Oz Plaza – Oconomowoc, Wisconsin - Atlas Obscura
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Oz Plaza

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Life-size statues of characters from 'The Wizard of Oz' stand at the one of the early screening sites for the 1939 movie.  

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Oconomowoc Oz Plaza pbrunclik (Atlas Obscura User)
Oconomowoc Oz Plaza pbrunclik (Atlas Obscura User)
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Door with history of Oz in Oconomowoc pbrunclik (Atlas Obscura User)
Visitors pose with Flying Monkey wings pbrunclik (Atlas Obscura User)
Rainbow Picnic Tables in Oz Plaza Public Space pbrunclik (Atlas Obscura User)
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In downtown Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, you’ll find a yellow brick road leading visitors through a whimsical park. The path ends in a swirl just like in The Wizard of Oz. Oconomowoc was among a few Midwestern communities chosen to premiere the 1939 movie before it made its national debut at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (now the TCL Chinese Theatre) in Los Angeles. 

All around town, visitors can find references to the classic movie. The downtown features quaint yellow benches, an “Over the Rainbow” picnic table, and a larger-than-life mural of Emerald City. 

You can hook arms with Dorothy or cozy up to the Cowardly Lion for a photo in the main plaza, where life-size statues of the characters stand. Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the East are present too. Around the corner, you can find the historic location marker for the world premiere.

midwest movies murals film statues
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