Minnesota’s Strangest Roadside Attraction is Just 90 Minutes Away

If you're looking for a quick summer road trip, did you know the Strangest Roadside Attraction in Minnesota is just 90 minutes away from Rochester?

The summer of 2020 is one we'll remember for a LONG time, right? Thanks to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, just every event and activity is canceled, from town festivals like Rochesterfest, to concerts and music festivals. Heck, even the Minnesota State Fair called it quits this year.

And international travel is pretty much out too. Which has, in turn, has caused many of us to stick closer to home this summer. So if you're looking for a quick road trip with the family (and, by the way, you can win a $250 gas gift card to pay for your trip-- just sign up to win on our Quick Country app.), you might want to check out the Strangest Roadside Attraction here in Minnesota. It's about 100 miles west of Rah-Rah-Rochester along I-90.

Know what it is? That's right, it's the Jolly Green Giant statue, over in Blue Earth. According to this 24/7 Wall Street survey, it's Minnesota's Strangest Roadside Attraction. Yes, pack the kids in the SUV and head west to see the statue version of the familiar character we've seen time and again on the label of Green Giant brand of vegetables.

Here's what 24/7 Wall Street had to say about it: "The 55.5-foot Jolly Green Giant statue grew out of a local radio station owner’s 'Welcome Travelers' program. As he interviewed people who passed through town, he gave them Green Giant vegetables (canned in a local factory) at the end of each show. The guests would sometimes ask, 'Where’s the Green Giant?' An idea and a monument were born," the site says.

While I appreciate the kitschiness of the Jolly Green Giant statue, I think I'd rather hit up some cool hiking trails at one of Minnesota's many state and county parks, but hey, getting a selfie with the Jolly Green Giant might be worth the trip west. What do you think?

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