America the Strange – Minnesota’s Strangest Attractions

Minnesota is another one of those American states that likes their attractions BIG. Much like its neighbours, the Dakotas, Minnesota boasts some truly weird and wacky things to see, with many of them positioned right on the side of the road. So come along as we continue our journey through America’s Midwest and uncover the strangest Minnesota has to offer.

1. World’s Largest Booming Prairie Chicken: Rothsay, Minnesota

Weighing in at a whopping 9000 pounds, this chicken would likely set you back a hefty sum if you were to purchase it from your local butcher. Instead, why not pay a visit to the 13-foot replica, which even on its better days looks positively alien? If you stand at the right angle below it, it makes for a great gag photo.

2. World’s Largest Twine Ball: Darwin, Minnesota

Twenty-nine years in the making, the world’s largest twine ball (rolled by one man) has put the small town of Darwin, Minnesota, on the map. Coming in at an impressive 9 tonnes and measuring 12 feet wide, the ball has faced some tough competition but has stayed strong (or string rather) and maintained its title and its keen local admirers.

3. Big Otter: Fergus Falls, Minnesota

The Big Otter was reportedly built by a group of high schoolers, which would explain its highly original name of Otto. Reaching 150 feet into the sky and 40 feet along land, Otto would have no chance in a fight of size against other animal statues in the Northern Plains, but really, he couldn’t give a damn.

4. Big Ole Viking Statue: Alexandria, Minnesota

The Viking’s costume does not leave much to the imagination, so let’s just say it’s lucky that it’s only made of fibreglass. Although he is almost 5 times the size of an actual Viking, Big Ole is living out his middle age in style and has conquered the southern shores of Lake Agnes.

5. Jolly Green Giant: Blue Earth, Minnesota

The weird and wonderful things Blue Earth offers really should give just cause for a name change to Middle Earth. The Jolly Green Giant dwarfs all other “big things” in Minnesota, standing at an astonishing 55 feet tall, making this one statue you can’t miss, even if you wanted to.

6. Ed’s Museum: Wykoff, Minnesota

While some people wouldn’t be interested in the lifetime hoardings of one small-town man, others seem to think it’s a treasure hard come by and not to be missed.

Ed’s Museum is essentially a bunch of crap that has been neatly assembled on display shelves, in boxes and throughout closed drawers. With decades of junk mail, old Hollywood pin-ups and a 1937 Lollipop Tree on display, who wouldn’t want to take a look?

7. Paul Bunyan Statues: Bemidji, Minnesota

The postcard-perfect statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe are probably the only reason tourists would trek to the small town of Bemidji. Well, this, along with “Fireplace of States”, which includes stones from every American state and province of Canada, except for one, which nobody actually remembers.