Kalkaska Put Its Fishing Story Eighteen Feet TallThe National Trout Memorial stands in Railroad Square along the 300 block of South Cedar Street in downtown Kalkaska, Michigan. It also points to northern Michigan water, geology, and outdoor culture, which makes the whole display feel rooted instead of dropped in for effect. During festival days, the giant fish feels less like a solitary landmark and more like the mascot of an entire town tradition. The village has carried the nickname Trout Town since the 1930s, and the memorial makes that claim visible in one bold leap. Notice The State Symbol In Giant FormMichigan chose the brook trout as its official state fish, and Kalkaska gave that symbol a supersized stage.