MN Monthly feature: Finding the Unusual in Southeast Minnesota

In a recent feature by Marilyn Jones of Minnesota Monthly, readers are invited to explore the unexpected side of Southeast Minnesota—a region where scenic beauty and small-town character intersect with the delightfully unusual. Rather than focusing solely on well-known attractions, the article encourages travelers to venture off the main highway and discover the quirky landmarks, hidden histories, and natural wonders that define this distinctive corner of the state.

The article opens with a glimpse into the morning routine at the Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast run by innkeeper Richard Grabow in Winona. Known particularly for its Victorian charm and four-course breakfast served fresh each morning, this accommodation is just one of the many stops highlighted on this southeastern Minnesota road-trip.

Jones highlights how local museums such as Ed’s Museum in Wykoff, the Spam Museum in Austin, the Charles E. Gagnon Museum and Sculpture Garden in Rochester and the Polish Cultural Center & Museum, Watkins Heritage Museum, and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) in Winona (to name a few) add texture to a weekend getaway. Similarly, historic homes, quirky shops, and education centers such as the Hormel Historic House in Austin, the Historic Mayowood Home in Rochester, the Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast and National Eagle Center in Winona, Lark Toys in Kellogg and the International Owl Center in Houston bring a wide variety of visitors to the region. Of course each destination also relies on their unique claim to fame — in Winona, the “Stained Glass Capital of America” and to-die-for donuts at Bloedow’s Bakery.

For travelers seeking authenticity, Southeast Minnesota offers a refreshing alternative to crowded destinations. It’s a place where scenic drives lead to serendipitous finds and where the “unusual” becomes the most memorable part of the journey—perfect for a road trip built on curiosity and charm.