In a quiet corner of eastern Iowa, perched along the Mississippi River, a colossal slice of watermelon rises improbably from the earth. Measuring 40 feet long and 16 feet tall, Muscatine’s oversized fruit is a whimsical nod to the town’s agricultural heritage, and its juicy past as a contender for the title of “Watermelon Capital of the World.” While the claim may be up for debate today, the town’s agricultural pride remains—now carved in steel.
Installed in the fall of 2023, this unofficial “World’s Largest Watermelon Slice” weighs a staggering 16,000 pounds and took over 350 hours to assemble. The bright red wedge is a tribute to a lesser-known piece of local pride for the city of Muscatine. For decades, the surrounding Muscatine County soil has been fertile ground for growing watermelon—large, sweet, and, according to locals, better than any you’ll find elsewhere.
You won’t find many signs pointing you toward this colossal slice, located along Muscatine’s riverfront footpath. Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia, agricultural novelty, or a good photo op, this fruity giant is worth the detour.
