Iron Star Metal Horse

Standing at the corner of Main Street and Elm Street in Hill City, Iron Star is a life-size horse sculpture built entirely from salvaged farm tools, barbed wire, chains, truck shocks, and ranch implements — welded together by South Dakota artist John Lopez into one of the most photographed public art pieces in the Black Hills. Lopez modeled the horse's proportions after his uncle's stallion and spent hours searching the scrap pile for curves that would mimic a flowing mane and tail. Hidden throughout the piece are shovels, files, bronze castings, and even the small scale model he used to perfect the proportions — welded into Iron Star's chest. A face is concealed in the left shoulder. The Hill City Arts Council purchased Iron Star for permanent installation, where it has become a beloved landmark. Cowboys hauling horses past in trailers report their animals whinny at it — that's how convincing it looks from a distance. Lopez also sculpted several of Rapid City's City of Presidents statues. Free to visit year-round on Main Street across from the Hill City Café.