Take This Quirky Road Trip To Visit Minnesota’s Most Unique Roadside Attractions
Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have more than a few things to keep us occupied in every season of the year. Dozens of state parks, countless nature areas – and of course the 10,000 lakes from which we got our nickname – all add up to create the backbone of our beautiful state. But sometimes? It’s good to get out and see the manmade beauty that Minnesota has to offer.
This road trip to some of Minnesota’s most unique roadside attractions is a tour of Minnesota’s quirky side, full of zany artwork and tributes to Paul Bunyan. While it would be impossible to plan a single trip to see every single roadside attraction in Minnesota, this trip should serve as a good starting point. With 9 cities and 10 stops, it’ll take you to some of our most famous – and lesser-known – roadside wonders. See if you agree that this is one of the best road trips in Minnesota!
Since this loop across central and western Minnesota is just over 400 miles long, it would probably be better to take it over a weekend. But that just means you have more time to enjoy the towns that maintain these attractions as their claims to fame.
Starting off in the small town of Belgrade, you'll find a massive crow watching over the area. The statue rises over 40 feet from the base to the top of its head. You'll find it along Highway 71 south of Highway 55. Bonus: if it's morning when you arrive in town, you could start your day with a donut from the Belgrade Bakery. Looking for a place to stay while you're in the area? Check out this beautiful Airbnb!
Continuing northwest from Belgrade, you'll arrive in Alexandria in about an hour. Being one of the larger towns on this route, there are a few notable roadside attractions in Alexandria. A stop at Big Ole is a must. This 28-foot-tall Viking statue is a the center point of Big Ole Central Park. If you're lucky, the farmer's market will be going on while you stop. It's a great place to load up on fresh veggies for the rest of your trip. Did you know that Alexandria has been named one of the coolest cities in Minnesota.?
Of course, the real runestone is at the Runestone Museum not too far away. To make a day of Alexandria, it wouldn't hurt to pop in to see the real thing - after your photo op at the bigger replica, of course. Here, you'll learn about Minnesota's greatest mystery: is the stone real, or is it a fake?
Runestone Museum Foundation, 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA
Every small town has to have a big something to draw in curious visitors. In Fergus Falls, that thing is Otto the Otter. He's been sitting in Adams Park since 1972, after he was built by a group of high school students. At 40 feet long, he's the biggest otter in the world.
The big pelican that stands alongside the Mill Pond dam in Pelican Rapids is quite a sight to see. It's not the tallest statue on this list - about 15 feet tall - but it does have quite an impact against the rush of water falling through the dam. This is a popular fishing spot in town, but we think it would also be a great stop for a picnic. While you're in town, be sure to check out the beautiful Maplewood State Park.
Other states have Muffler Men. Minnesota has giant birds. And this bird may be the most Minnesotan of them all. Just 15 miles from Pelican Rapids, the World's Largest Loon stands guard over tiny Vergas, Minnesota. The loon is 20 feet tall and draws crowds who want to see the state bird without hearing its call. Also worth stopping for in Vergas are many local shops.
We couldn't do a list of Minnesota roadside attractions without including at least one Paul Bunyan stop, could we? This giant Paul Bunyan statue in Akeleymight just be the best photo op of the whole trip. This Bunyan is kind enough to kneel so that visitors can take a seat in the palm of his hand. And people have been doing just that since the statue was opened in 1985.
From Akeley to Brainerd is a longer drive - about 70 miles - but you'll have plenty to discuss at this point. Why? Because two of the most famous Paul Bunyan attractions are yet to come. When you finally arrive in Brainerd, one thing you must do is stop off at the big blue ox. This thing has become a Brainerd landmark and a classic photo op for all Minnesota road trippers and Bunyan lovers. Looking for a place to stay while you're making your way along one of the best road trips in Minnesota? Check out this gorgeous lakefront cabin in Brainerd.
The second Brainerd attraction is a little more involved, but it's worth it. The kitschy Paul Bunyan Land is a classic northern Minnesota destination for decades. Generations of Minnesotan children have wondered just how Paul knew their name. What better way to continue that tradition than to make a stop? It's a great, nostalgic way to end your road trip - and who could resist meeting a talking Paul Bunyan? Meet him at 17553 MN-18 in Brainerd. For more information, head on over to the Paul Bunyan Land website.
Another long drive between Brainerd and Milaca will take you through a pretty section of Minnesota along the shores of Mille Lacs Lake. The trip ends with another quirky stop, this time at Minnesota's other state bird. The large metal sculpture outside of the Hairy Mosquito Trading Company in Milaca beckons you from the roadside to check out what's in store inside. Here, you'll find antiques, souvenirs, and even an ice cream shop. After all that driving, it's the perfect place to stretch your legs. You'll find it on 169 just north of Milaca. Learn more about the weird and wonderful Hairy Mosquito Trading Company.
Hairy Mosquito Trading Company, 21287 US-169, Milaca, MN 56353, USA
We know there are lots more roadside attractions in Minnesota. What are your favorites? Does your hometown have a unique attraction? Let us know in the comments! We hope you’ve enjoyed what we consider to be one of the best road trips in Minnesota. If you love checking out Minnesota’s off-the-beaten-track places, you might like this road trip through Minnesota’s most picturesque small towns.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best road trips in Minnesota
September 16, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other fun road trips in Minnesota?
Minnesota is quite a large state, and one of the best ways to experience all that it has to offer is by driving through it. Whether you're seeking gorgeous scenery, quirky roadside attractions, bustling small towns, or delicious eats, there's likely a road trip catered to your specific interests. Are you someone who's fascinated by abandoned places? If so, you're in luck! We've compiled an itinerary that will showcase the most chilling, desolate buildings that have been left for ruin. Along the way, you'll see an abandoned bank in Hadley, an abandoned store in Northfield, Mill Ruins Park, Banning State Park, and the old Tanner Hospital. This abandoned places road trip isn't for the faint of heart! Looking for something a bit more nature-oriented? Check out our natural wonders road trip in Minnesota, which will take you to beautiful destinations such as Blue Mounds State Park, Minnehaha Falls, Interstate Park, Jay Cooke State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Eagle Mountain, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and Grand Portage State Park. For more inspiration, check out our full list of the best road trips in Minnesota.
What are the best day trips I can take in Minnesota?
Day trips are a wonderful way to explore all that the Land Of 10,000 Lakes has to offer. Whether you're looking for a hidden gem restaurant or a breathtaking natural setting, you'll find that Minnesota has no shortage of remarkable day trips to enjoy. Some of our top recommendations would be the Hegman Lake Pictographs, Rapidan Dam Store, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden, Father Hennepin State Park, and Black Beach. Learn more about these incredible day trip destinations in Minnesota.
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Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
