Wacinton Sculpture
A monumental Red Oak totem honoring the Chickasaw, hand-chiseled by Peter 'Wolf' Toth. A striking piece of public art.
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Best Time
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Wacinton Sculpture
Best Time
Best light for viewing details
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental Red Oak totem honoring the Chickasaw, hand-chiseled by Peter 'Wolf' Toth. A striking piece of public art.
"This mildly creepy but well executed totem is Wacinton and the marker points out the history. It is well worth checking it out so appreciate the artistry on display. "
📍 Easy to Spot from Road
Look for it on Park Road facing the main road near the civic building. You can see it from the main street!
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Parking is readily available at the neighboring event center, making your visit hassle-free.
Highlights
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The Wacinton Totem
Bob Noble Park, Paducah, KY
A monumental Red Oak totem honoring the Chickasaw, hand-chiseled by Peter 'Wolf' Toth. A true work of art.
Sculptor Peter 'Wolf' Toth
Base of the Wacinton Totem
Discover the artist behind this incredible piece, often pictured at the base of his work. A testament to his skill.
Bob Noble Park Grounds
Paducah, KY
Enjoy the well-maintained park surrounding the sculpture, a pleasant spot for a stroll and reflection.
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Planning Your Visit
Finding Wacinton
Appreciating the Artistry
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Insider Tips
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Wacinton Totem
📍 Easy to Spot from Road
Look for it on Park Road facing the main road near the civic building. You can see it from the main street!
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Parking is readily available at the neighboring event center, making your visit hassle-free.
🧐 Appreciate the Detail
Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and the history behind this unique sculpture.
🌳 Enjoy the Park
The grounds of Bob Noble Park are well-maintained, perfect for a relaxing walk after viewing the totem.
Tips
from all over the internet
📍 Easy to Spot from Road
Look for it on Park Road facing the main road near the civic building. You can see it from the main street!
🅿️ Convenient Parking
Parking is readily available at the neighboring event center, making your visit hassle-free.
🧐 Appreciate the Detail
Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and the history behind this unique sculpture.
🌳 Enjoy the Park
The grounds of Bob Noble Park are well-maintained, perfect for a relaxing walk after viewing the totem.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Wacinton Sculpture to be a detailed and impressive work of art, appreciating its historical significance and the artistry of sculptor Peter 'Wolf' Toth. The well-maintained Bob Noble Park provides a pleasant setting for viewing. Some note it can be a bit hard to find without clear signage, but the effort is rewarded by the unique cultural tribute.
"This mildly creepy but well executed totem is Wacinton and the marker points out the history. It is well worth checking it out so appreciate the artistry on display.
It reads, "Wacinton. (To have understanding.) Hand chiseled from a local 56,000 pound Red Oak to honor the Chickasaw Indians who lived and hunted in this area until the Jackson Purchase, 1818. By Sculptor Peter "Wolf" Toth. Dedicated May 26, 1985 to the City of Paducah and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Mayor Joe Viterisi. Commissioners P. J. Grumley • Harold Ford • Robert Coleman • Hal Cole"
There is parking in the neighboring event center."
Bruce InCharlotte
"I posted the photo of the Indian head sculpture in Paduca, KY. The sculptor, Peter "Wolf" Toth, whose name I only recently learned is pictured at the base of his work. The photo was snapped while driving through Paduca in 1985 while on vacation. I have often thought of this amazing work and am happy to share the photograph."
Cheryl Spoor
"Very detailed. Was a little hard to find because there is no sign. It is on Park Road facing the main road near the civic building. You can see it from the main street. Definitely worth stopping to see the artist work"
Tim & Gail
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wacinton Sculpture is located in Bob Noble Park. It's situated on Park Road, facing the main road near the civic building. While some visitors note it can be hard to find without a sign, it is visible from the main street.
Yes, there is convenient parking available at the neighboring event center, making it easy to access the sculpture and the park.
Bob Noble Park is accessible by car. If you are using GPS, you can navigate to the park or the civic building nearby. Public transportation options may vary, so it's best to check local transit schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to view the Wacinton Sculpture. It is a public art installation located within Bob Noble Park, which is free to enter.
Bob Noble Park generally has open access during daylight hours. It's advisable to check with the City of Paducah Parks Department for any specific seasonal hours or event closures.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers the best natural light for capturing the intricate details of the Wacinton Sculpture. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The detailed carvings of the totem itself are a primary focus. The surrounding well-maintained park grounds also offer pleasant backdrops for your photos.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The Wacinton Sculpture is a totem hand-chiseled from a 56,000-pound Red Oak by artist Peter 'Wolf' Toth. It was dedicated on May 26, 1985, to honor the Chickasaw Indians who inhabited the area before 1818.
The sculptor was Peter 'Wolf' Toth, known for his large-scale wood carvings of Native American figures. He is often pictured at the base of his works.
According to the marker, 'Wacinton' means 'To have understanding.'
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since parking is easy and the park grounds are well-maintained, it's a convenient stop. Pack a small picnic to enjoy in the park after viewing the totem, making it a relaxed outing for everyone. The open space allows kids to move around safely while parents admire the art.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Dedicate about 30-60 minutes to view the sculpture, read the historical marker, and perhaps take a short stroll through Bob Noble Park. It's a memorable roadside attraction that offers a glimpse into local art and history without requiring a significant time commitment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Peter 'Wolf' Toth
Many of Toth's sculptures are part of his 'Trail of the Whispering Giants' project, aiming to create a monument in every state. While Wacinton is a standalone piece, it embodies the same spirit of cultural preservation and artistic dedication. The fact that it was hand-chiseled from a local tree adds a layer of connection to the land and its history.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the texture of the wood, the subtle expressions carved into the figure, and the sheer scale of the piece. It's a testament to the artist's vision and his commitment to preserving stories through art.
Historical Context and Significance
Dedicated in 1985, the sculpture represents a moment of recognition and honor for the Chickasaw Nation within the community of Paducah and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The inscription on the marker provides specific details about the sculptor, the tree used, and the historical context, making it an educational as well as an artistic experience.
For visitors, understanding this historical background enriches the experience of viewing the sculpture. It transforms it from just a large wooden figure into a symbol of remembrance and a reminder of the deep history of the land.
Exploring Bob Noble Park
Beyond the sculpture, the park is a great place for a leisurely walk. The open spaces and the natural beauty of the surroundings complement the artistic experience. It's a spot that locals have enjoyed for generations, with some visitors recalling coming here since childhood.
Whether you're making a dedicated trip to see the Wacinton Sculpture or just passing through Paducah, taking a few moments to explore Bob Noble Park adds to the overall enjoyment of your visit. It’s a peaceful setting that allows for reflection on both the art and the history it represents.
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