Where to Find Tanner King’s Metal Sculptures in Sac County, Iowa
Drive through Sac County and you may begin noticing Tanner King’s metalwork almost everywhere. His sculptures rise beside highways, decorate community gathering places and hide along trails, parks and even inside local restaurants. Some are impossible to miss. Others are unexpected discoveries waiting for a closer look.
Together, they create one of Iowa’s most unusual public art trails. This guide turns Tanner King’s known sculptures into a road trip featuring 12 stops across Sac City, Lake View and Auburn.
Sac City
- East Entrance Hillside
- Criss Park and Chautauqua Park
- Cattail Cove and the downtown planters
- Sac City Public Library
- South Park and the Sac City Aquatic Center
Auburn
- Grant Park Trailhead
- Grant Park Trail and Butterfly Sanctuary
- Martin’s Welding
- Fat Guy’s Pub & Grub
Lake View
- Lake View Community Center
- Sauk Rail Trailhead
- Soak’d
Meet the Artist: Tanner King
Tanner King creates his metal artwork at Martin’s Welding in Auburn. His work ranges from small decorative details to enormous public installations, including metal trees, dandelion seed heads, wildlife sculptures, custom signs, railings and entrance arches.
Many of his projects include details you won’t notice from a passing car. Owls hide among tree branches, small animals appear in landscaped beds and familiar Sac County scenes are worked into larger designs.
Tanner King Sculptures in Sac City
1. East Entrance Hillside
Travelers entering Sac City from the east receive an early introduction to Tanner King’s work. The landscaped hillside along Main Street contains several large metal sculptures mixed among flowers, stone and ornamental plantings.
The collection includes oversized butterflies, ants, ladybugs and other nature-inspired pieces. Some stand close to the roadside, while others are tucked farther into the landscaping. Slow down as you enter town because several details can easily be missed from a moving vehicle.
This location is best treated primarily as a drive-by stop. If pulling over, use only an appropriate public parking area and avoid stopping along the highway.
2. Criss Park and Chautauqua Park
This is the best walking stop on the Sac City portion of the tour. Park near the Sac County Freedom Rock and leave your vehicle in one place while you explore several Tanner King creations.
The only street crossing on this route is between the Freedom Rock area and the gazebo. From the gazebo, the concrete walking path continues past the sculptures, across the North Raccoon River and into Chautauqua Park without crossing another street.
Memorial Tree
Begin by looking for the metal memorial tree west of the Sac County Freedom Rock. The sculpture contains numerous individual branches and leaves, giving it a different appearance depending on where you stand.
Flying Geese
Cross the street from the Freedom Rock and walk toward the gazebo. Beyond the gazebo, you’ll find a group of metal geese flying above the landscaping.
A concrete path connects this part of the park, although visitors can step across the grass for a closer look.
North Raccoon River Bridge Railing
Continue east along the paved path to the bridge crossing the North Raccoon River. Tanner created the decorative railing along the pedestrian walkway.
Overlapping branches and leaves form an intricate pattern that is easy to miss while driving across the bridge. Walk onto the bridge to appreciate the design and see how it changes as the light passes through it.
Abstract Sculptures
After crossing the bridge into Chautauqua Park, the paved path passes several abstract metal sculptures displayed within landscaped beds.
Their curling shapes resemble unfurling ferns or young plants emerging from the ground, although their official name and intended meaning haven’t been confirmed.
Three Giant Pine Cones
Continue along the path to find three oversized metal pine cones. Each has a different shape and stance, and all three are displayed together in a landscaped area with ornamental grasses, dark gravel and large stones.
These are the final Tanner King sculptures along this walking route. From here, retrace your steps across the bridge and return to the Freedom Rock parking area.
Recommended photos
3. Cattail Cove and the Downtown Planters
Location: Between 505 and 511 W. Main Street, Sac City
Cattail Cove is a narrow pocket park tucked between two downtown buildings. Towering three-dimensional cattails frame the entrance, while additional cattail designs appear in the large metal panels at the back.
Walk into the park and look closely among the landscaping. Tanner also created a detailed dragonfly and a metal turtle resting on a stone. These smaller pieces would be easy to miss from the sidewalk.
Several picnic tables make Cattail Cove a convenient place to pause during the tour.
Free street parking is available along West Main Street. The park can be entered directly from the sidewalk without steps or barriers. Main Street is its only public entrance.
Downtown Metal Planters
Before leaving downtown, look for Tanner’s large metal planters scattered along West Main Street. Different planters feature nature-themed cutouts, including butterflies and pine cones.
Because they aren’t all gathered in one place, spotting the various designs becomes a small scavenger hunt as you explore downtown.
4. Sac City Public Library
The Sac City Public Library is home to two Tanner King creations.
The newest is Dewey, a copper frog perched on a limestone block while reading an oversized book. The community selected his name through a naming contest. It is a fitting reference to the Dewey Decimal System.
Before leaving, look for the large metal Sac City Public Library sign, which was also designed by Tanner.
Both pieces are outside and can be viewed at any time. The library has plenty of free parking, and a step-free sidewalk leads directly to Dewey.
5. South Park and the Sac City Aquatic Center
Location: South 12th Street, Sac City
South Park contains two Tanner King installations: three giant dandelion seed heads and a group of metal palm trees.
Giant Dandelions
The three enormous dandelion seed heads stand in an open area of the park. They were Tanner’s first Sac City sculptures created with funding from the Criss Trust.
Visitors can use the free parking areas around the perimeter of South Park and follow paved walking paths to the dandelions.
The sculptures are accessible 24 hours a day and are especially impressive after sunset. Although they appear to glow, there are no lights inside the sculptures. Ground-mounted lights shine upward through the detailed metalwork.
Recommended photos
Aquatic Center Palm Trees
Inside the fenced Sac City Aquatic Center, tall metal palm trees give the swimming pool a tropical touch.
Because they stand inside the pool enclosure, close-up access depends on the Aquatic Center’s hours and admission. They are still be visible from outside the fence when the pool is closed.
Tanner King Sculptures in Auburn
6. Grant Park Trailhead
The Grant Park Trailhead contains one of Tanner King’s most elaborate public installations.
Several enormous metal oak trees rise from a paved plaza. Another tree forms an arch above the trail entrance, with “Grant Park Trail” suspended beneath its branches. Look above the lettering for an owl hidden in the tree.
A smaller metal tree is incorporated into the trail sign, and the plaza includes landscaping, stone benches and paved walking surfaces.
The plaza is open 24 hours a day and the two main trees are illuminated at night.
There is no designated parking lot. Visitors should pull safely onto the shoulder along Xavier Avenue rather than stopping beside the main highway.
The larger trail project also has a connection to publishing entrepreneur Roy Reiman, who grew up near Auburn and later helped establish Reiman Gardens in Ames. A state Community Visioning report credits a significant contribution from Reiman with helping Auburn complete community improvements that included the recreational trail and trailhead.
7. Grant Park Trail and Butterfly Sanctuary
The Butterfly Sanctuary can be reached in two ways.
For a longer walk or bike ride, begin at the Grant Park Trailhead and follow the paved trail approximately half a mile. The complete paved path is about one mile long, creating a two-mile out-and-back trip if you travel its full length.
For a shorter walk, drive to Grant Cemetery at the intersection of Xavier Avenue and 365th Street. Parking spaces are available along gravel 365th Street beside the cemetery. Follow the paved trail through the cemetery. The sanctuary is approximately a quarter-mile away or less.
The entire trail is paved and step-free. It and the sanctuary are accessible 24 hours a day, however, the pathway is not lit at night.
Timber Ridge Memorial Arch
Along the route, visitors pass beneath Tanner’s elaborate Timber Ridge Memorial Arch. The design contains a large deer, an American flag, an eagle, birds, trees and other wildlife.
This is another installation worth examining from both sides because new details appear as you move around it.
Butterfly Sanctuary Arch
At the sanctuary, another metal arch is covered with butterflies, caterpillars, flowers and leaves. The colorful landscaping and nearby butterfly houses reinforce the theme.
Tanner also created the decorative wildlife bench in the sanctuary.
📸 Brian Abeling / Iowa Road Trip
8. Martin’s Welding
Address: 104 Second St., Auburn
Martin’s Welding is Tanner King’s workplace, not a public attraction. The shop isn’t open for public tours, and visitors should remain on the street.
The reason for including it on the route is that some of Tanner’s newest or in-progress commissions are often visible from the outside. What is displayed will change because the sculptures are typically finished pieces waiting to be picked up.
During my visit, the outdoor work area contained giant dandelion seed heads, large metal palm trees and several commissioned benches.
Street parking is available, and the outdoor pieces can generally be seen without entering the property. Think of this as a brief glimpse at Tanner’s current work rather than a permanent sculpture exhibit.
9. Fat Guy’s Pub & Grub
Address: 109 Pine St., Auburn
Fat Guy’s Pub & Grub is owned and operated by Tanner’s uncle, Colin King. It gives visitors a chance to see how Tanner’s work can be incorporated into a functioning business.
Most of the metalwork is on the outdoor patio. The centerpiece is a spherical firepit covered with detailed wildlife and nature cutouts. Tanner mentioned that the firepit may eventually be rebuilt, so its appearance could change.
Tanner also created the patio railings, structural metalwork and oversized Jack Daniel’s-inspired wall pieces. The Jack Daniel’s designs were created with the company’s permission.
Fat Guy’s has also been authorized to serve Jack Daniel’s whiskey from a tap, a distinction Colin says is held by only a limited number of bars. Other entertainment includes indoor axe throwing and a golf simulator more reminiscent of something you would expect to find in a larger city.
The patio is available whenever Fat Guy’s is open. Plenty of free street parking is available nearby, but visitors should check current business hours before traveling.
Tanner King Sculptures in Lake View
10. Lake View Community Center
Address: 201 Boulder Drive, Lake View
Location of sculpture: North side of the building
On the north side of the Lake View Community Center, Tanner created a long metal scene inspired by Black Hawk Lake.
Waterfowl rise above the cattails, two herons stand near the shoreline and what appears to be a pelican flies beside a representation of one of the lake’s recognizable stone piers.
The sculpture is divided into three connected scenes, with the stone pier serving as the centerpiece. Its weathered steel finish gives the installation a silhouette-like appearance.
Visitors can park at the Community Center and walk up to the sculpture. It isn’t illuminated, so this stop is best visited during daylight hours.
11. Sauk Rail Trailhead
Address: 703 Third St., Lake View
A large Tanner King arch marks Lake View’s entrance to the Sauk Rail Trail. Four metal cyclists ride across the top, while a “Sauk Rail Trail — Lake View, Iowa” sign hangs beneath them.
The blue-and-black design helps the cyclists stand out against the sky. The arch spans a paved, step-free trailhead surrounded by landscaping, benches and decorative lighting.
Plenty of free street parking is available. The entire arch, including the cyclists and hanging sign, was created by Tanner.
The installation is illuminated at night, making it worth seeing both during the day and after sunset.
12. Soak’d
Address: 301 Vine St., Lake View
At Soak’d, Tanner King’s work is incorporated into both the exterior and interior design.
Outside, he created the black metal railings surrounding the patio. Inside, look above the bar for a series of large suspended metal panels, including a centerpiece featuring the Soak’d logo.
Tanner created the overhead metalwork, not the bar or countertop beneath it. The bar itself is illuminated from within and was glowing turquoise during my visit, giving the room a colorful nighttime atmosphere.
Because part of the artwork is inside, visit during Soak’d’s regular business hours. Plenty of parking is available nearby.
More Reasons to Visit Soak’d
Soak’d is also known for live country music and pizza. The restaurant’s tall, open interior includes a dedicated stage, professional lighting and room for both dining and performances.
The pizzas are prepared in a specialized high-temperature oven, helping the kitchen turn them out quickly and consistently, even when the restaurant is busy. During our visit, every pizza arrived surprisingly fast, and all of them were excellent. Soak’d has also received recognition as a country music venue.
Help Expand the Checklist
Tanner King’s work extends beyond the stops included here, and new commissions continue to appear across Sac County and beyond.
Have you found another Tanner King sculpture in Iowa? Share its location and a photo so it can be considered for a future update to this guide.
<< Note from Brian: This is extra material, not sure if it will make the final cut… but would still like Tanner to review for accuracy, then we’ll determine what gets added to the end of the article. >>
More about Tanner King:
Tanner King is a welder and metal sculptor from Auburn, Iowa, in southern Sac County. He owns Martin’s Welding, the small-town welding shop where he learned the trade from his grandfather.
King is not solely a sculptor. Martin’s Welding continues to repair farm equipment and complete traditional fabrication jobs. Metal artwork grew from that agricultural welding background and eventually became a substantial part of the business.
His work now includes oversized flowers, insects, birds, wildlife, trees, signs, railings and other decorative metal pieces. Many are installed in parks and public spaces across Sac County and western Iowa.
A family welding tradition
King learned to weld from his grandfather, Martin Erickson, who operated Martin’s Welding in Auburn. Tanner was 12 years old when the two worked together on his first welding project: a motorcycle.
He also learned from his father, Lonnie King, who operated an auto body shop. King began welding full time in 2011.
How the sculpture work began
King’s sculpture work began around 2012, when he and his grandfather built a life-sized metal palm tree. That project helped launch an artistic side of Martin’s Welding that has continued to grow.
His artistic style
King is best known for realistic, nature-inspired sculptures. His work often depicts plants and wildlife at either life size or a dramatically oversized scale.
Examples include:
- Dandelions
- Cattails
- Butterflies
- Dragonflies
- Ladybugs
- Ants
- Bald eagles
- Geese
- Herons
- Frogs
- Pine cones
- Trees
- Palm trees
Realism appears to be one of his primary goals. In a 2022 interview, King said people sometimes stop and touch the sculptures because they look so real. He explained that making them appear as realistic as possible was intentional.
That realism is one reason his pieces work especially well as roadside attractions. They are recognizable immediately, but their size and construction encourage people to stop for a closer look.
How the sculptures are made
King is largely self-taught as an artist and drafter. Projects frequently begin with a customer’s idea or a flat reference image. King and his crew then determine how to translate it into a durable, three-dimensional metal form.
Tools and techniques documented in the available sources include:
- Welding and metal fabrication
- CNC plasma cutting
- A vintage power hammer once used by his grandfather
- Oxyacetylene welding and brazing
- Forming sculptures from sheet metal
- Working with stainless steel, conventional steel and copper
- Powder coating and other finishing work
The scale and detail can be considerable. Sac City’s illuminated dandelions are reportedly 28 feet tall, weigh about 1,600 pounds each and may contain as many as 20,000 individual pieces.
For a copper bullfrog commissioned for the Sac City Public Library, King started with a sheet of 14-gauge pure copper. He explained that the sculpture would eventually develop a green patina as the copper ages.
King’s description of the process may be the clearest explanation of his approach: there is no instruction manual for making something like a copper frog, so he has to work out the process himself.
Martin’s Welding today
The sculpture work is created through Martin’s Welding at 104 Second Street in Auburn. The company has several full-time employees who assist King with the creations and the traditional farm welding needs. Currently, the shop spends about an equal time on farm welding versus creative projects.
If you are interested in a custom welding project for your home, business, or community, you can call 712-688-7721 to reach Martin’s Welding.
His role in Sac County
King’s work is unusually concentrated in and around his home county. His sculptures have become public landmarks, particularly in Sac City, Auburn and Lake View.
Sac City’s collection expanded after the late John H. Criss left $5.7 million in trust for community beautification. Since 2017, the trust’s trustees have commissioned public artwork and other improvements throughout the city. King’s realistic nature sculptures became a major part of that effort.
