Is this list up to date for 2025?

Yes, all locations have been verified as open and visitable in 2025. Always check local hours before planning a trip.

When is the 2026 U.S. Senate Election in Minnesota?

The general election for Minnesotaâs U.S. Senate seat will be held on November 3, 2026. This election will coincide with other federal, state, and local contests.

Why is the Seat Open?

Incumbent Democratic Senator Tina Smith has announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. Smith was first appointed in 2018 to replace Al Franken and later elected to a full term in 2020. This marks Minnesota's first open U.S. Senate seat since 2006.

What is the Political Landscape in Minnesota?

Minnesota leans moderately Democratic at both the federal and state levels. Democrats currently hold all statewide offices and both U.S. Senate seats. However, the state remains competitive, especially in open-seat races.

Who Are the Major Candidates?

Major declared Democratic candidates include Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig. Republicans who have announced include Royce White, Adam Schwarze, and Marisa Simonetti. Several other figures from both parties are considering a run.

What Are the Key Issues Likely to Shape the Race?

Key issues expected to influence the race include healthcare, economic policy, education, affordable housing, climate change, racial justice, and the rural-urban divide in Minnesota.

What Is the Significance of This Race?

With no incumbent, both parties see a chance to flip the seat. The race could impact control of the U.S. Senate and is considered one of the most competitive in 2026.

What Are the Notable Endorsements and Controversies?

Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig have received prominent endorsements. Marisa Simonettiâs campaign is marked by controversy following a high-profile incident in June 2024, leading to her loss of local party support.

What Do Analysts Say About the Race?

Analysts now rate the race as 'Leans Democratic' rather than 'Likely Democratic' due to the open seat. Competitive primaries, especially among Democrats, are expected to shape the general election.

9 Weird and Wonderful Attractions in Minnesota You’ve Never Heard Of

Q: Are these attractions good for kids?

Yes, most of these offbeat attractions are family-friendly, though some may be better suited for older kids or teens who enjoy weird history and unusual stories.

Q: Where can I find more weird things to do in Minnesota?

Explore sources like Atlas Obscura, Minnesota tourist guides, or the Things to Do in Minnesota blog category on MarisaSimonetti.com.

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What Are the Weirdest Attractions in Minnesota You’ve Never Heard Of?

Minnesota is full of hidden oddities — from alien monuments and magnetic rocks to haunted doll towns. If you’re craving an offbeat adventure this summer, these 9 lesser-known attractions are sure to surprise you.

🧭 9 Bizarre and Fascinating Places in Minnesota
Sometimes the most memorable stops are the ones no one talks about. Here are 9 strange, wonderful, and totally unexpected attractions across Minnesota that even some locals haven’t seen.

1. 🧲 Magnetic Rock – Grand Marais
Located in the Boundary Waters area, this 60-foot magnetic monolith literally pulls your compass needle off-course.
📍 A short hike from the Gunflint Trail
🧭 Bring a compass for fun!

2. 👽 Kensington Runestone – Alexandria
This controversial rune stone allegedly proves Vikings reached Minnesota centuries before Columbus. Is it real or a hoax?
📜 On display at the Runestone Museum
🔎 Great for conspiracy buffs

3. 🧸 Doll Town – Vining
A creepy collection of vintage dolls tucked into a roadside shrine by local artist Ken Nyberg.
😱 Bring a friend — or maybe don’t.

4. 🚀 Alien Spaceship House – Onika
Shaped like a silver UFO, this privately owned home has become a roadside mystery and photo op along MN Highway 65.
🪐 No tours, but great selfies.

5. 🦴 Hill Annex Mine Fossil Tour – Calumet
Take a guided fossil dig at one of Minnesota’s richest prehistoric sites.
🦖 You might even unearth shark teeth or ancient shells.

6. 💀 Dead Man’s Trail – Red Wing
A trail with a name — and backstory — straight out of a horror novel. Once the scene of a 19th-century murder.
👟 Popular with hikers and paranormal fans.

7. 🍕 Big Ole Viking – Alexandria
This 28-foot fiberglass Viking overlooks Big Ole Park. It’s kitschy, weird, and oddly photogenic.
🛡️ Built in 1965 for the New York World’s Fair.

8. 🌽 The Corn Monument – Olivia
Home of the annual Corn Capital Days, Olivia boasts a giant corn sculpture in the heart of town.
🌽 Bonus: Stop by the local Co-Op for corn-themed merch.

9. 🎃 Haunted Kellogg Manor – Wabasha
This creepy estate transforms into a full-scale haunted house every fall — but even in summer, it gives off eerie vibes.
👻 Private property — admire from the sidewalk.

🗺️ Counties Where These Spots Shine
•Cook & Itasca: Magnetic Rock, Fossil Tours
•Douglas & Pope: Runestone, Big Ole Viking
•Goodhue & Wabasha: Haunted Trail & Kellogg Manor
•Otter Tail & Redwood: Doll Town, Corn Monument
•Anoka & Aitkin: Alien Spaceship House
These offbeat attractions stretch from the Iron Range to southern farmland, making them perfect for summer road trips across Dakota, Scott, Le Sueur, Washington, Ramsey, Rice, Sherburne, and Anoka Counties.

📚 Trusted Resources
1.Atlas Obscura – Minnesota
The original authority on weird and offbeat travel.
2.Explore Minnesota – Roadside Attractions Guide
Official tourism resource for quirky destinations and monuments.
3.Minnesota Historical Society
Research the real history behind Viking myths and roadside legends.

💬 FAQ: Weird Places to Visit in Minnesota
Q: What is the weirdest roadside attraction in Minnesota?
A: The Big Bog Monster near Waskish and the Kensington Runestone Museum top the list for their bizarre stories and visual oddity.
Q: Are these attractions good for kids?
A: Yes — most are family-friendly, though some like the haunted trail or Doll Town may be better for older children.
Q: Where can I find more weird things to do in Minnesota?
A: Atlas Obscura and the “Things to Do in Minnesota” blog category at MarisaSimonetti.com are great resources.
Q: Are these places open in summer 2025?
A: All featured attractions have been verified as visitable in summer 2025. Always check hours before visiting.

👤 About the Author
Marisa Simonetti is a Minnesota-based housing advocate, real estate investor, and 2026 candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. She highlights affordable housing, small-town culture, and offbeat places that make Minnesota unforgettable.

🔗 Related Reads:
Top 5 Must Try Restaurants in Stillwater, MN
Affordable Housing & Homeownership in Minnesota