If you've spent time on I-35 South of the Twin Cities at any point, up until last week, you have most likely driven by a local landmark that often went unnoticed by many. The landmark stood high in the air, as a beacon, welcoming travelers and truckers in the area to come and rest, fill up, or grab a snack while they are heading to their final destination. The Big Steer, at the Northfield exit on I-35, is now a landmark that is gone.

The Big Steer Is Gone

According to a post on social media, which showed the Big Steer being taken down with a crane, and then placed on a trailer, the steer is no more for that exit for Highway 19, instead, it seems this fiberglass steer is headed for greener pastures.

Where is the steer going?

The online rumor is that the big steer will be headed in the area of Gaylord, but that hasn't been confirmed. What has been confirmed is that the longtime highway fixture isn't there anymore, leaving a 'cow-sized' hole in people's memories.

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Much of the reaction to the news on social media had people wondering where the steer was headed.

Why was the steer there anyway?

Up until 2012, the rest stop/truck stop was known as the Big Steer, hence the large steer on a pole. In 2012, Pilot Flying J purchased the truck stop and added a Subway as well as remodeled the truck stop to create a Pilot Flying J (PFJ).

Before becoming the PFJ, the Big Steer was known for its restaurant, which had a popular buffet that many in the area enjoyed, and it also had a lounge area where a trucker who was stopped for the night might have an adult beverage.

My memories of the steer were fond

Growing up, and driving to visit my dad's parents in Albert Lea, we would pass the steer coming and going along the interstate, it was a great marker to know we were halfway to Grandpa and Grandma, or halfway back home.

Did you ever see the Big Steer?