The Land of 10,000 Lakes is full of thoughtful, well-established attractions that draw visitors thanks to their beauty, history, and culture. Every corner of the state has a museum or historic site that is well worth visiting. The list is truly endless.

On the other side of the coin? Attractions that, frankly, no one asked for. It’s not that we don’t love them — we adore them — but they show off a quirky side of the state that rarely makes must-visit lists. That’s certainly the case for a wacky museum in the teeny-tiny town of Wykoff. Ed’s Museum is probably the weirdest attraction in Minnesota. It’s not well-known, but it is just as much a part of Minnesota culture as any historic site. Here’s what you’ll find when you visit:

Wykoff is a tiny town of fewer than 500 people in southeastern Minnesota. It may be small, but it’s home to one of the weirdest attractions in the state: Ed’s Museum.

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As the years passed, Ed collected more and more belongings. As the story goes, he rarely got rid of anything.

Wykoff Area Historical Society/Facebook

When Ed died in 1989, he left the store — and all that it contained to the town of Wykoff. But there was one condition: they had to turn it into a museum.

Jessica G/Google

Today, Ed’s Museum preserves the history of the 20th century through advertisements, old paper, and antiques. There are quite a few treasures nestled among the shelves.

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Not only is it a history of the 20th century. Ed’s Museum is also a history of one man’s life and what he felt was worth keeping. It’s so personal, in fact, that Ed’s cat — who died in 1986 — is still kept in a box on one of the shelves.

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A visit to Ed’s Museum is a poignant trip into the past. For those who enjoy Minnesota’s weird, novel, and quirky attractions, this stop is a no-brainer.

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Ed’s Museum is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend. Operating hours may vary by season, so it’s best to call ahead before stopping by. Phone number: (507) 352-4205.

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Wykoff Area Historical Society/Facebook

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Mike Sanders/Google

Have you ever visited? For more interesting, offbeat attractions in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, check out our Minnesota roadside attractions road trip.

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Address: Ed’s Museum, Wykoff, MN 55990, USA