A proud moment in my life. 

This is a fun roadside attraction that is so easy to reach and is perfect as a stop for when you are in the area and need to stretch. I love these little stops where we can take a photo of ourselves, so much so that when we were out with my parents on a road trip (***link to article Afternoon with my parents****), I would include Big Bruce and take a photo of my parents.

I imagine that this stop produces a lot of smiles.

Big Bruce is found outside of Chesley, Ontario. Google Map search: Big Bruce.