Come check out BIGFOOT at Van Cleve Park in Gladstone, Michigan.
The Bigfoot sand sculptures are a highly popular, temporary public art installation designed to look like the legendary cryptid enjoying a relaxing beach vacation. First introduced in the summer of 2025, the playful sandy creature returned to Gladstone Beach for another successful installment.
The Concept and Creation
- The Artists: The sculptures are crafted by the Art Club Hub (or simply Art Club), a Saginaw/Birch Run-based group of artists led by founding member John Martinez. Local Upper Peninsula artist Mark Mishler also joined the team to help carve the creations.
- The Inspiration: Martinez chose Bigfoot after researching local Upper Peninsula folklore and discovering an article about a historical Bigfoot sighting in the Delta County area.
- Scale and Timeline: Each massive sculpture stands or spans up to 15 feet and requires about three full days of intricate carving to complete.
Evolution of the Installations
- 2025 Launch: The original viral installation featured a lone, 15-foot Bigfoot reclining in the sand at the east end of Gladstone Beach, complete with an inner tube and a cold beverage in hand. A companion “Sasquatch” sculpture was later built nearby at Aronson Island in Escanaba.
- 2026 Expansion: Due to overwhelming popularity, Visit Escanaba brought the artists back to scale up the project. The display featured a full “Bigfoot Family” consisting of three separate massive sand structures interacting on the beach.
Visitor Experience
The finished pieces are left exposed to the elements to naturally fade away over the summer, though the artists budget extra time to cover and protect them during heavy rainstorms while they are actively working. Be sure to check them out while they last!
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