Loch Ness it is not. But a Minneapolis lake seems to have its own creature claim to fame these days. On Wednesday morning, a dinosaur sculpture appeared in the southeast corner of Lake Harriet.
Minneapolis Park and Recreation officials say the project is not a city-endeavor but instead the work of a private group. That group is already advertising its website -- www.lakecreature.com -- and promising a big "reveal" on the website next Thursday.
But ahead of that reveal, walkers, riders and runners are all offering their own "insights" on Lake Harriet's own version of "Nessie."
"It's a crazy thing to put in the middle of the lake but it's fun," said Margaret Lindholm, who along with Tom White of the Lake Harriet Yacht Club first noticed the dinosaur Wednesday morning.
White plans to get some mileage out of the creature during his sailing lessons. "This is just a new story for us now, that 'we have a monster over here, and if you guys can't handle it you might want to stay away from that part of the lake,'" White said.
Some are hoping the creature plays a productive role during its visit. "I think he's here to help with the milfoil problem don't you?" said Rick Wright.
But most people just like to pause and ponder the creature's origin, species and even, vitality. "Is it real?" asked six-year-old Eddie.
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