This statue is one of the surviving 'Muffler Man' figures, a series of standardized fiberglass statues created by International Fiberglass to advertise businesses in the 1960s.
It originally stood at Bunyon's Restaurant in Cicero, Illinois, where the name 'Bunyon's' was a intentional play on the restaurant's hot dog specialty.
When the statue was moved to Atlanta, local volunteers helped restore and repaint the figure to its current vibrant condition.
The statue is a designated stop on the Illinois Route 66 Association's Hall of Fame and Museum circuit.
The oversized hot dog he holds is a remnant of his original advertising purpose rather than an element of the traditional Paul Bunyan folklore.
The Paul Bunyan Statue in Atlanta, Illinois, is a 19-foot-tall 'Muffler Man' fiberglass sculpture originally manufactured by International Fiberglass in the 1960s. Historically, this specific figure held a giant hot dog and stood in front of Bunyon’s Restaurant in Cicero, Illinois, until the business closed in 2003. After being acquired by the city of Atlanta, the statue was relocated to its current site on Arch Street in 2003 to revitalize tourism along the historic Route 66 corridor. The statue depicts the legendary lumberjack holding an oversized hot dog rather than his traditional axe. It represents a prime example of American roadside Americana and kitsch architecture from the mid-20th century. The site is maintained as a public installation within the downtown area of Atlanta.
From the sidewalk directly in front of the statue to capture the full height against the sky and the iconic hot dog.
Visit during the daylight hours, as there is no specialized lighting for the statue after dark.
Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Atlanta Public Library and the Route 66 arcade for a complete historical experience.
Parking is available on the street directly adjacent to the statue's plinth.
Do not attempt to climb or lean on the statue, as the fiberglass structure is fragile and historically significant.
