4 Minnesota Road Trip-Worthy Events in June
Summer in Minnesota is full of unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences. From music festivals to small town novelty events, there’s always something fun (and often, weird) to discover in the land of 10,000 lakes. Take an affordable, close-to-home weekend adventure to check out something new. Road trip, anyone? Below you’ll find a few suggestions on cool and quirky events happening during the month of June:
40th Annual Woodtick Races
June 8th / The Woodtick Inn / Deerwood, MN
Only in Minnesota could you expect to find an event based on a woodland parasite. At the Woodtick Inn in beautiful Deerwood, MN, these bloodsuckers definitely get their moment in the sun. For 40 years, people have been showing up to “race” ticks on the Inn’s custom-made tick course. Human “jockeys” compete for cash and prizes, and also enjoy food, beer, entertainment, vendors, crafters, and more.
Click HERE to visit the Woodtick Race’s Facebook event page
Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival
June 7th-8th / Nisswa, MN
Experience Scandinavian cultural music and traditions at this annual festival, which features over 150 folk musicians performing on five stages. Enjoy two all-day dance floors, a children’s activity tent, and traditional Scandinavian food (hello, Smörgåsbord) set to the backdrop of beautiful Nisswa Pioneer Village.
Learn more about the Nisswa-Stamman festival by clicking here
Turtle Fest
June 12-16th / Pelham, MN
Leave it up to Minnesotans to come up with a festival revolving around…turtles. Yes, Turtle Fest in Pelham, MN is an annual tradition that’s as cute as it sounds. A five day extravaganza, Turtle Fest features live music, food, kids activities, a street fair, a parade, a classic car show and of course, the town’s famous turtle races.
Visit the Turtle Fest website by clicking here
Paul Bunyan Days
June 28-29th / Akeley, MN
The town of Akeley aka “The Birthplace of Paul Bunyan” is well-known for its annual festival honoring this iconic figure of American folklore. For the 71st year in a row, you can partake in Akeley’s celebration, with food, music, a tractor pull, Paul Bunyan look-a-like contest, parades, minnow and turtle races, a flea market, art show, and much, much more.
Click here to learn more about Paul Bunyan Days