Molly Monk's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Blue Earth, Minnesota

Jolly Green Giant Statue

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

John Wayne's Birthplace

This simple home was the beginning of a long journey for the iconic Western film star.
Des Moines, Iowa

West End Architectural Salvage

Piled high inside this warehouse and coffee shop are salvaged goods that span every corner of the globe.
Des Moines, Iowa

World Food Prize Hall of Laureates

The headquarters of the prestigious World Food Prize celebrates the heroes in the fight against hunger, has no cafeteria.
Des Moines, Iowa

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

This zombie-themed restaurant stands out in the heart of corn country.
Ames, Iowa

Grant Wood Murals

The “American Gothic" artist's largest works hang in an Iowa State University library.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Spoonbridge and Cherry

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

Mary Tyler Moore Statue

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

The Stone Arch Bridge

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

Hahn/Cock

One of two giant blue cockerel statues erected with an intentional double meaning.
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Seventh Street Improvement Arches

This double-arched masonry highway bridge is the only structure of its kind in Minnesota.
Saint Paul, Minnesota

'Miracle on Ice' Statue

This statue of Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks immortalizes one of the greatest moments in American sports history.
Bloomington, Minnesota

The Mall of America

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

Corn Water Tower

This water tower has been a staple of the Rochester skyline since 1931.
Harmony, Minnesota

Niagara Cave

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

Fenelon Place Elevator

For just a few bucks, this Iowa funicular will let you feel like an 1800s fat cat.
What Cheer, Iowa

What Cheer

No one knows the origin of this small town’s unique name.
Walcott, Iowa

Iowa 80 Truck Stop

The world’s largest truck stop includes a barber shop, chiropractor, and a huge museum with antique trucks.
Brandon, Iowa

Iowa's Largest Frying Pan

The Iowa state contender for largest pan in the world oddly only comes in second or so.
Anamosa, Iowa

Stone City

Remnants of a quarry company town still stand on the banks of the Wapsipinicon River.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Cedar Rapids Municipal Island

One of just a few cities in the world to base their center of government on an island. Others: Paris and Osaka.