Barnesville's Potato Days
Barnesville

Who will be crowned this year's "Miss Tator Tot?" What will the winning "mashed potato sculpture" look like? These spudsy questions can be answered during Potato Days, when "virtually everything you could possibly do to a potato is done over two days." The activity list features a "wild assortment" of events, including "contests, games, and displays," and, of course, a "smorgasbord" of everything starch, be it "dumplings, pancakes, soups" and the traditional baked and fried varieties. Cook-off competitions produce a wide range of "favorite dishes," and show off the region's "culinary talents." Read more.

Spicer Castle Bed & Breakfast
Spicer

If you fancy yourself to be a Sherlock Holmes or Jessica Fletcher in-the-making, then test your skills at this "quaint and beautiful" bed and breakfast's "fun mystery dinners." Hosted on Friday and Saturday nights, "dinner guests become the characters and sleuths in solving the day's mystery." It's a great way to get to know your fellow lodgers, but if closing the case is not really your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed "taking in the sights and sounds of one of the largest lakes in the area." Plus, you'll "love visiting with the members of the Spicer Castle family." Read more.

Lake City's Water Ski Days
Lake City

In a state that's chock full of lakes, a body of water's got to do something to stand out among the crowd. One such standout is Lake Pepin in Lake City, "the birthplace of waterskiing." The shores along the "mighty Mississippi" are the "beautiful host" to a yearly event filled with "great food, rides, games, music, and a parade." And, on the last day of this three-day "celebration," be sure to "experience the great water-ski show" featuring local performers and all sorts of aqua acrobatics. If all the excitement doesn't scare them away, you might even spot a bald eagle flying overhead. Read more.

Northwoods Steakhouse & Saloon
Bemidji

For "woodsy decor and unbelievable food" that is "talked about by everyone in the area," this steakhouse gets "nothing but raves from older ones to teenagers." Many come solely for the "fresh walleye brought in from Canada." Allegedly, what goes into the "light batter is a secret that can't be beat," but the net result is a dish that's "better than any you've ever eaten in your life." The rest of the menu also features "homemade-from-scratch food," which makes a visit here a "must." Scores of locals called it their "favorite place to bring out-of-town guests." Read more.

Franconia Sculpture Park
Franconia

Set on 20 acres of "restored prairie," this "very unique" park features a sculpture park with a rotating collection of over 50 works. The guided tours are completely free, and offer a chance to "learn about the creative process" and interact with some of the artists in residence. Walk the grounds and you'll see "large pieces of iron and wood," as well as more unusual objects like maple branches, copper wire, batteries, quartz, and whatever else the artists find inspiring. Some of the pieces are so alluring, they end up being "bought by corporations to decorate their properties." The park is open 365 days a year, and the change of seasons serves as a priceless backdrop for the artwork. Read more.