Gertie the Duck Sculpture, Milwaukee
Gertie the Duck is one of the most iconic images of Milwaukee. This duck statue sits on the Wisconsin Avenue bridge west of the Milwaukee River. The bronze statue is four feet high. It was designed by artist Gwendolyn Gillen.
The story of Gertie the Duck has its roots during the second World War. In April 1945 a report of a mallard duck under the Wisconsin Avenue bridge gained public interest. The duck laid nine eggs under the bridge and nested on them despite the heavy motor and foot traffic that would normally disturb most birds. Eventually, five of the ducks hatched and survived. They were put on display first in the window of Gimbels department store. Later they were taken to the Juneau Park lagoon.
The story of Gertie the Duck was featured in newspapers around the city and eventually reached Life Magazine, Reader's Digest and the Daily Express out of the United Kingdom.
The story of Gertie the Duck has its roots during the second World War. In April 1945 a report of a mallard duck under the Wisconsin Avenue bridge gained public interest. The duck laid nine eggs under the bridge and nested on them despite the heavy motor and foot traffic that would normally disturb most birds. Eventually, five of the ducks hatched and survived. They were put on display first in the window of Gimbels department store. Later they were taken to the Juneau Park lagoon.
The story of Gertie the Duck was featured in newspapers around the city and eventually reached Life Magazine, Reader's Digest and the Daily Express out of the United Kingdom.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milwaukee. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gertie the Duck Sculpture on Map
Sight Name: Gertie the Duck Sculpture
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milwaukee, USA (See walking tours in Milwaukee)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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