Minnesota is a state full of mystery. We have more than enough ghost encounters, Bigfoot sightings, and strange natural anomalies to shake a stick at. But there’s one supernatural phenomenon that doesn’t get a lot of press in the Land of 10,000 Lakes: UFO sightings. Many don’t realize that a famous sighting happened right here in Minnesota, and you can still take a drive down the road it occurred on. Read on to learn about the mysterious Minnesota road you absolutely must drive at least once.

The Val Johnson incident occurred on August 27, 1979, in the largely rural Marshall County, Minnesota.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
That night Johnson, a police officer, was patrolling on County Road 5 near the small town of Stephen.
Google Maps
At around 2 a.m., the officer spotted a strange beam of light just a few yards up the road. It sped toward him, shattered the vehicle’s windows in the process.
Markus Trienke/Flickr
The light completely enveloped the squad car, and then Johnson’s world went dark. He was unconscious for the better part of an hour.
Justin Masterson/Flickr

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When he awoke, Johnson noticed that both clocks in the vehicle had stopped for 14 minutes.
Wall Boat/Flickr
Besides the damage to the squad car, Johnson suffered some physical injuries. He had bruises and eye irritation.
Miquel Lleixà Mora/Flickr
Moreover, the terrifying experience brought suffering to both Johnson and his family. They struggled to cope with the onslaught of media attention after the incident.
Billy Wirawan/Flickr
Given the damage caused, we’re not sure it’s wise to go UFO hunting in Minnesota – or anywhere. But if you can’t resist, County Road 5 in Marshall County, Minnesota, is a good place to start.
Bill Selak/Flickr
This mysterious road played host to one of the most famous UFO incidents in the United States. What further mysteries could it hold?
Simple Simon/Flickr

Have you heard of the Val Johnson incident? Do you believe in UFOs? Share your thoughts about the sighting and the mysterious road it occurred on in the comments below.

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