Entry No. 29 — the Albuquerque file — filed under: muffler man
May Café Lumberjack ("Fidel" the Bunyan Mutant)
Standing 25 feet tall on a customized steel beam above a parking lot, this 2,000-pound fiberglass lumberjack originally stood at Duke City Lumber in the 1960s before migrating to Route 66. Restored with his axe and arms, the vintage roadside giant now towers over a popular local Vietnamese restaurant.
The story
Perched on a customized steel beam above a parking lot in the International District, this 25-foot, 2,000-pound fiberglass giant is a mid-century survivor. He started his life in the 1960s standing guard at Duke City Lumber before eventually migrating along Route 66. He isn't just any roadside statue—he's a classic "Bunyan Mutant" variation of the mid-century Muffler Man sculptures that once hawked tires and timber across American highways.
While the current owners officially call him "Lumberjack," the neighborhood tells a different story. To Albuquerque’s local Cuban population, the bearded titan is known simply as "Fidel." Following a full restoration that returned his missing arms and axe, he continues his vigil high above Louisiana Boulevard.
There is an absurd charm in how seamlessly the giant has integrated into its current surroundings. Today, this 1960s titan of American roadside commerce spends his days watching over the parking lot of May Café, a beloved spot for hot bowls of pho.
What it's like
Pulling up to 111 Louisiana Blvd SE, you can't miss the 25-foot giant looming over the asphalt. The best vantage point is directly underneath the customized steel beam—look up to appreciate the sheer scale of the 2,000-pound fiberglass sculpt and his fully restored axe. Snap your photos from the lot, then head inside May Café to round out the trip with lunch.
The move: Stop by to marvel at the scale of this repurposed 1960s roadside fiberglass giant, then head inside the May Café for a hot bowl of pho.
- 📍 International District
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 111 Louisiana Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Cruising San Mateo ("Chevy on a Stick") — Double down on Albuquerque's elevated roadside quirks by driving 1.5 miles to see a turquoise 1954 Chevy hoisted onto a 26-foot tile arch.
- The Guild Cinema — Pair your daytime fiberglass giant viewing with an evening cult film screening at Nob Hill's single-screen arthouse institution.
- Abitha's Apothecary — Head a few minutes north after lunch to browse custom spell kits and thousands of purpose oils at a family-run metaphysical boutique.
Good to know
Where did the statue originally come from?
He was originally erected in the 1960s at Duke City Lumber before migrating to Route 66.
Why is the statue called 'Fidel'?
While the owners call him 'Lumberjack,' Albuquerque's local Cuban community nicknamed the giant 'Fidel' due to his full beard and green-capped appearance.
How tall and heavy is the figure?
The statue stands 25 feet tall and weighs approximately 2,000 pounds, supported by a heavy-duty customized steel beam.
Is there food at the site?
Yes, the giant stands in the parking lot directly above May Café, a popular local Vietnamese restaurant known for pho.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: route66news.com · Roadside America
last checked: 2026-07-21