Hidden Dragons in the Forest

Stuff We Love

By Geri Dietze | June 17, 2023

Karl Rykert is a self-taught sculptor who was enjoying anonymity until he chose to carve a dragon’s head jutting out of the woods on a busy section of US-131 south of Boyne Falls, near the Charlevoix/Antrim county line. Drivers took notice, word spread on social media, and before he knew it, the secret was out. “I am a bit overwhelmed by the interest from everyone,” he says. “All the pieces I have done have been in the woods, without scrutiny, so when I did this dragon, I was surprised by the response.” Rykert took up sculpting about three years ago and learned through trial and error, using various chainsaws and hand tools. His less visible works, about 25 in all, include animals, humans, signs, and benches, and are tucked away in the woods close to his retirement home in Boyne Falls. “I love being in the woods for any reason, so sculpting was just another reason to be there,” he says.