- Attraction: Pinkie the Pink Elephant
- Location: 4995 County Road V, DeForest, WI 53532
- Industry: Roadside Attraction
- Website: Tripadvisor
Road trips just got a whole lot more whimsical along Interstate 90 in Wisconsin. Standing proudly beside a Shell gas station in DeForest, a life-sized pink elephant sporting trendy black-rimmed glasses has become one of the Midwest’s most beloved roadside attractions.
This isn’t your ordinary pit stop – it’s where generations of families have created memories, snapped countless selfies, and experienced pure joy in the most unexpected place.
Pinkie has been charming travelers since the mid-1960s, originally created by Sculptured Advertising in Sparta, Wisconsin. What started as a clever marketing ploy to attract customers to the gas station has evolved into a cultural icon that draws visitors from across the country.
The fiberglass giant represents the last surviving pink elephant from a series that once decorated various Arco gas stations throughout the region, making this DeForest landmark truly one-of-a-kind.
What Makes Pinkie Special
Those Iconic Glasses: The thick-framed black glasses aren’t just for show – they give Pinkie a distinctly hipster vibe that sets him apart from any other roadside attraction. You’ll find yourself chuckling at how seriously intellectual this pink pachyderm appears to be.
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Keep Exploring →Perfect Photo Opportunities: The gas station now features a dedicated selfie stand, making it incredibly easy to capture that perfect family photo or quirky travel shot. You can set your camera timer and get everyone in focus without the usual selfie struggles.
Generational Appeal: What’s truly heartwarming is watching three generations of families pose together with Pinkie. Many visitors share stories of photographing their children here decades ago and returning with grandchildren to continue the tradition.
Free Entertainment: Unlike many roadside attractions that charge admission, Pinkie offers unlimited photo opportunities completely free. You can spend as much time as you want posing, laughing, and creating memories without spending a dime.
Convenient Location: Positioned right off Exit 126 from I-90/94, Pinkie sits perfectly positioned for travelers heading between Madison and Wisconsin Dells. You’ll spot the bright pink figure from the highway, making it impossible to miss.
Merchandise Galore: Inside the Shell station, you’ll discover an impressive collection of pink elephant-themed souvenirs including magnets, stickers, t-shirts, and other keepsakes. The merchandise selection shows just how much pride the owners take in their famous resident.
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Discover MoreThe Experience & Setting
Gas Station Charm: The Shell station itself is clean, well-maintained, and offers all the typical amenities you’d expect. You’ll find it’s genuinely convenient for fueling up, grabbing snacks, and using restrooms during your road trip.
Easy Access: The elephant stands in an easily accessible area of the parking lot with plenty of space for RVs, trailers, and large vehicles. You won’t have to worry about tight spaces or difficult maneuvering when you pull in for your photo session.
Community Pride: The current owners clearly cherish their famous attraction, keeping Pinkie freshly painted and well-maintained. You’ll notice the attention to detail in how spotless and vibrant the elephant looks, even after decades of weathering Wisconsin seasons.
Interactive Fun: Beyond just looking at Pinkie, you can walk all around the statue, touch it, and get creative with your photo angles. The large size means you can pose sitting, standing, or even pretending to ride this gentle giant.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Stop: Since Pinkie stands outside 24/7, you can visit any time of day or night. However, daylight hours obviously provide the best lighting for photographs and allow you to fully appreciate the vibrant pink color.
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Keep Exploring →Quick But Memorable: Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes here, which is perfect for a leg-stretching break during long drives. It’s just enough time to take photos, grab some snacks inside, and maybe fuel up your vehicle.
Part of a Bigger Adventure: Many travelers combine their Pinkie visit with a stop at nearby Ehlenbach’s Cheese Chalet to see Sissie the Cow, creating a fun mini-tour of local roadside attractions within just a few miles.
Family-Friendly Fun: Children absolutely love the oversized elephant, and parents appreciate how easy it is to entertain kids during travel breaks. The whimsical nature appeals to all ages, making it a hit with everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
No Reservations Needed: Simply pull into the Shell station parking lot whenever you’re passing through. There’s never a crowd control issue, and you’ll rarely have to wait for photo opportunities.
Pinkie the Pink Elephant
📍 4995 County Road V, DeForest, WI 53532
