Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is a Must-See Wisconsin Destination

Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron sounds like a sci-fi contraption – and it looks like one too.

Fans of outsider art and roadside attractions flock to see it and the doctor’s other work. 

What exactly is a Forevertron, though? And, how can you see it? 

Let’s dig in!

About Dr. Evermor and His Forevertron

Dr. Evermor was Tom Every, a Wisconsin businessman and industrial wrecker. He began saving scrap metal and interesting-looking industrial parts. Soon, he started building things with the scrap metal, making proto-Steampunk art and gadgets. 

Dr. Evermor partnered with his friend, Alex Jordan, to build another Wisconsin landmark – the House on the Rock. Dr. Evermor branched out into his own business and began work on the Forevertron, the world’s largest scrap metal statue. It’s 50 feet high, 120 feet wide, and it weighs a whopping 300 tons.

The Forevertron contains parts of breweries, power plants, steel mills, snowmobile plants, train engines, cargo ships, and even the autoclaves that sterilized Apollo 11 moon rocks.

Evermor hoped the assemblage would emit a “magnetic lightning force beam” that would transport him promptly to the astral plane. 

He also built devices to help power his mission, like the Celestial Listening Ears as his cosmic GPS.

Dr. Evermor passed away in 2020. He left behind the Forevertron and a vast array of smaller scrap metal sculptures, all still on display.

Where Is Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron?

Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron is outside of Sumpter, Wisconsin, which is about 30 minutes from Madison. The official website notes it as being “Right behind Delaney’s Surplus.” This puts it just west of Highway 12 at S7703 US-12, North Freedom, WI.

Pro Tip: Wisconsin is known for some crazy roadside attractions. While exploring Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron, make sure to also stop by This Upside Down White House in Wisconsin.

Can I Visit Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron?

Yes, you can. Dr. Evermor’s large sculpture park is free and open to the public. Hours may be limited, though, so please check ahead.

In addition, Evermor wanted his work to be interactive. So some pieces include drumsticks or other noise-making possibilities. 

Has Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron Been in a Music Video?

Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron and other sculptures have appeared in lots of media. 

His park is the setting for “Steampunk Revolution” by Abney Park, “The Tracks” by Trapper Schoep & the Shades, and “Dr. Evermor” by Hinged.

His work has also been in American Pickers, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and a documentary titled Scrap.

Best Hikes Near Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron

Ishnala and Echo Rock Trail Loop

Mirror Lake State Park is over 2,000 acres of wetlands, wooded shorelines, a swimming beach,  and, of course, the lake. There are lots of outdoor activities and also many trails. Ishnala and Echo Rock Trail Loop is a well-loved and easy hike.

You’ll see sandstone formations around the lake along with diverse wildlife. The path is also open for cross-country skiing in winter. 

Devil’s Lake Via West Bluff Trail

Devil’s Lake is the most popular state park in Wisconsin. With two large beaches and over 29 miles of trails, you won’t run out of places to explore. The 4.8 mile West Bluff Trail Loop is a visitor favorite.

The inclines make this trail a moderate hike. It also includes a tall rock formation known as Cleopatra’s Needle, which brave souls climb.

It’s hard to go wrong with the views on this trail. However, West Bluff Trail can get crowded, especially when leaves are changing.

So you may want to hike it in off-peak times.

Best Camping Near Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron

Country Roads Motorhome & RV Park

Located near Mirror Lake State Park and the Wisconsin Dells, this RV park has 90 grassy, full hook-up sites. They have free WiFi and hot showers, as well as on-site laundry. The location is the biggest draw here, though.

The campground is secluded and quiet, but there’s also a 24-hour shuttle to the casino. 

This RV park is geared towards older adults, so they don’t have play areas or activities for children. 

The last known rate was $39/night, and there is no tent camping.

Pro Tip: Looking for more cool places to stay in Wisconsin? Check out these 7 Best Wisconsin Dells Campgrounds (with YouTube Video Tours).

Skillet Creek Campground

Near Devil’s Lake State Park, Skillet Creek has a variety of camping options. In addition to their 139 full hookup RV sites, they also offer tent camping, cabins, and even RV rentals. They have many family-friendly programming including kids’ crafts, movie nights, and ice cream.

No kids?

There are some excellent breweries nearby too.

The last reported rate was $41/night.

Know Before You Go: Skillet Creek isn’t open year-round, so check their website before making plans. 

Is a Road Trip to Dr. Evermor’s Forevertron Worth It? 

Absolutely! There aren’t a lot of places where you can step so deeply into the mind of someone with such eccentricity and imagination. And, seeing how he repurposes scrap metal will make you view the objects in your own life differently.

Plus, there’s such joy and curiosity in his work that you won’t need a magnetic force lightning beam to lift you up.

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

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