Exploring the Iconic Beer Can Silos off Highway 22: A Local Landmark Adventure

By: Addison Ketter

According to the World Record Academy, the Lavaca Beer Can is recognized as one of the world’s largest Budweiser can sculptures, adding even more historical significance to the landmark.

Driving down Highway 22 near Lavaca, Arkansas, there is one thing almost everyone notices right away, a giant Budweiser beer can standing in the middle of a pasture. Rising high above the fields and cattle, the famous “Beer Can” has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in western Arkansas. For many people traveling through the Arkansas River Valley, spotting the oversized can has become a tradition. Some people stop for pictures, while others simply slow down to get a better look at the unusual sight.

Even though most people call it the “Beer Can,” it is actually an old grain silo sitting on Belle Point Ranch just outside Lavaca. In the mid-1970s, local rancher and Budweiser distributor David McMahon Sr. came up with the idea to paint the silo to look exactly like a Budweiser can. Instead of using a normal billboard to advertise, he decided to do something people would never forget. Local artist Earl Harris painted the massive structure, carefully recreating the details of the famous red, white, and blue beer can design.

Before long, the giant can became a local attraction. Drivers passing through the area would point it out to their kids, tourists started stopping to take pictures, and locals began using it as a landmark when giving directions. In a small town like Lavaca, it did not take long for the Beer Can to become part of the town’s identity.

What makes the Beer Can special is not just its size or appearance, but the history behind it. During the 1970s, roadside attractions were popular all across America. Families traveled more often by car, and businesses tried creative ways to catch the attention of people driving by. Across the country, giant statues, unusual signs, and oversized objects popped up near highways. The Lavaca Beer Can fit perfectly into that era. It reflected the creativity and personality of small-town America, where people often found unique ways to stand out.

The landmark also represents the farming culture of the Arkansas River Valley. Belle Point Ranch was known for its cattle operation, and the silo was originally just another part of the ranch. Instead of tearing it down or leaving it plain, McMahon turned it into something memorable. That combination of agriculture, business, and local pride is part of what gives the Beer Can its charm today.

Over the years, the Beer Can became more than just an advertisement. It turned into something people connected with emotionally. Many locals grew up seeing it every day on their way to school, work, or football games. Families visiting relatives in Lavaca often knew they were close when the giant can came into view. For some people, it became a symbol of home and familiarity.

One reason the landmark became so talked about was because of its location. For years, the area surrounding Lavaca was part of a “dry county,” meaning alcohol sales were heavily restricted. Seeing a giant Budweiser can standing in the middle of the countryside made the situation feel a little ironic, and people often joked about it. That irony only made the attraction more memorable to visitors passing through.

Like many old landmarks, time eventually started to wear the structure down. The paint faded after years of Arkansas heat, storms, and sunlight. However, the community was not ready to let the Beer Can disappear. In 2018, the silo was restored and repainted to match the original vintage Budweiser design from the 1970s. The restoration helped preserve not only the structure itself, but also the memories connected to it.

Today, the Beer Can still stands tall along Highway 22, continuing to catch the attention of travelers just like it did decades ago. While it may seem simple, just paint on an old grain silo, it has become an important part of Lavaca’s history. It represents creativity, small-town pride, and a time when roadside attractions helped make traveling feel more personal and fun.

In many ways, the Beer Can is more than just a landmark. It is a reminder that even small towns can create something unforgettable. Long after people leave Lavaca, many still remember the giant Budweiser can standing beside the highway, welcoming travelers with a little piece of Arkansas history.

“World’s Largest Budweiser Can Sculpture World Record in Lavaca, Arkansas.” World Record Academy, World Record Academy, 2023, accessed 09 May 2026.