TWO RIVERS (WLUK) — Standing more than ten feet tall and weighing close to three tons, a new bronze monument on Memorial Drive in Two Rivers is a sight that can’t be missed.

It’s called the ‘Spirit of The Rivers’ and it was installed along the shoreline of Lake Michigan Monday, between Manitowoc and Two Rivers.

Carol Wergin, member of the Spirit of the Rivers Board, said the support from the community has been overwhelming.

“People are pulling over with their cars and giving thumbs up. You hear awesome, amazing incredible and its all of those things,” she said.

The sculpture consists of a bronze birch bark canoe, and three Native American figures, each piece of art costing about $750,000.

“It was a very ambitious project and rightly so people weren’t sure if we could raise these kids of funds,” Wergin explained.

But with a number of donations from people in both Manitowoc and Two Rivers, the “Spirit of the Rivers” organization was able to make this project possible. Wergin said seeing the project come to life was emotional for her.

“It’s hard to explain, and brings me to tears because its been nine years,” she said.

Richard Wallen, the artist behind the monument, said he’s hoping those who see it understand the importance of the Native American culture and how their contributions have impacted this area.

“It’s a statement that there were people living before our current culture. So its an official recognition that we are not the first people here,” he said.

A dedication ceremony will take place on September 16 at 2 p.m.