This Iconic Spot Was Just Named Minnesota’s Best Free Attraction

The Land of 10,000 Lakes has a wide variety of free attractions, ranging from museums and parks to scenic drives and cultural sites. But only one classic Minnesota spot has just been named the Best Free Attraction in the entire state.

There is no shortage of incredible attractions to see in Minnesota. In fact, Explore Minnesota lists 20 free attractions, including gardens, trails, museums, and monuments. Not to be outdone, WhichMuseum notes that there are 75 free attractions in Minnesota, such as the Minnesota State Capitol, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and Como Park Zoo. ​

But none of those destinations has just been named the *best* free attraction in the North Star State.  That's the word, anyway, from this LoveExploring 'Best Free Attractions In Every State' survey. And, can you guess which attraction gets the nod here in the Bold North?

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If you said the SPAM Museum over in Austin, ding, ding, ding... we have a winner! That's right, the classic museum owned by Hormel and dedicated to preserving the history of the meat we love to eat here in Minnesota is the state's Best Free Attraction!

This classic spot is located about 100 miles south of the Twin Cities. If you take Interstate 35 south out of the metro area, the drive will take you about an hour and a half. The SPAM Museum first opened in 2001 but its origins trace back to an earlier Hormel Foods First Century Museum, which was established in 1991 to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary, Hormel Foods noted.

According to MSN:

"The institution is a loud, proud celebration of the canned meat, which was first invented back in the 1930s. You'll learn all about the history of SPAM®, including its key role in the diets of troops during the Second World War, and pore over a huge store of SPAM® memorabilia. Free guided tours are available over the weekend and upon request," the site says.

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I'm almost ashamed to admit I've never been to the SPAM Museum, even though I do love me some SPAM! ExploreMinnesota, the state's tourism website, has a few facts about Minnesota's favorite meat:

• Since opening in April 2016, the new SPAM Museum in downtown Austin has welcomed more than 224,000 visitors from all 50 states and more than 70 countries.
• 780 cans of SPAM travel around the museum on a conveyor belt, and it takes one can 18 minutes to make the full loop.
• The Austin production facility makes 350 cans per minute.
• SPAM comes in 15 flavors, including black pepper, garlic, hickory smoke, jalapeno and chorizo, all available at the museum gift shop for $3 per can.

And while we're talking about food, keep scrolling to check out all the amazing Minnesota restaurants that have been featured on the Food Network!

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