West to Rapid City

We kicked off our Monday morning bright and early, packing up the car after visiting family near Rochester, Minnesota. Our destination: Rapid City, South Dakota which according to GPS is an eight-plus hour drive across the heart of the Midwest. Since this was a full day on the road, we planned some fun stops along the way to break up the drive and explore some quirky Americana.

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First Stop: The SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota

April 28, 2025

Our first stop was the SPAM Museum, located in downtown Austin, Minnesota. Dedicated to the history and cultural impact of SPAM which is the world-famous canned meat made by Hormel Foods. The museum offered an entertaining and informative experience. We learned about the origins of SPAM, its role in American history, and how it became a global phenomenon. The museum was a great salute to a classic American brand! I even learned some ways to use SPAM in sandwiches and I do like sandwiches.

Spam Museum
101 3rd Avenue NE
Austin, MN 55912

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center: Honoring a Minnesota Legend

Fans of classic TV will instantly recognize Marion Ross as “Mrs. C” from Happy Days, while a younger generation may know her from Gilmore Girls. A Minnesota native, Marion Ross is honored in her hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota, with a beautifully crafted statue right outside the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center.

We made a short detour off Interstate 90 to visit this charming spot. It was well worth the stop despite some rain as we took a few selfies on the bench next to the statue of Mrs. C.

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center
147 N Broadway Ave
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Jolly Green Giant Statue: A Classic Roadside Attraction in Blue Earth, MN

If you grew up hearing the iconic jingle “Ho, ho, ho, Green Giant”, then you’ll appreciate why it was stuck in my head all the way from the SPAM Museum to our next stop: the legendary Jolly Green Giant Statue in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

Located right off Interstate 90, this towering figure is impossible to miss. Standing at an impressive 55 feet tall, the Jolly Green Giant has been welcoming road-trippers and nostalgic visitors since 1978, no matter the weather.

Don’t miss the newly opened Jolly Green Giant Museum, filled with memorabilia and history celebrating the beloved vegetable brand. Also be sure to say hello to Little Sprout, the Giant’s sidekick who might not be quite as tall.

Jolly Green Giant Statue and Museum
1134 Green Giant Ln
Blue Earth, MN 56013

World's Only Corn Palace: A Quirky South Dakota Landmark

After crossing the Minnesota border into South Dakota, we headed to one of the most unique roadside attractions in America - the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.

This iconic landmark is a celebration of agricultural art and small-town charm that wraps around an arena. The exterior of the Corn Palace is decorated with massive murals made entirely from multi-colored ears of corn, grains, and native grasses. Up close, it’s easy to forget the artwork is actually made of corn. It’s that intricate and impressive!

World's Only Corn Palace
604 N Main St
Mitchell, SD 57301