When you’re driving through Minnesota, you’re bound to find the occasional (or more than occasional) roadside oddity. From statues without pants to giant ears of corn, there are definitely a few attractions that will cause you to briefly double take. They’re pretty hilarious – so when you do go looking for them, make sure whoever is driving can maintain their focus on the road. Are you ready to check out the finest roadside attractions in Minnesota? Adventure to these odd places:
- Pelican Pete is not only a world record holding roadside oddity but an amazing mascot for Pelican Rapids.
Flickr/Michael Wifall At 15 feet and 6 inches tall, this roadside oddity is a 5:1 scale model of a real-life pelican.
- Franconia Sculpture Park is certainly bizarre enough to turn a few heads, and driving to the St. Croix means an opportunity to get out and explore the beautiful, creative land.
Flickr/Doug Kerr At 43 acres, this park is a modest size. However, you could spend hours taking in the features of its collection of over 120 sculptures.
- The world’s largest otter is adorable although quite funny looking. Otto stands tall in Fergus Falls and might be one of the state’s cuter record holders.
Flickr/Amy Meredith Located amidst the greenery of Grotto Park in Fergus Falls, this 40 foot long otter (appropriately named Otto) charms everyone he meets.
- Pierre, the voyageur with no pants, is enough to shock any North Shore visitor along 61 if they take a closer look. We promise he won’t offend anyone - he’s just a reminder that clothing trends are always changing… thankfully.
Flickr/Doug Kerr Pierre the Voyageur is full of attitude. Since 1960, his creepy grin and pantsless appearance have caught visitors off guard.
- The world’s largest crow might catch you off guard in Belgrade when you’re passing by.
Flickr/Amy Meredith As it turns out, our modest state is full of some ginormous attractions. At 43 feet tall, this massive statue turns heads all day long.
- The world’s largest booming prairie chicken always surprises and astounds. From the sheer size to the hilarious concept, driving through Rothesay is worth it for this view.
Flickr/Amy Meredith At over 13 feet tall, this prairie chicken poses to woo all who have come to admire him since his unveiling in 1976.
- While you might expect to find a few roadside Paul Bunyans, nothing is more shocking than driving by his equally large girlfriend, Lucette in Hackensack.
Flickr/PROdavef3138 At 17 feet tall, it’s no wonder Lucette has stolen the heart of one of the biggest figures in American folk legend.
- At the site of the Kensington Runestone discovery you can find the massive stone replica that might just convince you that the stone and story are real.
Douglas County The validity of this purported Viking stone is contested, but there’s certainly a reason this 202 pound slab continues to captivate imaginations.
- In Olivia, this corn of epic proportions will certainly catch your eye from the road, and offers the perfect drive-by photo op.
Flickr/davef3138 It’s perched atop a gazebo, giving you and the family the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable photo.
- The largest twine ball wound by one man (yes, it makes a difference and this is the one that matters) will definitely draw in visitors as they pass through Darwin. It’s always worth a visit to marvel at this one man’s handiwork.
Flickr/Scott McLeod Out of the nation’s modest collection of giant twine balls, this unique landmark even captivated the interest of “Weird Al” Yankovic by inspiring a song.
There’s much to discover here in The Land of 10,000 Lakes. What are your favorite roadside attractions in Minnesota? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Flickr/Michael Wifall
At 15 feet and 6 inches tall, this roadside oddity is a 5:1 scale model of a real-life pelican.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
At 43 acres, this park is a modest size. However, you could spend hours taking in the features of its collection of over 120 sculptures.
Flickr/Amy Meredith
Located amidst the greenery of Grotto Park in Fergus Falls, this 40 foot long otter (appropriately named Otto) charms everyone he meets.
Pierre the Voyageur is full of attitude. Since 1960, his creepy grin and pantsless appearance have caught visitors off guard.
As it turns out, our modest state is full of some ginormous attractions. At 43 feet tall, this massive statue turns heads all day long.
At over 13 feet tall, this prairie chicken poses to woo all who have come to admire him since his unveiling in 1976.
Flickr/PROdavef3138
At 17 feet tall, it’s no wonder Lucette has stolen the heart of one of the biggest figures in American folk legend.
Douglas County
The validity of this purported Viking stone is contested, but there’s certainly a reason this 202 pound slab continues to captivate imaginations.
Flickr/davef3138
It’s perched atop a gazebo, giving you and the family the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable photo.
Flickr/Scott McLeod
Out of the nation’s modest collection of giant twine balls, this unique landmark even captivated the interest of “Weird Al” Yankovic by inspiring a song.
Want to add to your bucket list of unique local destinations? Visit Minnesota’s Eagle Magic and Joke Store – it’s the nation’s oldest magic shop!
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Address: US-59, Pelican Rapids, MN, USAAddress: 29836 St Croix Trail N, Shafer, MN 55074, USAAddress: Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USAAddress: 61 Expy, Two Harbors, MN, USAAddress: 22303 US-71, Belgrade, MN 56312, USAAddress: Center St, Rothsay, MN 56579, USAAddress: 8965 County Rd 103 SW, Kensington, MN 56343, USAAddress: 1661 W Lincoln Ave, Olivia, MN 56277, USAAddress: 1st Street, 1st St, Darwin, MN 55324, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roadside Attractions In Minnesota February 02, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the best road trips to take through Minnesota? We have a multitude of things to do in Minnesota, and there’s enough variety to comprise countless road trips. You can set out to explore local restaurants, or you can swing by our many waterfalls. What bizarre trait is Minnesota known for? There are many weird places in Minnesota, but our people are doubtlessly our weirdest trait. We’re known for being exceedingly friendly, but many locals shrug off this stereotype as just that – a mere stereotype. Although if we are going to be known for something, friendliness is a great attribute! However, there are many weird things locals do that are amazingly universal. What are some unique things to do in Minnesota? A road trip through Minnesota is an incredible way to experience The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Looking for other adventures to take in our pretty state? Check out some of our suggestions!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Roadside Attractions In Minnesota
February 02, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the best road trips to take through Minnesota? We have a multitude of things to do in Minnesota, and there’s enough variety to comprise countless road trips. You can set out to explore local restaurants, or you can swing by our many waterfalls. What bizarre trait is Minnesota known for? There are many weird places in Minnesota, but our people are doubtlessly our weirdest trait. We’re known for being exceedingly friendly, but many locals shrug off this stereotype as just that – a mere stereotype. Although if we are going to be known for something, friendliness is a great attribute! However, there are many weird things locals do that are amazingly universal. What are some unique things to do in Minnesota? A road trip through Minnesota is an incredible way to experience The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Looking for other adventures to take in our pretty state? Check out some of our suggestions!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
We have a multitude of things to do in Minnesota, and there’s enough variety to comprise countless road trips. You can set out to explore local restaurants, or you can swing by our many waterfalls.
What bizarre trait is Minnesota known for?
There are many weird places in Minnesota, but our people are doubtlessly our weirdest trait. We’re known for being exceedingly friendly, but many locals shrug off this stereotype as just that – a mere stereotype. Although if we are going to be known for something, friendliness is a great attribute! However, there are many weird things locals do that are amazingly universal.
What are some unique things to do in Minnesota?
A road trip through Minnesota is an incredible way to experience The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Looking for other adventures to take in our pretty state? Check out some of our suggestions!
