Best Roadside Attractions Near Minnesota
Monuments tell a story about our state and the people who live here.
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Monuments tell a story about our state and the people who live here.
A 59-year-old man died early Monday afternoon after he was found pinned underneath a tree in northwestern Minnesota, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
It's that time of year again! We've examined the map and narrowed down the choices for this year's Goin' To The (Frozen) Lake trip! WCCO-TV will be hitting the frozen lakes again each Thursday and Friday in February and we want your suggestions on where we should go.
New Year's Day offers an opportunity to get out and do new things without the hassle of crowds.
A teenager is in custody after a high speed chase near Alexandria Friday night. Authorities say it started at around 5:20 p.m. when officers pulled the 18-year-old over near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Maple Street in Alexandria.
A man is in custody after an alleged attempted robbery at a Swift County bar Tuesday and a high-speed chase the next day, according to a statement from police.
An Alexandria woman learned Friday she will spend more than seven years in prison for the murder of a man she loved. Jason Nyberg died in September inside the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault after 34-year-old Melissa Guillette smuggled in methamphetamine and passed it to him.
Human remains that were found near Alexandria in October have been confirmed to belong to the missing Starbuck woman Laura Schwendemann. The Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains belonged to the 18-year-old woman.
Choosing the best cookie in Minnesota is no easy feat. With hundreds of bakeries across the state, there are no shortage recipes and favorites. But there can only be one Best of Minnesota, and your votes sent me to Alexandria for some fun at the Sugar Shack.
The state cross country meet was held Saturday at St. Olaf, with the biggest question mark surrounding the girls Double-A race. It was a showdown between two twin sisters from Alexandria, years in the making.
The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Friday that the human remains found Monday in Douglas County belong to a missing Starbuck college student. Laura Ann Schwendemann, 18, was last seen alive on the night of Oct. 14 at an Alexandria gas station.
An autopsy is being done on human remains that were found in a farmer's field Monday afternoon. According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, around 2:31 p.m. a farmer discovered what was believed to be human remains while harvesting a field in Orange Township.
Alexandria native and Oscar nominee John Hawkes is set to appear at the Twin Cities Film Fest. Hawkes will appear Monday night at a screening of his new movie, "Too Late." Hawkes plays a troubled private investigator hired to find a missing woman from his own past.
It's section championship weekend in high school football. Across the state Friday and Saturday, state tournament bids are on the line as teams battle to become one of the eight left battling for a championship among the seven classes in the state.
Officials from Douglas and Pope counties say an 18-year-old woman has been missing since Wednesday night. According to authorities, Laura Ann Schwendemann was last seen at the Holiday Gas Station on 50th Avenue in Alexandria at about 9:30 p.m.
The DNR is reporting that fall colors have begun to pop, mostly up north as of this writing. The gorgeous fall foliage season is all too short. Now is the time to plan a little getaway to enjoy them before winter sets in. Here are a few suggestions for lodgings that are open past the summer tourist season.
An Alexandria woman is accused of smuggling methamphetamine into a Faribault jail, leading to the overdose death of an inmate. Faribault police say an inmate at Minnesota Correctional Facility Faribault was found dead in their cell on Sept. 5. An autopsy found that they had died from a meth overdose.
One of Roadside America's top attractions is going to get some much needed repairs. Big Ole, the very large statue in Alexandria, has some structural problems. The 28-foot-tall Viking was built for the 1964 World's Fair in New York City, but now he has big holes and cracks that need filling.
Minnesota Highway Patrol is warning bicyclists about the dangers of riding where they are not supposed to after a freeway crash took one man's life over the weekend.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to get their annual caravan started across the state as they embark on a new era in the organization. The Timberwolves Caravan, headlined by Minnesota native Tyus Jones, takes off on Tuesday, Aug. 4 as it heads to Alexandria for an event from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
A Saturday fire that started in a garage left an Alexandria home destroyed and a dog dead. According to a report from the Douglas Count Sheriff's Office, the fire began in a garage on East Lake Mary Road while someone was transferring gasoline from one can to another.
A man was hospitalized after allegedly being stabbed by his girlfriend in Alexandria Friday night. Police say they were called to the St. Cloud Hospital's emergency room just after 11:30 p.m. because a stabbing victim wanted to talk to them.
A St. Paul police sergeant has been named Police Officer of the Year by a Minnesota law enforcement association for his work with East and West African immigrant communities.
Alexandria Police are asking for the public's help to find a missing teen. Joshua Adoni Otis, 15, was last seen Thursday after he left his home on foot.
The Alexandria Police Department is looking for two suspects after a man was the victim of an armed robbery on Tuesday. Authorities responded at about 1 p.m. to the area of 7th Avenue and Park Street in Alexandria after a 34-year-old man called police saying he had been the victim of an armed robbery at about 10:30 a.m.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
A Mexican immigrant whose skull was broken during his arrest by immigration officers last month in Minnesota says the beating was unprovoked.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Saturday marks one month since a federal agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis. Thousands gathered at Powderhorn Park to celebrate her life and honor her legacy.
Becca Good, the partner of Renee Good, released a statement on Friday, thanking the community for their kindness.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minneapolis Fire Department was called to a utility generation plant on the 600 block of Main Street Southeast on reports of smoke and flames around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
Minneapolis Police are investigating a fatal shooting that happened Friday evening. Police say officers responded to a crash near 33rd and Chicago Avenue around 8:25 p.m.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
U.S. speed skater Greta Myers learned about her Olympic debut in the 3000m three hours before the race was due to begin.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
We return to above average freezing temperatures on Sunday, and have a chance at the 40s Monday. Lisa Meadows shares how long we'll remain above average and when we might see a hint of snow.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Seasonable cold air returns Saturday with temperatures reaching the 20s for southern and central Minnesota and teens for northern Minnesota.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
We return to above average freezing temperatures on Sunday, and have a chance at the 40s Monday. Lisa Meadows shares how long we'll remain above average and when we might see a hint of snow.
A right-wing influencer planned an event at the Whipple Federal Building, he was met with counter-protesters.
Native Americans gathered at the Whipple Federal Building on Saturday to bring forth the history of the land and its current significance.
It's been one month since Renee Good was killed by a federal ICE agent. Saturday Minnesotans gathered in Powderhorn Park to honor her legacy.
We have a slight cool down today before we return to temperatures above 30s. Meteorologist Adam Del Rosso breaks it all down and shares when we could hit 40.