7 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Minnesota

Scattered throughout the lakes and rolling prairies of Minnesota are delightful communities that never take themselves too seriously. From gnome gardens to tea kettle water towers, these hidden retreats have things you won’t see anywhere else in the United States! While their main draws may seem like kitschy roadside attractions, their welcoming communities will make you want to stay forever. Whether you want to explore a museum dedicated entirely to Spam in Austin or see a disappearing waterfall in Grand Marais, Minnesota has a few surprises up its sleeve.

Lindstrom

Considered America’s Little Sweden, Lindstrom is a small community just outside of Minneapolis. As you drive up to central Lindstrom, you can see what makes it playful: the Tea Kettle Water Tower! It stands tall over downtown, giving Lindstrom a cozy feel. There’s a myriad of European-style shops in Lindstrom worth checking out, like Deutschland Meats, and the locally famous Lindström Bakery (you have to try their Scandinavian donuts!).

While it’s easy to get lost sampling Swedish cuisine and exploring unique local markets, it also feels like a hidden island in the land of 10,000 lakes. Allemansrätt Park, which translates to right to roam, highlights the Swedish custom of the right to explore nature. It’s a naturalist's paradise, with lush hiking trails that wind along the water, and open prairies blooming with wildflowers in the summer.

Vining

Things take a turn for the weird in the remote community of Vining, located in western Minnesota. While it’s rich in natural beauty, its defining feature is of the manmade variety. Nyberg Sculpture Park is a collection of whimsical statues peppered throughout the rolling plains of Otter Tail County. You can expect anything from giant elephants to lawnmower blades, and watermelons. But its biggest attraction is the Big Foot—not the mythical creature kind. The giant 1,200-pound, 12-foot-tall iron foot greets guests as they enter the park. The park has more sculptures than Vining has residents!

The downtown area of Vining is small and quaint, with local watering holes like The Purple Palace, where you can get to know the few locals. Outside of town, Vining has a variety of amazing parks to discover, like Glendalough State Park. The park has lovely wooded trails, calm lakes, and even paved trails for bike riding.

Dawson

As the Gnome Capital of the World, the small village of Dawson takes its mystical garden creatures very seriously in all the best ways. It’s where you’ll find the curious Gnome Park, where gnome statues sometimes outnumber visitors. Each gnome has a history, dedicated to the local heroes of Dawson. Each year, during the annual Riverfest celebration, a new gnome is honored and added to the quirky collection of creations. The park has a unique, fairy tale vibe that is well worth the drive to see it.

Aside from mythical attractions, Dawson is also a fantastic place to visit for history buffs. The Dawson Bank Museum captures a unique moment in Dawson’s history. You can explore exhibits about the community's history and learn about the 1930s bank robbery that led to eight people getting locked in the bank vault. If you’re in the mood for scenic beauty, Lac qui Parle State Park is a wonderful place to go for an easy hike or watch the sunset over the lake.

Chanhassen

Up until his death in 2016, the charming community of Chanhassen was the home of the legendary singer/artist Prince. After his passing, his famous residence of Paisley Park was transformed into a fantastic museum dedicated to everything Prince. Walking the halls of Paisley Park lends insight into the former musician, and you can explore unique exhibits and memorabilia honoring his legacy. Even if you aren’t a fan of Prince, the structure is an amazing architectural feat that’s worth exploring!

There’s a reason that Prince decided to make Chanhassen his home. It’s a lovely town, with beautiful attractions like the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The gardens are worth the drive alone, fragrant and blooming with wildflowers, and are accompanied by knowledgeable naturalists eager to teach visitors about the native plants. You can also spend an afternoon relaxing at Lake Ann Park, which is equipped with a playground for the kids, shaded hiking trails, and calming water views.

Cloquet

The small community of Cloquet, nestled in eastern Minnesota, is famous for its connections to Frank Lloyd Wright, but not in the way you’d expect. It’s where you’ll find the R.W. Lindholm Service Station, the only operating gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright! It was a part of the famous architect's Broadacre City utopian plan, a failed plan to move residents from large cities that never really got off the ground. The utopian plan may have never come to fruition, but the iconic gas station is still open and operational to this day.

While the gas station offers a unique slice of American history, Cloquet has many other attractions that make it worth a visit. When visiting Cloquet, grabbing a bite to eat at Gordy's Hi-Hat is a rite of passage. It’s been operational since the 1960s and made famous by its exceptional fish sandwiches. After filling up at Gordy’s, taking a leisurely hike at Jay Cooke State Park is a great way to burn off that extra energy.

Grand Marais

As the land of 10,000 lakes, Minnesota is no stranger to amazing waterfalls. However, there’s one waterfall in the northern community of Grand Marais that’s quite peculiar. Located within the stunning Judge C. R. Magney State Park, the Devil’s Kettle is one of Minnesota’s most interesting landmarks. It features a pair of waterfalls, one of which appears to vanish into midair. The side of the waterfall that disappears enters a geological pothole and then rejoins the Brule River downstream.

The Devil’s Kettle may be Grand Marais’ main attraction, but there’s still plenty to see when visiting the area. There’s the Grand Marais Lighthouse, nestled in the heart of town, which isn’t too far from delightful shops and restaurants. After spending an afternoon admiring the view of Lake Superior from the lighthouse, you can grab a cup of coffee at the picturesque Loons Nest Coffee.

Austin

If there were ever a town that didn’t take itself too seriously, it’s Austin. Located on the southern edge of Minnesota near the Iowa border, Austin has a history with America’s most infamous “meat”: Spam! The delightfully quirky Spam Museum isn’t your average, buttoned-up museum. While it tells the tale of Spam, it also has family-friendly games, interactive exhibits, free samples, and a quirky gift shop celebrating all things Spam.

If the kitschy Spam Museum ignited your curiosity about George A. Hormel, Spam's founder, the Hormel Historic Home is part historical landmark and part history museum. Hormel's 1871 former home is a time capsule into the founder's life and the grounds are absolutely stunning. If your tour of Austin has you craving Spam, you are in luck! Many local restaurants capitalize on Austin’s meaty fame, with cafes like Kenny's Oak Grill serving up everything from Spam sandwiches to Spam fries.

Discover the Peculiar Quirks in the Lake of 10,000 Lakes

There’s something so undeniably charming about these Minnesota communities. While they are awash in the natural beauty of the North Star State, they also bring something fresh to the table. From the unusual statue gardens in Vining to a humble gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, they feel like little pockets of sunshine found in places you least expect. When you’re ready for an adventure you’ll never forget, pack a bag and explore these playfully peculiar towns in Minnesota. Everyone will always remember their first visit to the Spam Museum in Austin!