World’s Largest M

Rising above Platteville, Wisconsin, the World’s Largest “M” is one of the state’s most recognizable roadside landmarks and a massive tribute to the region’s mining history. Built in 1937 by students of the Wisconsin Mining School (now the University of Wisconsin-Platteville), the giant hillside letter was created as a symbol of the school’s mining heritage. The limestone and whitewashed “M” stretches 241 feet high and 214 feet wide, with legs measuring approximately 45 feet wide at the base and 25 feet wide at the center, making it the largest hillside letter “M” in the world.

Located on Platte Mound about four miles east of Platteville, the landmark has become a symbol of local pride and a must-see stop in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The World’s Largest “M” has drawn national attention throughout its history, including a feature in the May 23, 1949 issue of Life Magazine highlighting the famous annual lighting tradition. In 1987, MTV also featured the landmark when around 650 students helped transform the hillside into a version of the network’s iconic logo.

Today, visitors can climb the steps to the top of the mound for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and experience one of Wisconsin’s most unusual man-made landmarks.