Whether you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes or are looking for offbeat fun on your summer road trip, there is no shortage of odd roadside attractions throughout the great state of Minnesota. Load up the family, fill up the tank, and take to the road to explore parts unknown.
Here are 11 must-see Minnesota oddities and roadside attractions. (And if you live elsewhere, here are the strangest roadside attractions in every state.)
Saint Peter’s Pearly Gates – Saint Peter, MN
As you enter the tiny town of Saint Peter, Minnesota, you’ll pass right by the pearly gates. Rest assured, it’s no death sentence, though. These pearly gates are a fun play on what Christians believe is the gateway to heaven. Located right next door to the Saint Peter Chamber of Commerce, they’re a fun stop for a kitschy family picture. While in Saint Peter, take some time to wander in the shops on Broadway, have a picnic in the city park, or check out the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College, named after the King of Sweden in the early 17th century.
Hot Sam’s Antiques – Lakeville, MN
Hot Sam’s Antiques in Lakeville, MN, is a feast for the eyes. Created by Jake Hood with and for his mom, Gladys Hood, Hot Sam’s is a driveable or walkable “Foto Park” and antiques store filled to the brim with collectibles and reimagined items. From an oversized guitar made from a repurposed hot tub to a replica of beloved “Cars” character Doc Hudson, there is no shortage of adventure on this massive property.
Jesse James Theme Park – Good Thunder, MN
Metals fabricator Arnie Lillo put his talents to fascinating use when he created the Jesse James Theme Park. Throughout the property, learn about the journey of Jesse James through life-size creations of horses and human statues. You’ll also spot some of his seemingly unrelated yet personal metalwork — everything from a 45-foot Eiffel Tower replica (an homage to his wife of French descendence who was on hospice when he built it) to a massive weather vane. You’ll also find the world’s largest firing rifle. Arnie passed away in 2021, but his work lives on.
Hermann the German – New Ulm, MN
Make your way to New Ulm, Minnesota, where you’ll find a 102-foot statue known to locals as “Hermann the German.” Known as the father of German independence, the statue invites onlookers to climb the winding metal staircase to get a closer look and a killer view.
The Glockenspiel – New Ulm, MN
While you’re in New Ulm, set your watch to be at the glockenspiel, but keep an eye on the time. It only “performs” on specific hours (find current times here). When the clock strikes on the hour, settle in for a fascinating performance of 12 characters, all of which depict various facets of the city’s history. It’s entertaining for all ages and definitely a one-of-a-kind experience.
The World’s Largest Paul Bunyan – Akeley, MN
Fans of this famous folk hero will delight in a visit to see the world’s largest Paul Bunyan statue in Akeley, Minnesota. Inviting visitors to climb into his massive hand for a photo op, this gigantic statue is arguably the city’s biggest source of pride — so much so that the town laid claim to Akeley being the birthplace of this tall-tale legend.
Jolly Green Giant — Blue Earth, MN
Whether you eat your veggies or not, who wouldn’t want to grab a selfie with the Jolly Green Giant? Standing at an impressive 55.5 feet, this massive homage to healthy eating stands tall just as he has since 1978, no doubt keeping watch over the nearby Green Giant production facility.
Biggest Ball of Twine in the World – Darwin, MN
They say a man’s work is never done, and that phrase can be applied to the world’s biggest ball of twine and how its creation is the life’s work of Francis A. Johnson. Working on this creation for 39 years, the massive structure has its own home in the Darwin Twine Ball Museum in Darwin, Minnesota, and every second Saturday in August, it’s celebrated by the town’s people at Twine Ball Days. Thirteen feet in diameter, the twine ball weighs a whopping 17,400 pounds!
SPAM® Museum — Austin, MN
Whether you are a devoted fan of the world-famous canned ham, or you simply have an affinity for pork, swing by the SPAM®Museum in Austin, Minnesota to celebrate all things SPAM®. Learn all about this unusual food product’s role in history, and chat it up with the SPAMbassadors, who are on hand and eager to share about this foodstuff mainstay.
Big L.L. Bean Boot – Bloomington, MN
No trip to the Gopher State would be complete without a trip to the massive Mall of America. Park by the east entrance and as you make your way into the L.L. Bean store, you’ll passive the massive L.L. Bean boot, a signature fashion staple for cold weather-dwellers everywhere. Climb atop the toe of the boot and grab a quick pic before you head inside to shop the day away.