Just like everywhere else in the United States, Minnesota is home to plenty of quirky attractions. These include a giant twine ball, many whimsical water towers, and even a museum dedicated to one man’s bizarre collections. These tourist traps are some of the most well-known in the state. But there are many other weird and wacky stops to discover.

If you’ve ever traveled down Highway 65 near McGrath, Minnesota, you may have noticed the strange sight of many colorfully painted ducks by the roadside. Read on below to learn the story of these eyecatching critters, including where you can see this strange tourist trap for yourself.

Highway 65 is a 272-mile highway that runs north-south through Minnesota, from Minneapolis to Littlefork. Much of the road is surrounded by rural fields and farmland.
Google Maps
But near McGrath, Minnesota, between mile markers 101 and 102, a unique attraction has sprung up in a small pond along the roadway.
Krist Elsner/Google
It all started when a passing motorist mistook a stick coming out of the pond for a turtle. After that, her traveling partner placed a floating duck in the pond to remind her that it was just a stick.
Ken Kleppen/Google
After that, many more ducks were added to the pond. Today, dozens of ducks float in the small pond. They're now called Ditch Ducks, and they're a welcome sight along a long, unremarkable stretch of Highway 65.
Krist Elsner/Google

Related Stories

I Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Adorable Nature Center And Museum In Minnesota

I Wandered Off-The-Beaten-Path And Discovered This Adorable Nature Center And Museum In Minnesota

 Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Lesser-Known Lake In Minnesota

Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Lesser-Known Lake In Minnesota

 Best Waterfalls in Minnesota: 13 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Best Waterfalls in Minnesota: 13 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Many of these floating duck decoys are painted in bright, colorful designs. They may celebrate Minnesota culture, or simply show off creative skills.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
Duck artists may sign their names to commemorate their visit, or they may remain anonymous. There are as many different designs as there are ducks!
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
Others who are interested in leaving their mark may add their own decorated duck to the ditch. But make sure you do so safely. Highway 65 is a busy road, and it's not safe to stop next to the pond.
Lorie Shaull/Flickr
There's a small area up the road where cars can park out of the way. After that, feel free to drop in your duck and admire all of the others that came before you!
Lorie Shaull/Flickr

The Ditch Ducks of Highway 65 are definitely one of the weirdest roadside attractions in Minnesota! For more information about this tourist trap, visit the Ditch Ducks Facebook group.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
McGrath, MN 56350, USA