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This Wonderfully Quirky Roadside Attraction In Minnesota Is Unlike Any Other In The World


Imagine a place where pink jackalopes roam free and T-Rexes mingle with The Flintstones.

No, you’re not dreaming – you’ve just stumbled upon Mimi and Papa’s Place in Windom, Minnesota.

Welcome to the animal kingdom's most eccentric family reunion! This menagerie of misfit statues is like Noah's Ark meets a yard sale, with a dash of whimsy.Welcome to the animal kingdom's most eccentric family reunion! This menagerie of misfit statues is like Noah's Ark meets a yard sale, with a dash of whimsy.
Welcome to the animal kingdom’s most eccentric family reunion! This menagerie of misfit statues is like Noah’s Ark meets a yard sale, with a dash of whimsy. Photo credit: Paul Pearson

Welcome to Mimi and Papa’s Place, where the weird and wonderful collide in a spectacular display of Midwestern ingenuity and unbridled imagination.

This isn’t your average roadside attraction, folks.

Oh no, this is a full-blown carnival of curiosities that’ll make you question reality and wonder if someone slipped something extra into your morning coffee.

Nestled in the heart of Windom, Minnesota, this peculiar paradise is a testament to the old adage that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.

Pink isn't just for flamingos anymore! This cotton candy-colored jackalope proves that even mythical creatures can rock a bold fashion statement.Pink isn't just for flamingos anymore! This cotton candy-colored jackalope proves that even mythical creatures can rock a bold fashion statement.
Pink isn’t just for flamingos anymore! This cotton candy-colored jackalope proves that even mythical creatures can rock a bold fashion statement. Photo credit: JRob Zetelumen

And boy, oh boy, is there treasure here!

As you approach this whimsical wonderland, the first thing you’ll notice is the eclectic menagerie of larger-than-life creatures dotting the landscape.

It’s like Noah’s Ark met Jurassic Park, had a few too many drinks, and decided to throw a party in the middle of Minnesota.

The star of the show?

A giant pink jackalope that looks like it hopped straight out of a fever dream.

This majestic beast stands proudly in the center of the property, its cotton candy-colored fur gleaming in the sun, antlers reaching towards the sky as if to say, “Yes, I exist, and I’m fabulous!”

Jurassic Park meets The Flintstones in this prehistoric playground. Who knew T-Rex had such a flair for posing with cartoon cavemen?Jurassic Park meets The Flintstones in this prehistoric playground. Who knew T-Rex had such a flair for posing with cartoon cavemen?
Jurassic Park meets The Flintstones in this prehistoric playground. Who knew T-Rex had such a flair for posing with cartoon cavemen? Photo credit: Paul Pearson

But wait, there’s more!

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a towering T-Rex.

This prehistoric predator looms over visitors, its razor-sharp teeth bared in what I can only assume is a friendly Jurassic grin.

Don’t worry, though – the only thing this dinosaur is likely to devour is your sense of normalcy.

As you wander through this wonderland of weirdness, you’ll encounter a mishmash of characters that seem to have been plucked from various corners of pop culture and history.

There’s a life-sized cutout of Fred Flintstone, looking as though he’s just stepped out of Bedrock and into the 21st century.

ET, phone Minnesota! These jolly green visitors look like they've crash-landed into a quirky sci-fi sitcom set in the heartland.ET, phone Minnesota! These jolly green visitors look like they've crash-landed into a quirky sci-fi sitcom set in the heartland.
ET, phone Minnesota! These jolly green visitors look like they’ve crash-landed into a quirky sci-fi sitcom set in the heartland. Photo credit: Andra Grant

I half expected to see Dino lounging nearby, but alas, he must have been out for a walk.

And let’s not forget the piece de resistance – a statue of a Native American warrior astride a white horse, with an eagle soaring overhead.

It’s a scene straight out of a Hollywood Western, except this cowboy seems to have taken a wrong turn at Albuquerque and ended up in Minnesota.

But Mimi and Papa’s Place isn’t just about the big, eye-catching displays.

Oh no, my friends, the devil is in the details here.

Step right up to the quirkiest bar this side of the Mississippi! It's like a carnival and a grain silo had a baby, and Betty Boop's running the show.Step right up to the quirkiest bar this side of the Mississippi! It's like a carnival and a grain silo had a baby, and Betty Boop's running the show.
Step right up to the quirkiest bar this side of the Mississippi! It’s like a carnival and a grain silo had a baby, and Betty Boop’s running the show. Photo credit: Wendy “WLW42” Wharem

As you explore the grounds, you’ll discover a treasure trove of smaller oddities and knick-knacks that’ll have you doing double-takes and scratching your head in delightful confusion.

There’s a collection of garden gnomes that looks like they’re plotting world domination.

I swear I saw one of them wink at me.

Or maybe that was just the heat getting to me.

Either way, I’m keeping an eye on those little troublemakers.

And don’t even get me started on the assortment of repurposed household items scattered throughout the property.

Is that an old washing machine masquerading as a planter?

You bet your sweet bippy it is!

Monkey business takes on a whole new meaning here. These primate pals look ready to start their own biker gang – Monkey business takes on a whole new meaning here. These primate pals look ready to start their own biker gang –
Monkey business takes on a whole new meaning here. These primate pals look ready to start their own biker gang – “Sons of Bananas,” anyone? Photo credit: Mimi and Papa’s Place

A bathtub turned into a makeshift pond?

Why not?

At Mimi and Papa’s Place, the only limit is your imagination – and maybe local zoning laws.

Now, you might be wondering, “Who are the masterminds behind this madcap menagerie?”

Well, let me tell you about Mimi and Papa, the dynamic duo responsible for turning this patch of Minnesota into a wonderland of whimsy.

Mimi and Papa are the kind of folks who look at an empty field and see endless possibilities.

Where most people might envision a nice lawn or maybe a vegetable garden, these two visionaries saw the potential for a roadside attraction that would make P.T. Barnum himself do a double-take.

Legend has it that Mimi and Papa’s collection started with a single lawn ornament – a humble garden gnome named Gus.

Who says roosters can't be interior designers? This flock of fabulous fowl is giving new meaning to "rustic chic" with their eclectic style choices.Who says roosters can't be interior designers? This flock of fabulous fowl is giving new meaning to "rustic chic" with their eclectic style choices.
Who says roosters can’t be interior designers? This flock of fabulous fowl is giving new meaning to “rustic chic” with their eclectic style choices. Photo credit: Janelle Johnson

But Gus was lonely, so they got him a friend.

And then another.

And another.

Before they knew it, their yard had become a refuge for misfit decorations and discarded oddities from all over the state.

But Mimi and Papa didn’t stop there.

Oh no, they had bigger fish to fry – or in this case, bigger statues to acquire.

The story goes that they stumbled upon the giant pink jackalope at a going-out-of-business sale for a failed theme park in South Dakota.

Most people would have seen a garish eyesore.

Mimi and Papa saw potential.

Forget "Jaws," we've got a real fish tale here! This aquatic artwork is so lifelike, you'll swear it just winked at you.Forget "Jaws," we've got a real fish tale here! This aquatic artwork is so lifelike, you'll swear it just winked at you.
Forget “Jaws,” we’ve got a real fish tale here! This aquatic artwork is so lifelike, you’ll swear it just winked at you. Photo credit: Mimi and Papa’s Place

With a little elbow grease (and a whole lot of pink paint), they transformed that jackalope into the crown jewel of their burgeoning attraction.

And so it went, year after year, addition after addition.

A dinosaur here, a cowboy there, maybe a spaceship or two for good measure.

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Mimi and Papa’s Place grew like a beautiful, bizarre garden, nurtured by the couple’s boundless creativity and their community’s enthusiastic support.

You see, what makes Mimi and Papa’s Place truly special isn’t just the outlandish displays or the quirky collections.

It’s the heart behind it all.

"Monkey see, monkey do" takes flight in this whimsical scene. It's like someone crossed "Curious George" with "Top Gun" – and we're here for it!"Monkey see, monkey do" takes flight in this whimsical scene. It's like someone crossed "Curious George" with "Top Gun" – and we're here for it!
“Monkey see, monkey do” takes flight in this whimsical scene. It’s like someone crossed “Curious George” with “Top Gun” – and we’re here for it! Photo credit: Mimi and Papa’s Place

This isn’t some corporate theme park designed by committee and focus-grouped to death.

This is a labor of love, a testament to the power of imagination and the joy of creating something purely for the sake of making people smile.

And smile they do.

Visitors to Mimi and Papa’s Place can’t help but be infected by the sheer exuberance of it all.

It’s impossible to maintain a grumpy disposition when you’re face-to-face with a grinning T-Rex or a pink jackalope that looks like it’s ready to star in its own Saturday morning cartoon.

But Mimi and Papa’s Place isn’t just about visual spectacle.

Move over, Westminster! This canine convention is redefining Move over, Westminster! This canine convention is redefining
Move over, Westminster! This canine convention is redefining “Best in Show” with a cast that would make Pixar jealous. Photo credit: JRob Zetelumen

Oh no, my friends, this is an interactive experience.

Scattered throughout the property are various games and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.

There’s a mini-golf course where each hole is guarded by a different mythical creature.

Try putting past a fire-breathing dragon or a mischievous leprechaun – it’s harder than it looks!

For the more adventurous souls, there’s a scavenger hunt that’ll have you scouring every nook and cranny of the property.

Can you find the hidden Bigfoot?

Spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster?

Locate the secret stash of Papa’s famous beef jerky?

It's a small world after all – if that world was designed by Dr. Seuss on a sugar high. This colorful cornucopia of curiosities is a feast for the eyes.It's a small world after all – if that world was designed by Dr. Seuss on a sugar high. This colorful cornucopia of curiosities is a feast for the eyes.
It’s a small world after all – if that world was designed by Dr. Seuss on a sugar high. This colorful cornucopia of curiosities is a feast for the eyes. Photo credit: JRob Zetelumen

And let’s not forget the piece de resistance – the “Wheel of Weird.”

Spin this colorful contraption and prepare yourself for whatever zany task it assigns you.

You might have to do your best T-Rex impression, attempt to lasso the jackalope, or try to out-gnome the garden gnomes in a staring contest.

It’s all in good fun, and it’s all part of the Mimi and Papa experience.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“This all sounds great, but what about refreshments? All this wonderment is making me work up an appetite!”

Pegasus, eat your heart out! This fiery steed looks ready to gallop straight out of that vintage gas station sign and into your Instagram feed.Pegasus, eat your heart out! This fiery steed looks ready to gallop straight out of that vintage gas station sign and into your Instagram feed.
Pegasus, eat your heart out! This fiery steed looks ready to gallop straight out of that vintage gas station sign and into your Instagram feed. Photo credit: Charles Bernardo

Fear not, dear reader, for Mimi and Papa have thought of everything.

Tucked away in a corner of the property, you’ll find Mimi’s Snack Shack – a charming little food stand that serves up treats as unique as the attraction itself.

Fancy a “Jackalope Jumbo Dog”?

It’s a foot-long hot dog topped with pink cotton candy “fur” and pretzel “antlers.”

Is it a culinary masterpiece?

Probably not.

Is it an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come?

Absolutely.

Welcome to the primate's playhouse! These mischievous monkeys look like they're plotting the great banana heist of 2023.Welcome to the primate's playhouse! These mischievous monkeys look like they're plotting the great banana heist of 2023.
Welcome to the primate’s playhouse! These mischievous monkeys look like they’re plotting the great banana heist of 2023. Photo credit: Paul Pearson

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s the “Dino-Mite Sundae” – a towering concoction of ice cream, chocolate sauce, and gummy dinosaurs that’s sure to satisfy even the most prehistoric of appetites.

And of course, no visit to Mimi and Papa’s Place would be complete without trying Papa’s famous homemade root beer.

Served in a souvenir cup shaped like – what else? – a pink jackalope, it’s the perfect way to quench your thirst and commemorate your visit to this one-of-a-kind attraction.

As the sun begins to set and your day at Mimi and Papa’s Place draws to a close, you might find yourself feeling a little wistful.

After all, it’s not every day you get to step into a world where the impossible becomes possible and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.

But fear not, for the magic of Mimi and Papa’s Place doesn’t end when you leave the property.

It's a safari, a circus, and a fever dream all rolled into one! This eclectic menagerie proves that in Minnesota, anything goes – especially imagination.It's a safari, a circus, and a fever dream all rolled into one! This eclectic menagerie proves that in Minnesota, anything goes – especially imagination.
It’s a safari, a circus, and a fever dream all rolled into one! This eclectic menagerie proves that in Minnesota, anything goes – especially imagination. Photo credit: JRob Zetelumen

Oh no, you’ll be taking a little bit of that wonder with you, tucked away in your heart (and probably in the form of a pink jackalope keychain from the gift shop).

You’ll find yourself looking at the world a little differently.

That old tire in your neighbor’s yard?

It’s not junk – it’s a potential art installation!

The weird-looking cloud in the sky?

It’s not just water vapor – it’s clearly a sky serpent on its way to a very important cloud meeting.

And that, my friends, is the true gift of Mimi and Papa’s Place.

It’s not just a roadside attraction – it’s a reminder that life is what you make of it.

With a little imagination and a lot of heart, even the most ordinary things can become extraordinary.

"I just landed in Windom," says the sign, but we're pretty sure we've touched down in Wonderland. Alice would feel right at home in this topsy-turvy world."I just landed in Windom," says the sign, but we're pretty sure we've touched down in Wonderland. Alice would feel right at home in this topsy-turvy world.
“I just landed in Windom,” says the sign, but we’re pretty sure we’ve touched down in Wonderland. Alice would feel right at home in this topsy-turvy world. Photo credit: Charles Bernardo

So the next time you’re cruising down the highways and byways of Minnesota, keep your eyes peeled for that telltale pink glow on the horizon.

It might just be your invitation to step into a world where jackalopes roam free, dinosaurs coexist with cavemen, and the only limit is your imagination.

Who knows?

You might just discover your inner Mimi or Papa.

And wouldn’t that be something?

For more information about this wacky wonderland, be sure to check out Mimi and Papa’s Place’s Facebook page.

And when you’re ready to embark on your own quirky adventure, use this map to guide your way to this one-of-a-kind attraction.

16. mimi and papa's place map16. mimi and papa's place map

Where: 309 S, US-71, Windom, MN 56101

Remember, in a world full of ordinary, dare to be extraordinary – or at the very least, dare to visit a giant pink jackalope in Minnesota.

Your inner child (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.





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