Roadside Attractions in the Twin Cities

Boots, Bears and Snowmen in Southern Minnesota

Spoon and Cherry – Minneapolis

We won’t have to spoon-feed you this attraction. Found in Minneapolis – the most populous city in Minnesota – and the nestled in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the World’s Largest Spoon and Cherry. Officially called the “Spoonbridge and Cherry,” the structure was constructed in the mid 80s out of aluminum, stainless steel and paint by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Spoonbridge and Cherry sits amongst more than 40 other impressive structures, creating the entrance to the Walker Art Center. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is less than two miles from the Best Western hotel in Minneapolis – and not far from lodging in St. Paul, Plymouth and Eden Prairie.

Adirondack Chair – St. Paul

The Capital City of Minnesota is St. Paul, a member of the Twin Cities and home the big green Adirondack Chair. Have a seat in this giant deck chair in south St. Paul, and get a good view of Capital City landmarks like the High Bridge and surrounding landscapes. Feel like relaxing some more? Your new green friend sits less than five miles from the Best Western hotel in St. Paul on Bandana Boulevard, and less than two miles from the Best Western on Saint Anthony Avenue. More lodging can be found in Cannon Falls, Chaska, Eagan, Monticello, Oakdale, and Shakopee. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your time in Capital City.

Corn Ear – Rochester

What’s that in the sky? It looks so golden and tasty, like corn. Oh, it is corn. The southern Minnesota city of Rochester is home to the large Ear of Corn – an icon of the city and yet another stopping point while traveling through the North Star State. The Ear of Corn acts as a water tower – creating a quirky steeple poking up through southern Rochester. Towering above the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 14 and U.S. Highway 63 – the Ear of Corn is one miles from the Best Western hotel in Rochester, where you’ll have one of the best view in town.

Lutefisk – Madison

Set in southwest Minnesota, the town of Madison has been dubbed the Lutefisk Capital of the World. Madison commemorates this honor by hosting the World’s Largest Lutefisk – set at the southeast corner of U.S. Highway 75 and Fair Street in J.F. Jacobson Park. Go meet Lou T. Fisk, and codfish stretching to 30 feet in length created in the early 80s out of fiberglass and acrylics – acting as Madison’s mascot. Take a break from Highway 75 or Highway 40 and go meet Lou – sitting 100 miles west of Hutchinson.

Snowman – North St. Paul

Not that you need any cheering up during your trip through Minnesota, but travelers along Highway 36 in North St. Paul are in for a delight. Meet the World's Largest Snowman cheerily standing adjacent to the Margaret Street Bridge. Topping off at 44 feet, and weighing in at 20 tons, this enormous stucco snowman has graced the town of North St. Paul since 1974. Complete with red scarf, top hat and giant smile – the Snowman is a great accompaniment to the holiday season, and an offbeat friend of the city throughout the warmer month. The World's Largest Snowman sits 9 miles from the Best Western hotel in White Bear Lake, and 10 miles from the Best Western hotel in St. Louis on Saint Anthony Avenue.

Boot – Red Wing

Sitting proudly in the Red Wing Shoe Museum is the World’s Largest Boot – size 638-D in case you’re wondering. Weighing over a ton and constructed in 2005, the Boot is found in the city of Red Wing, just south of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Pick up your own pair of Red Wing boots at the gift shop, or check out the rest of Red Wing Shoe Museum. The museum is found less than two miles from the Best Western hotel in Red Wing, so don’t miss footwear claimed to be too big for even the Statue of Liberty – not that she’s a boot kind of gal anyway.

Polar Bear – White Bear Lake

Sitting just northwest of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the city of White Bear Lake has a white bear of its own. Greeting customers to the Polar Chevrolet Mazda dealership is the World's Largest Polar Bear, once adorned in some nifty American flag shorts. Sitting at 35 feet, this fiberglass and steel friend of the city was constructed in 1964 by Gordon Shumaker – the same artist behind Big Ole, the giant Viking in Alexandria. Polar Chevrolet Mazda and the World's Largest Polar Bear are just two miles from the Best Western hotel in White Bear Lake. Let things cool down no matter what time of year with this Minnesota attraction.

Revolver – Mankato

Stick ‘em up! Actually, keep your hands on the wheel for this road trip past the World’s Biggest Revolver in Mankato. This large six-shooter – actually a Colt Peacemaker replica – measures in at eight feet long and weighs 175 pounds. Created in the late 1940's out of steel and wood grips, this unique roadside attraction is fitting for all you cowboys out there, and pretty much everybody else. Whether you’ve got a cowboy hat in the car, or can pull off a mean Eastwood look, don’t miss this rare photo opportunity. Pull over from U.S. Route 14, U.S. Route 169, Minnesota State Highway 22 or Minnesota State Highway 60 for rootin’ tootin’ good time, or a stay at the Best Western hotel in Mankato.

Featured Minnesota's Roadside Attractions:

Northern North Star State: Northern Minnesota Roadside Attractions

Central North Star State: Central Minnesota Roadside Attractions

Southern North Star State: Southern Minnesota Roadside Attractions

Best Western Hotels Near Southern Minnesota's Roadside Attractions:

Cannon Falls Hotels

1

BEST WESTERN Saratoga Inn

31591 64th Avenue, Cannon Falls MN 55009-4296
Phone: (507) 263-7272  |  Fax: (507) 263-3523  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Indoor pool, heated

Chaska Hotels

2

BEST WESTERN PLUS Chaska River Inn & Suites

1 River Bend Place, Chaska MN 55318-3302
Phone: 952-448-7877  |  Fax: 952-448-7877  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast

Heated pool

Exercise gym

Hot tub - Whirlpool

Eagan Hotels

3

BEST WESTERN PLUS Dakota Ridge

3450 Washington Drive, Eagan MN 55122-3003
Phone: (651) 452-0100  |  Fax: (651) 452-5632  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast, featuring malted Belgian waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum. A refundable cleaning & damage deposit of $50 is required upon check-in. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise facility, 24 hour, treadmill, eliptical runner, stationary bike, cable weights, stretching mats, exercise ball.

Free airport shuttle

Eden Prairie Hotels

4

BEST WESTERN Eden Prairie Inn

11500 W 78th Street, Eden Prairie MN 55344-3601
Phone: (952) 829-0888  |  Fax: (952) 829-0888  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Free Continental Breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Fitness Center

Indoor Pool and Hot Tub

Hutchinson Hotels

5

BEST WESTERN Victorian Inn

1000 Highway 7 W, Hutchinson MN 55350-1514
Phone: (320) 587-6030  |  Fax: (320) 587-6030  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary breakfast

Eagles #4441, on premises, Bar/Lounge, American, Open for: dinner, Restaurant hours Monday thru Friday 4:00pm - 10:00pm. Saturday 11:00am - 10:00pm. Lounge hours Monday thru Friday 3:00pm - 11:00pm, Saturday 11:00am - 11:00pm

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Indoor pool

Mankato Hotels

6

BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel & Restaurant

1111 Range Street, Mankato MN 56003-2214
Phone: (507) 625-9333  |  Fax: (507) 386-4592  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast daily, hot waffles, scrambled eggs & sausage

Best Webster's, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, Family restaurant and coffee shop, open 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Hot tub, whirlpool

Minneapolis Hotels

7

BEST WESTERN PLUS The Normandy Inn & Suites

405 S 8th Street, Minneapolis MN 55404-1026
Phone: (612) 370-1400  |  Fax: (612) 370-0351  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Fine dining on premises The Normandy Kitchen

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Exercise facility 24 hour

Indoor pool, heated

Monticello Hotels

8

BEST WESTERN Chelsea Inn & Suites

89 Chelsea Road, Monticello MN 55362-8912
Phone: (763) 271-8880  |  Fax: (763) 271-3050  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise facility, 24 hour

Indoor pool

Oakdale Hotels

9

BEST WESTERN Regency Plaza Hotel - St. Paul East

970 Helena Avenue N, Oakdale MN 55128-5388
Phone: (651) 578-8466  |  Fax: (651) 578-0763  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Plymouth Hotels

10

BEST WESTERN PLUS Kelly Inn

2705 Annapolis Ln N, Plymouth MN 55441-3605
Phone: (763) 553-1600  |  Fax: (763) 553-9108  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast

Green Mill Restaurant, on premises, Bar/Lounge

Pets may be accepted. Please contact the hotel directly for full details.

Exercise gym

Indoor pool

Red Wing Hotels

11

BEST WESTERN Rivertown Inn & Suites

752 Withers Harbor Drive, Red Wing MN 55066-2089
Phone: (651) 388-1577  |  Fax: (651) 388-1150  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast

Outdoor pool

Exercise facility 24 Hour

Indoor pool

Rochester Hotels

12

BEST WESTERN PLUS Soldiers Field Tower & Suites

401 6th Street SW, Rochester MN 55902-3223
Phone: (507) 288-2677  |  Fax: (507) 282-2042  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

Twigs Tavern and Grille, on premises, Full Service, American, Open for: lunch, dinner, Featuring midwestern food with a contemporary flair.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Kiddie pool and play area

Saint Paul Hotels

13

BEST WESTERN PLUS Kelly Inn

161 Saint Anthony Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55103-2382
Phone: (651) 227-8711  |  Fax: (651) 227-1698  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Sweetwater Bar and Grill, on premises, Full Service, American, Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Pets allowed, Properly trained pets allowed.

Children's wading pool

Spa

14

BEST WESTERN Bandana Square

1010 Bandana Boulevard W, Saint Paul MN 55108-5107
Phone: 651-647-1637  |  Fax: 651-647-1637  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary continental breakfast, includes homemade waffles, oatmeal, cold cereal, eggs, donuts, English muffins, toast, yogurt, milk, juice, coffee

Heated pool

The Waiting Room, on premises, bar/lounge, American, open for: dinner, Great place to grab a small burger and a few drinks. Why brave the cold when you can walk down to the lobby have a few drinks, watch a good game and enjoy all the hotel has to offer. Open daily from 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with an 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion.

Exercise gym

Hot tub, eight people whirlpool

Shakopee Hotels

15

BEST WESTERN PLUS Shakopee Inn

511 S Marschall Road, Shakopee MN 55379-2612
Phone: (952) 445-9779  |  Fax: (952) 445-9725  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary full breakfast, all you can eat hot breakfast bar

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $20 per day with a $100 per week maximum. A refundable cleaning & damage deposit of $50 is required upon check-in. If damage occurs or excessive cleaning is needed, the deposit can become non-refundable and the hotel may charge additionally to cover the costs of repair/cleaning.

Exercise gym

Indoor pool heated saline pool environment for soft water experience

White Bear Lake Hotels

16

BEST WESTERN PLUS White Bear Country Inn

4940 State Highway 61, White Bear Lake MN 55110-2600
Phone: (651) 429-5393  |  Fax: (651) 429-6342  |  View Hotel Details  |  Reservations

Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast poolside, a variety of donuts, muffins, bagels, make your own hot waffles, cereal

Fine dining on premises. Award winning Rudy's Redeye Grill, Full Service, American, Open for: lunch, dinner, Open Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Sunday Brunch 10:00 a.m., open until to 12:00 Midnight

Pets allowed based on the availability of pet friendly rooms. Up to 2 dogs per room with a 80 pound weight limit. Additional pet types (cats, birds, etc) may be accepted at the hotel's discretion. Pet rate is $10.00 per day with a $100 per week maximum.

Exercise gym

Indoor pool, heated, salt water