Funkley MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Funkley, Minnesota.
1. Funkley Greenhouse
LOCAL PLANT PARADISE
The Funkley Greenhouse, opened in 2020 by Keith Carsella (who also serves as the city clerk), is the town's primary business establishment. Visitors can browse through a variety of plants and gardening supplies in this charming small-town establishment. The greenhouse represents the town's efforts to 'build up' the community, as mentioned by Mayor Erickson.
2. Funkley City Hall
HISTORIC SMALL-TOWN GOVERNANCE
Funkley City Hall is housed in a renovated old cabin that was restored through the collaborative efforts of Mayor Erickson and City Clerk Keith Carsella. This quaint municipal building serves as the administrative center for one of Minnesota's smallest incorporated towns with just 13 residents. The restoration of this building exemplifies the close-knit community spirit that Mayor Erickson described as 'like a family.'
3. Former Funkley Bar
QUIRKY LOCAL HISTORY
The Former Funkley Bar, now converted into the Ericksons' private residence, represents a colorful piece of local history with its past featuring pool tables, stripper poles, and even bras stapled to the ceiling. Though no longer a commercial establishment, this building remains culturally significant as a reminder of the town's more lively past. Even after its closure, locals still occasionally knock on the door seeking a drink, showcasing the persistent small-town traditions.
4. St. Aloysius Catholic Church
HISTORIC SPIRITUAL SANCTUARY
St. Aloysius Catholic Church stands as a historic landmark in the tiny town of Funkley, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and detailed architectural work. Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship that went into creating this spiritual gathering place for the community. The church provides a glimpse into the religious heritage of this small Minnesota town.
5. World's Largest Loon
ICONIC MINNESOTA SCULPTURE
The World's Largest Loon is a popular roadside attraction that provides a perfect opportunity for family photos with Minnesota's state bird. Beyond the sculpture itself, visitors can enjoy a playground, picnic tables, and a beach area where families often gather. This multi-purpose attraction combines Minnesota's love for its wildlife symbol with practical recreational facilities.
6. Iron Man Statue
IMPOSING MINING TRIBUTE
The Iron Man Statue is a huge and imposing monument that pays tribute to Minnesota's rich mining heritage. Located conveniently across from McDonald's and the Discovery Center, this impressive sculpture makes for an excellent photo opportunity and rest stop. The statue stands as a symbol of the region's industrial past and the strength of its mining community.
7. The Great Hinckley Fire Monument
SOLEMN HISTORICAL MEMORIAL
The Great Hinckley Fire Monument commemorates those who lost their lives in the devastating fire that swept through the area. Located near a cemetery containing mass graves of the fire's victims, this memorial offers a somber but important historical perspective on one of Minnesota's worst natural disasters. Visitors find it easily accessible, being just a couple of miles from the Fire Museum, making it a meaningful stop on a historical tour of the region.
8. Big Ole Viking Statue
NORDIC HERITAGE ICON
The Big Ole Viking Statue stands as an impressive tribute to Minnesota's strong Scandinavian heritage, towering over visitors with its imposing presence. This iconic roadside attraction, depicting a Viking warrior, has become a popular photo spot for tourists exploring Alexandria. The statue reinforces the region's cultural connections to Nordic countries and celebrates the influence of Scandinavian settlers on Minnesota's history.
9. Hermann the German
TOWERING CULTURAL MONUMENT
Hermann the German is a commanding statue that celebrates the German heritage deeply embedded in New Ulm's cultural identity. Standing proudly on a hill overlooking the town, this impressive monument offers visitors both a cultural landmark and spectacular views of the surrounding area. The statue commemorates Hermann (Arminius), who led Germanic tribes to victory against Roman legions in 9 A.D., symbolizing the freedom and independence valued by German immigrants who settled in Minnesota.
10. Fort Snelling National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY TRIBUTE
Fort Snelling National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for thousands of American veterans, creating a solemn and peaceful tribute to military service. The meticulously maintained grounds feature row upon row of white markers, creating a powerful visual reminder of sacrifice and honor. Visitors can explore this historic cemetery while reflecting on the contributions of those who served their country throughout America's history.
11. Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
MOVING PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial offers a moving tribute to those who served in America's armed forces, featuring walls inscribed with thousands of names of local veterans. The memorial's thoughtful design includes elements representing different branches of service and conflicts throughout American history. Visitors often describe the experience as both educational and emotionally powerful, providing a place for reflection and gratitude.
12. Buffy The Cow
QUIRKY AGRICULTURAL ICON
Buffy The Cow is a beloved roadside attraction that celebrates Minnesota's strong dairy farming tradition with a whimsical giant cow sculpture. This popular photo stop adds a touch of fun to any road trip through the agricultural heartland of southern Minnesota. Families particularly enjoy this quirky landmark that has become synonymous with the region's rural character and farming heritage.
13. Minnesota Biking Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Minnesota Biking Trails near Funkley offer outdoor enthusiasts miles of scenic routes through the beautiful northern Minnesota landscape. Cyclists can enjoy paths that wind through forests, alongside lakes, and across the gently rolling terrain characteristic of this region. These well-maintained trails provide opportunities for recreation throughout the warmer months, attracting visitors seeking to experience Minnesota's natural beauty on two wheels.
14. Camping Sites
WILDERNESS OVERNIGHT EXPERIENCE
Camping Sites near Funkley provide visitors with authentic northern Minnesota wilderness experiences in the heart of lake country. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities from rustic tent sites to more developed facilities with electricity and shower access. Campers can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, and stargazing in an area known for its clear night skies and natural tranquility.
15. Canoeing & Kayaking Routes
PEACEFUL WATER EXPLORATION
Canoeing & Kayaking Routes around Funkley offer water enthusiasts access to Minnesota's famed 10,000 lakes and numerous rivers with varying difficulty levels. Paddlers can navigate quiet waters while spotting local wildlife including beavers, otters, eagles, and the state bird - the common loon. These waterways provide the perfect setting for both peaceful nature observation and more adventurous paddling experiences in the land of sky-blue waters.