Little, commonplace aspects about Minnesota have a way of lingering in your memory and causing sudden homesickness after you’ve left. When you’re far from the Land of 10,000 Lakes, these ten unexpectedly tiny aspects of Minnesota living can make you feel sad:
1. Stillwater’s Teddy Bear Park
Particularly for families with children, the sight of the enormous teddy bear sculpture and the imaginative playground in Stillwater is a distinctively Minnesota experience.
2. Henderson’s Prince Tributes
These small-town tributes to Minnesota’s music icon, such as the Purple Rain Route painting and the Prince statue, are unmatched anywhere.
3. Little Falls Fishing Museum Artifacts
The 10,000+ oddball objects, including old tackle, bobbers, and lures, that are on display at the Minnesota Fishing Museum reflect the state’s intense passion for fishing and lake life.
4. Historic Downtowns with Murals
Hand-painted murals that portray local history and pride in the community may be found in towns like Little Falls and Northfield, bringing color and personality to everyday life.
5. The Biggest Otter in the World at Fergus Falls
One such deliciously strange icon that Minnesotans grow up with and miss while they’re gone is the enormous roadside sculpture known as Otto the Otter.
6. The whimsical metal art of Nyberg Sculpture Park
In Vining, a small hamlet is transformed into an outdoor art exhibition with whimsical and weird scrap-metal sculptures, such as an insect climbing pliers.
7. Mantorville River Parks and Handcrafted Chocolates
It’s difficult to duplicate the small-town custom of getting chocolates and ice cream before taking a walk at Mantorville’s riverside park.
8. Historic Bridges with Covers
One of those subtly lovely elements that sticks in your mind is the red-covered bridge in Mantorville, which is reminiscent of movie sequences.
9. Lanesboro’s Amish Stores and Local Ice Cream
In Lanesboro, browsing handcrafted Amish items and visiting small-town ice cream shops is a delightfully Minnesota experience.
10. Owatonna’s Seasonal County Fairs and Local Sweets
These local customs and pleasures, such as the Steele County Free Fair and neighborhood confectioneries like Costa’s Candies, strongly convey a feeling of place.
What makes Minnesota seem like home are the little, frequently disregarded things—quirky artwork, regional folklore, homemade confections, and communal customs—that you will miss the most when you depart.
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