If you enjoy quirky places and offbeat photo stops, Minnesota has some of the weirdest and most wonderful roadside attractions in the country. From giant statues to odd museums, the North Star State is full of surprises waiting along its highways.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or just exploring nearby, these unusual spots are definitely worth a quick stop.
1. The Jolly Green Giant – Blue Earth, MN
Standing over 55 feet tall, this huge green statue is a tribute to the famous food brand. It’s cheerful, weird, and completely unexpected. There’s also a visitor center nearby where you can learn about its history.
2. Spam Museum – Austin, MN
Yes, this is a real museum dedicated to SPAM—the canned meat! It’s surprisingly fun and interactive, with exhibits, trivia, and free samples. Great for families and curious foodies.
3. Giant Walleye – Garrison, MN
Minnesota is known for its lakes and fish, so it makes sense to have a massive walleye fish statue near Mille Lacs Lake. It’s perfect for fishing fans and selfie lovers.
4. Kaleidoscope Garden – Albert Lea, MN
A colourful mix of art and nature, this whimsical garden is filled with unique sculptures, spinning art pieces, and handmade mosaics. It’s peaceful, creative, and a bit strange in the best way.
5. Bigfoot Sighting – Remer, MN
This town proudly calls itself the “Home of Bigfoot.” There’s a Bigfoot statue, signs, and even a festival dedicated to the legendary creature. A fun stop for believers—or skeptics.
6. The UFO House – Kimball, MN
Looking like it just landed from space, this round metal house draws attention from everyone who passes by. While it’s private property, you can still admire the strange structure from the road.
7. World’s Largest Twine Ball – Darwin, MN
Rolled entirely by one man, this enormous ball of twine has become a roadside legend. There’s also a small museum nearby explaining how it was made.
8. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – Bemidji, MN
These two statues are Minnesota icons. Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack, stands tall with his blue ox, Babe, by his side. A must-visit for a classic Minnesotan photo.
9. Hermann the German – New Ulm, MN
A 102-foot monument of a Germanic warrior, this historic statue honors the area’s German roots. You can even climb to the top for a great view of the city.
10. Bois Forte Heritage Center Giant Moccasin – Tower, MN
This massive Native American moccasin sculpture pays tribute to Minnesota’s Indigenous culture. It’s detailed, respectful, and very unique.
11. The Peanuts Characters – St. Paul, MN
Since cartoonist Charles Schulz was born here, St. Paul is home to statues of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and other Peanuts characters spread around the city. It’s fun to find them all like a treasure hunt.
Minnesota is full of strange and charming roadside attractions that make any drive more exciting. Whether it’s a massive fish, a museum about canned meat, or a twine ball rolled by one man, these weird stops are sure to make your trip more memorable. So next time you’re on the road, take a little detour—you never know what odd treasure you’ll find in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.exploreminnesota.com/road-trips/minnesota-roadside-attractions
[2] https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/minnesota/roadside-attractions
[3] https://quickcountry.com/11-unique-roadside-attractions-to-visit-in-minnesota/
[4] https://familydestinationsguide.com/fascinatingly-weird-attractions-minnesota/
[5] https://www.yelp.com/article/yelps-11-outrageous-attractions
