# The Decline of Montpelier's Iconic Tin Lizzy Ice Cream Mascot A roadside landmark once featured on television now sits abandoned and weathered. - **Source:** [Atlas Obscura](https://www.atlasobscura.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/79380248-5fff-41f1-88d9-14d8e870fed5 ## Iconic Roadside Landmark Abandoned The former Tin Lizzy Ice Cream Shop, located at the intersection of State Road 3 and State Road 18 in Montpelier, Indiana, currently sits vacant. A large fiberglass mascot, once a recognizable figure for travelers, remains on the property. The shop ceased all commercial operations approximately nine years ago, in 2015. ## Television Fame and Recognition The fiberglass ice cream man gained unexpected national attention through the television series Parks and Recreation. The statue appeared prominently in the opening credits of the show's first season, alongside another nearby figure. This brief television exposure cemented the mascot's status as a notable piece of regional roadside Americana history. ## Current State of Disrepair The mascot currently suffers from significant physical degradation due to years of exposure to the elements. The ice cream cone held in the statue's left hand is now empty, and the signature red cap and jacket are faded and peeling. The shop no longer offers any traditional ice cream treats or snacks. ## Private Property Access Restrictions Visitors should be aware that the land surrounding the former ice cream shop is strictly private property. Trespassing is prohibited, and individuals are advised to view the statue only from the public roadside. Respecting these boundaries ensures that the site remains undisturbed while allowing for distant photography of the landmark. ## Recommended Viewing Logistics For those interested in capturing photographs of the statue, a brief stop along State Road 3 is the suggested approach. This specific road experiences significantly lower traffic volume compared to the intersection at State Road 18. Motorists should prioritize safety and remain within public right-of-way areas while observing the site. ## The Evolution of Roadside Culture Roadside attractions like the Tin Lizzy mascot represent a specific era of American travel culture. These fiberglass figures were once common marketing tools for small businesses along major highways. As businesses close, these statues often transition from active commercial mascots into silent, weathered monuments that reflect the changing landscape of rural commerce. ## Historical Context of Statues Fiberglass statues became popular in the mid-20th century as durable, eye-catching advertisements for roadside diners and shops. The Tin Lizzy mascot follows this tradition, serving as a visual anchor for the Montpelier intersection. Its current state highlights the fragility of these structures when they are no longer maintained by active business owners. ## Legacy of a Local Icon While the shop is closed, the statue remains a point of interest for fans of pop culture and roadside oddities. Its presence serves as a reminder of the intersection's former role as a local gathering spot. The site stands as a quiet testament to the fleeting nature of roadside commercial landmarks today. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/tin-lizzy-ice-cream-man — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._