Minnesota isn’t just about lakes and hot dishes (though, let’s be honest, those are pretty great). The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to some of the Midwest’s quirkiest, weirdest, and most wonderful attractions. From a museum dedicated to canned meat to a 55-foot-tall vegetable mascot, here are nine must-see oddities that prove Minnesota knows how to keep things interesting.
SPAM Museum (Austin)
Love it or hate it, SPAM is legendary. And in Austin, Minnesota, they’ve dedicated an entire museum to this canned wonder. Walk through exhibits showcasing its impact on pop culture, its role in feeding soldiers during WWII, and yes—its many (many) flavors. Hands-on activities keep things fun, and there are plenty of Instagram-worthy vintage advertisements. Bonus: You can even sample some SPAM-based treats (like SPAM fries) if you dare.
🛎 Insider Tip: Admission is totally free, and if you can’t make it in person, the museum offers virtual tours by appointment.
📍 Nearby Stop: Visit the Hormel Historic Home to learn more about the family behind SPAM.
House of Balls (Minneapolis)
No, this isn’t a playground—it’s an art studio unlike any other. Sculptor Allen Christian creates bizarre and beautiful works from salvaged materials like bowling balls, piano parts, and old machine scraps. The gallery is always evolving, and since there’s no official schedule, visiting feels like stepping into an ever-changing, hands-on art experiment.
🛎 Insider Tip: The studio has an open-door policy, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure it’s open.
📍 Nearby Stop: Head over to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to see the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Franconia Sculpture Park (Shafer)
Imagine a giant outdoor playground—but instead of swings and slides, you get massive, mind-bending sculptures you can actually interact with. This 50-acre sculpture park is filled with over 100 large-scale works, some of which you can climb, spin, or even sit inside. With artist residencies, workshops, and live performances, there’s always something happening.
🛎 Insider Tip: It’s open year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and it’s totally free!
📍 Nearby Stop: Take a scenic riverboat tour in Taylors Falls and soak in the natural beauty of the St. Croix River.
Orfield Labs Quiet Chamber (Minneapolis)
Think you can handle total silence? This soundproof room absorbs 99.99% of sound, making it the quietest place on Earth. Most people can’t last more than a few minutes before they start hearing their own heartbeat (or worse—their own thoughts). It’s a cool but eerie experience and one of the most unique things you can do in Minneapolis.
🛎 Insider Tip: Visits are by appointment only, so book ahead if you’re up for the challenge.
📍 Nearby Stop: After your visit, clear your mind with a walk to Minnehaha Falls—one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the Twin Cities.
The Kensington Runestone (Alexandria)
A Viking artifact found in Minnesota? Some say it’s proof that Norse explorers reached the Midwest in the 14th century. Others call it an elaborate hoax. Either way, this carved stone, housed at the Runestone Museum, has been sparking debates for over a century. The museum also features exhibits on Native American history and early settlers, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs.
🛎 Insider Tip: Whether you believe in the runestone’s authenticity or not, it’s a great conversation starter.
📍 Nearby Stop: Swing by the Legacy of the Lakes Museum to check out some beautiful vintage boats.
Otto the Big Otter (Fergus Falls)
Because nothing says “Minnesota” like a 40-foot-long otter chilling in a park. Otto is one of the state’s most beloved roadside attractions overlooking Grotto Lake. He’s big, he’s adorable, and he’s begging for a selfie.
🛎 Insider Tip: Visit in the summer when Adams Park is at its best, and bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.
📍 Nearby Stop: Check out the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center for a scenic walk through the prairie.
The Jolly Green Giant Statue (Blue Earth)
Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like—a 55-foot-tall statue of the Jolly Green Giant. Built in 1979 as a tribute to the famous veggie brand, this towering figure watches over Blue Earth like a cheerful (and slightly intimidating) guardian. If you grew up seeing him on frozen vegetable packaging, this stop is pure nostalgia.
🛎 Insider Tip: Visit during the Giant Days Festival in July for parades, food, and small-town fun.
📍 Nearby Stop: Check out the Green Giant Museum for more history on this big green guy.
Greyhound Bus Museum (Hibbing)
Hibbing, Minnesota, is the birthplace of Greyhound buses, and this museum is dedicated to its long-haul history. Walk through vintage buses, browse memorabilia, and see how America’s most famous bus line got its start. Whether you’ve taken a cross-country bus trip or not, it’s a nostalgic ride through transportation history.
🛎 Insider Tip: Some of the restored buses are open to explore, so step inside and see what road-tripping used to feel like.
📍 Nearby Stop: Visit the Hull-Rust Mahoning Mine View, one of the largest open-pit iron mines in the world.
