In an attempt to bolster tourism and put itself on the map, the city of Platteville has officially declared the Platte Mound, home of the world’s largest “M” the Eighth Wonder of the World.

City officials made the announcement at a press conference on the mound where they unveiled the new tourism slogan: “Why Visit the Great Wall of China When You Have the Great Mound of Platteville?” Other slogans that were up for debate were “Taj Mahal who?” and “Christ the Redeemer? I’ve hardly know her.”

Local historians were quick to point out that the Platteville Mound, while seemingly just a grassy hill with a giant white “M,” has a deep historical significance.

“The mound represents Platteville’s rich mining and agricultural heritage,” said Dr. Sue Flay from UW Platteville’s history department. “The white rocks that create the ‘M’ are not just rocks, they are symbols of resilience, carefully arranged by engineering students each year in a sacred annual ritual.”

“Eh I don’t know man, it’s just a big M,” stated a senior in Engineering at Platteville, Zoltan Pepper.

In its new “World Wonder” status, Platteville citizens hope to draw international tourists who may have previously overlooked the humble Wisconsin town. Local tour guides are expected to offer expeditions to the top of the mound, which has been likened to summiting Everest.

City planners predict a massive influx of tourists, with projections indicating that visits to the Platteville Mound could rival the yearly foot traffic of the Eiffel Tower.

Despite the excitement locally, international reactions have been mixed. “I am not entirely sure this qualifies as a world wonder,” stated self-appointed ‘expert on world wonders’ Dr. Archibald Stone. “It’s… it’s just a mound, isn’t it?”

City officials are already looking beyond just the mound with Platteville’s tourism board is also considering adding “the faces of notable UW-Platteville alumni” to the side of the mound, a move that has sparked both excitement and concern among local geologists.

“We’re calling it the ‘Mount Rushmore of the Midwest,’” Mayor Granite said proudly, adding that the faces would be carved by a team of “highly skilled art students who have taken at least one pottery class.”

As the city is moving forward with their plans one thing is clear: Platteville is no longer just a pitstop on the way to Dubuque – it’s now a tourist destination.