Places ashleymlawrence Wants to Go

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

This French Canadian classic is a specialty of the oldest continually used church in Minneapolis.

These crudely shaped folk giants may be the the second most photographed statues in the U.S.

The basement bowling alley of this St. Paul dive bar is decorated with thousands of dollar bills.

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

The Real LegoLand.

A bronze statue on a downtown corner honors Minneapolis's favorite career gal.

17,400 lbs., 12 feet in diameter, and 29 years in the making.

A 115-year-old restored German dining hall awaits those who venture beneath the Minnesota State Capitol.

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

This secret gem of a toy store houses a rideable carousel populated with fantasy animals.

The dishes at this restaurant by The Sioux Chef celebrate indigenous heritage.

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.

This bright yellow building is packed with sweet treats from all around the world, from chocolate-covered crickets to whoopie pies.

This massive roadside mascot was the first version of the giant to illustrate his butt.

Ever wanted to can Spam?

A toweringly silly piece of modern art has been delighting locals since the 1980s.

When waves crash onto this section of beach, the rocks sing a song.

The famed architect designed this Minnesota gas station of the future with a lookout tower.

Half of a waterfall goes into the river while the other half seems to disappear.

This large midwestern cavern features impressive rock formations and an underground waterfall.