Minnesota Spots That Have Barely Changed In Over 50 Years

Growing up in Minnesota often meant weekend road trips to places across the land of 10,000 lakes. Some of those trips revolved around destinations that felt more like Minnesota traditions. Here are three that bring back great memories, and they are still around for you to make new memories with your kids or grandkids.

Nelson's Ice Cream - Stillwater

Nelson's Ice Cream in Stillwater was the best treat after spending a majority of your Saturday with your mom and aunt hunting for antiques not far from the St. Croix River. It's pure summer. They have an enormous single scoop that most kids never stand a chance to finish before they are wearing it.

They've been around since 1923, and they don't seem to be going away anytime soon, well at least until the end of the season.

If you've never been to Nelson's Ice Cream, 920 Olive St W, Stillwater, MN 55082, maybe you've been to our next Minnesota summer tradition. It's memorable because they 'knew' your name!

Paul Bunyan Land - Brainerd

This trip still sticks out to me, even 30 years later. Entering Paul Bunyan Land, you are greeted by Paul himself, by your name! It freaked my brother and me out so bad that we were ready to leave. Thankfully, I had patient parents, and once we got over it, we had a great time.

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Paul Bunyan Land in Brainerd preserves a slice of small-town Minnesota history. It feels like stepping back into the 1960s and 1970s, even for first-time visitors, with the old-fashioned rides and attractions.

Never been to Paul Bunyan Land before? Well, maybe you've been to this North Shore sweet tradition.

Betty's Pies - Two Harbors

This is your welcome to being 'Up North' moment. For countless families, a drive to Duluth, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, or Grand Marais included a mandatory pie stop.

So many families go each year, like a pilgrimage, kicking off their summer with a slice of pie. What I appreciate about Betty's Pies is that the restaurant has changed very little, making it feel familiar year after year.

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Beautiful Photos From Clemens Gardens

This weekend was a great one to get out and do something fun. I wanted to destress, so I drove over to Clemens Gardens for a nice stroll through the gardens. What a beautiful place it is. There are flowers everywhere, as well as fountains and statues. These photos only capture part of what's available to see, but in case you haven't had a chance to visit, now is a great time to view them, as everything is in full bloom. Take a look at some beautiful photos and then make a plan to take your own trip. All of your senses will thank you.

Gallery Credit: Photos by Kelly Cordes

Tell Us You're From Minnesota (Without Saying You're From Minnesota)

We asked you to tell us you were from Minnesota, without actually saying you were from Minnesota. The results were very funny, and very Minnesotan -- ranging from comments about the weather and sports, to food and mosquitoes.

Gallery Credit: Pete Hanson