Leif Eriksson Statue, Milwaukee
The Leif, the Discoverer statue in Milwaukee is a striking bronze tribute to Norse explorer Leif Erikson, created by American sculptor Anne Whitney in 1887. Standing about 8 feet tall atop a red sandstone pedestal, the sculpture captures Erikson in a youthful and adventurous pose, clean-shaven and dressed in scale armor with a tunic, leggings, leather sandals, and a decorative belt. With one hand shading his eyes, he scans the horizon鈥攁s if on the lookout for a new world.
This portrayal sets Erikson apart from more rugged depictions, highlighting his spirit of discovery rather than battle. He carries a powder horn over his shoulder and a knife at his side, adding detail to the explorer鈥檚 garb.
Leif Erikson is believed to have been the first European to set foot on continental North America around the year 1000鈥攕ome 500 years before Columbus. Icelandic sagas tell of his landing at Vinland, which scholars have linked to the Norse site of L鈥橝nse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Recent archaeological research suggests this site may have been a temporary outpost, possibly used for ship repair, with the broader Vinland region extending around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The statue's base bears an English inscription and runic lettering, commemorating Leif as 鈥渢he discoverer鈥� and 鈥渟on of Erik the Red,鈥� honoring his voyage from Iceland to the American continent. Located in Juneau Park, it serves as a proud reminder of Nordic exploration and Milwaukee鈥檚 cultural ties to the Scandinavian community.
This portrayal sets Erikson apart from more rugged depictions, highlighting his spirit of discovery rather than battle. He carries a powder horn over his shoulder and a knife at his side, adding detail to the explorer鈥檚 garb.
Leif Erikson is believed to have been the first European to set foot on continental North America around the year 1000鈥攕ome 500 years before Columbus. Icelandic sagas tell of his landing at Vinland, which scholars have linked to the Norse site of L鈥橝nse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Recent archaeological research suggests this site may have been a temporary outpost, possibly used for ship repair, with the broader Vinland region extending around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The statue's base bears an English inscription and runic lettering, commemorating Leif as 鈥渢he discoverer鈥� and 鈥渟on of Erik the Red,鈥� honoring his voyage from Iceland to the American continent. Located in Juneau Park, it serves as a proud reminder of Nordic exploration and Milwaukee鈥檚 cultural ties to the Scandinavian community.
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Leif Eriksson Statue on Map
Sight Name: Leif Eriksson Statue
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
Create Your Own Walk in Milwaukee
Creating your own self-guided walk in Milwaukee is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Monuments and Statues Walking Tour
Once in Milwaukee, you may be surprised by the diverse array of monuments and statues dotting the city. Indeed, Milwaukee is home to a multitude of sculptures of different purposes, from those honoring historic figures to entertaining ones to the memorials commemorating war and its heroes.
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The Leif Eriksson Statue, a striking representation of the Norse explorer, stands as a symbol of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Historical Churches Walking Tour
A comprehensive exploration of the spiritual side of Milwaukee's historical landscape will open your eyes to the number of beautiful historic temples, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city's religious makeup is diverse, from Catholic to Jesuit, and there is a multitude of architectural marvels 鈥� churches and cathedrals 鈥� matching this variety.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Historical Buildings Tour
Milwaukee's cityscape is richly adorned with an array of historical architecture, showcasing various styles and periods that have shaped its identity. These buildings represent remarkable achievements of craftsmanship and design, reflecting the skills of their creators and the eras in which they emerged. Here, the grandeur of Richardsonian Romanesque, the opulence of Beaux-Arts, and the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Milwaukee Introduction Walking Tour
Mark Twain is said to have once humorously remarked on Milwaukee's pronunciation, saying: "Milwaukee is a beauty; I presume it is the largest in the world. They spell it Milwaukie and pronounce it Mlwaukay. Thus they have a rhyme in the middle of a word."
The city's name is derived from an Algonquian word "Millioke," which roughly translates to "Good or... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
The city's name is derived from an Algonquian word "Millioke," which roughly translates to "Good or... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles