6 Quirky Little Towns In Minnesota
Minnesota is full of quirks. It is the birthplace of rollerblades and Post-it Notes, proudly claims milk as its official state drink, and even showcases its love for the outdoors with one recreational boat for every six residents. As you venture into the state’s countryside, its eccentric personality becomes even more apparent. Massive candy stores, towering Viking and boot statues, and Halloween capitals are just a few of the oddities that await. Even if you think you know The North Star State inside and out, some of these towns below are sure to surprise you.
Jordan
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll definitely want to keep Jordan on your radar for your travels next year. This small town is home to Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, a family-owned and operated business that has been in the community for over 40 years. Covering an impressive 27,000 square feet, you’ll find an incredible selection of sweet treats here, including fresh-baked pies, strudels, sodas, popcorn, jams, and, of course, lots of candy! It is open seasonally, from May to December. For an adrenaline rush, consider signing up for a zip line tour through Sand Creek Adventures. This local adventure outfitter has an exciting aerial course with three zip lines, totalling over 1,600 feet in length. In the fall, meanwhile, visitors can have fun on the farm at Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, a seasonal orchard offering U-pick apples, a craft cider bar, a fresh bakery, and more.
Anoka
Halloween lovers must spend an October in Anoka at some point in their lives. This small town is known as the Halloween Capital of the World, with an event calendar full of Halloween activities throughout the entire month of October. Activities kick off with the Great Pumpkin Expo, a festival with a pumpkin weigh-off, an adult carving contest, a scarecrow contest, craft vendors, food trucks, and plenty of family-friendly games.
As the month continues, other activities include the Light Up the Night Parade, with all kinds of floats and lights on display on Main Street, and a Halloween house decorating contest, among many other events. Year-round, visitors can stop by the Anoka Halloween Gift Shop, open on the second Friday and Saturday of each month, as well as every weekend in October. A few of the souvenirs you can find here include t-shirts, candles, tumblers, and hats.
Blue Earth
On Minnesota’s healthier side, Blue Earth is famous as the home of the Jolly Green Giant, the iconic vegetable mascot. Right in the heart of town, Green Giant Statue Park gives visitors a chance to see him in all his glory: a 55.5-foot-tall statue that has stood as a local landmark for decades. After snapping a photo with the massive mascot, head to the nearby Jolly Green Giant Museum, which has the world’s largest collection of Jolly Green Giant memorabilia and exhibits on the town’s canning history. Conclude the day with a cold drink from Lost Saint Brewing Company, a local spot that serves seltzers, beers, and wine, along with food options like pizza, pretzels, and gourmet hot dogs.
Red Wing
You’ve gotten a photo with the Jolly Green Giant. Now it’s time to head to Red Wing for a photo op with the world’s largest boot! This boot is located inside the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, and stands over 20 feet tall, clocking in at a massive shoe size of 638 ½. As part of the Red Wing Shoe Co. Flagship store, visitors can also enjoy browsing a full-service retail space and an art gallery while checking out the boot. Afterward, pop over to the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, which celebrates the town’s clay industry with exhibits showcasing more than 6,000 pieces of vintage stoneware, art pottery, folk art, and dinnerware. If you start to get a bit peckish, grab a mid-afternoon snack from the Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop, which has a wide array of pastries, donuts, and cakes on offer.
Bemidji
In Bemidji, you’ll find one of the most photographed icons in the US: the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues! These pieces, which stand prominently along the shores of Lake Bemidji, were built in 1937 to attract passing motorists. To this day, thousands of road trippers stop to get a photo with this quirky landmark. Be sure to spend some time exploring the rest of town while you’re here. Families will enjoy the Headwaters Science Center, which features 7,500 square feet of interactive activities. Over 70 exhibits await, along with a variety of animals like lizards, snakes, freshwater and saltwater fish, turtles, and tarantulas. Antique hunters will also love visiting Grandma's Attic Antique Mall, a giant vintage store on 3rd street that sells furniture, home decor, kitchenware, posters, literature, and other collectibles.
Alexandria
Minnesota is known for its Vikings, and you won’t find a much better place to see one than in Alexandria. Here, you can find Big Ole, the country’s tallest Viking, at 28 feet tall. Located at the edge of Big Ole Central Park, visitors can also stop by Alexandria’s Farmer’s Market three times a week in the summer and fall, where they can purchase some fresh produce, flowers, dairy, and other local or handmade products. Continue your exploration of Alexandria by swinging by the Legacy of the Lakes Museum, which is open seasonally and showcases the area’s lake heritage through a collection of classic boats, motors, and lake artifacts. The Museum also hosts community events on occasion. For some live entertainment, check out the schedule at The Andria Theatre, which produces ten high-quality stage shows throughout the year.
A Spirit Unlike Any Other
People who call Minnesota home already know their state is something special. These six towns show off a piece of this unique spirit, featuring giant sculptures, iconic roadside statues, and even specialty shops and museums focused on candy, antiques, and Halloween. So get ready to hit the road and venture out into some of the state’s smaller communities this coming year. Who knows what else you might find along the way?
