Where you can photograph wild black bears without worrying about becoming dinner.

Dakota legend claims this locally iconic pinnacle was once part of a sacred burial site that was cleaved in two.

This rare vessel mixed luxury with labor before being converted to a museum and sometimes haunted maze.

Thousands of majestic trumpeter swans fill this park, sounding distinctly like a certain brass instrument.

A haunting army of decomposing, moss-covered stuffed animals and dolls guard this swinging truss.

The watery grave of an impractical idea.

A stone face watches over the river.

A futuristic climate change study is nestled deep within this public land.

Come for the giant taxidermy lion, stay for the knick knacks at this Minneapolis curiosity shop.

For over a century, it was a crucial center of mental health treatment and also the source of many local legends.

A warehouse for all of your architectural details.

A spooky defunct railroad tunnel now part of a sprawling trail.

A riverside park built around the ruins of a massive dam that collapsed in 1909.

This picturesque cliffside beacon no longer calls to sailors but shines once a year in honor of a famous shipwreck.

This replica of an 8th century burial ship actually sailed to Norway before returning home to Minnesota.

A mapping error in the 19th century made loggers think this section of the forest was underwater.

Secret hideaway for an alternative beach experience.

The only arched bridge made of stone on the entire Mississippi River.

At this Minnesota state park you can easily wade across the source of the mighty Mississippi.

Equal parts record-breaking temple to consumerism and bizarre fun park, it's more than you think it is...

When flour explodes, it's not a pretty sight.

The Midwest's reigning king of surplus stores is full of nothing you need and everything you want.

Admire the art and then buy a raccoon skull cleaned by flesh-eating beetles.

Home to the Amorphophallus titanum "Corpse Flower," which is among the largest flowers in the world and also smells powerfully of rotting flesh when in bloom.