Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Long Island's Big Duck stands proudly in Flanders, its current home after moving several times since it "hatched" in the 1930s. At that time, Peking ducks were brought to Long Island from China and duck farming had a strong presence on the island. Two brothers, Martin and Julie Mauer, commissioned the bird-shaped, 20-foot tall building to attract buyers with its whimsical shape. Its eyes even glowed in the dark as cars passed by.
Now an attraction with Long Island tourist information and a wide array of "duck-a-bilia" for sale, the Big Duck continues to delight visitors. And at holiday time in the winter, there's a yearly lighting of the Big Duck that the whole family will enjoy on the first Wednesday after Thanksgiving.
The Big Duck
Route 24
Flanders, NY
(631) 852-8292 (Call for hours.)
