We Bet You Didn’t Know These Rural Minnesota Destinations Even Existed

There are so many wonderful places to visit in the Land of 10,000 Lakes - state parks and trails, museums, charming small towns, and cities - that I'm sure you know all about. So, today I thought we'd take a look at a few off-the-beaten-path Minnesota destinations that don't receive the same amount of attention (or number of visitors) as some of the state's more popular spots. In fact, you may not have been aware that these sites existed - until now!

1. Grain Bin Sculptures - Foley

Along Minnesota Hwy. 23, on the western outskirts of Foley, in Benton County, you might notice what, at first glance, appears to be a junkyard.

But if you look a little closer, you'll see that there's a bit more to these scraps and detritus.

Something... whimsical, even.

These are the Grain Bin Sculptures. A collection of art made from - very large, in some cases - found objects.

A visit will certainly put a smile on your face and brighten any road trip. Look for them near the intersection of Highways 23 and 25.

2. Akeley Paul Bunyan Historical Museum - Akeley

Akeley is a charming small town (population around 400) in Minnesota's Heartland Lakes Region. Did you know it's also home to a Paul Bunyan Museum?

Much of the museum is dedicated to the history of Akeley, itself.

But you'll also find plenty of interesting tidbits, artifacts, and memorabilia that deal with the big man, himself.

Speaking of the big man, you might also notice the world's largest Paul Bunyan statue kneeling just outside the museum.

3. Karst Interpretive Site - Harmony

If you've ever wanted an up-close and personal look at a sinkhole, this is your chance!

Begin by stopping into the Harmony Visitor and History Center and exploring its Karst Exhibit. Then you can head out into the field and see an example for yourself.

The Karst Interpretive Site is just outside of town along the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail. You'll have to walk or bike a little ways to get there. It's about one-third of a mile north of the trail's intersection with 4th St. N.W.

Interpretive signage from the Minnesota DNR expands on the information you will have already learned about karst topography and describes the formation of the sinkhole.

And you get to walk down to a platform suspended over the sinkhole, itself, and peer into the depths.Explore more of the area with a visit to nearby Fountain - the "Sink Hole Capital of the U.S.A." Make a weekend of it with a stay at this sweet vacation rental located right in Harmony.

I hope at least one of these spots was new to you! Have you visited any of these sites? What are some other awesome lesser-known destinations in Minnesota that we should know about?