Several years ago, I was headed down the stretch of the two-lane Highway 8 from Forest Lake through Chisago, Lindstrom and Center City when this huge rodent and a herd of Buffalo took my eyes from road. As a Minnesota Realtor, I had been driving to list my very first house in Chisago County and was I was distracted by a giant mouse with a cheese wheel, an array of colorful flags and a herd of buffalo! Buffalo in Minnesota? It was quite a distraction!
The turn for Shafer was just ahead, but the unique display at this huge farm with the giant roadside art was worth a second look. I hadn't been aware of this family owned bison farm and cheese store but made a mental note to bring back my family to see the Minnesota bison herd.
Center City is on the map for being home to the world renown Hazelden Treatment facility. But for most Minnesotans, Eichen's has much more appeal.
During the period I had my Shafer home for sale, I passed by the Eichtens Hidden Acres farm and cheese shop on more than one occasion. It is more than just a bison and cheese store and restaurant, Eichten's is an icon in the area
. Family owned and operated, their café serves bison burgers, Dutch Gouda cheese and ice cream for the less adventurous.
If the second largest herd of real bison in the state of Minnesota aren't visible from the road, their other family friendly giant buffalo certainly will be! (Where do 300+ giant bison hide anyway?!)
Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:
Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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Bison burgers are delicious, and who could resist a giant mouse. I'd stop by if I was in the area.
I love the unique things in communities that are NOT tourist attractions, but yet are. Sounds like a great place to go for an afternoon.
Teri, These artful distractions are absolutely WONDERFUL! I believe we have one or two but nothing like you have, I absolutely love seeing and hearing about them :)
You distracted me too! I had to read the whole thing...I couldn't figure why you had such nice weather. Great post.
Teri, you capture the most unusual MN treasures! It is a good thing you have your camera ready to shoot, otherwise no one would believe some of the things you see!
Teri - I totally did not know that they were there! I would've stopped just to take a picture. Maybe I'll have to field trip over there this summer just to take a look see.
I love how you tie your distraction into a grat tag line for Real Estate
Teri - I've driven by Eichten's several times on the way back from "up north". It's interesting to think about all the quirky landmarks that we run across that provide such great local flavor. Thanks for capturing one of our uniquely Minnesota businesses.
Hi, Teri! That's definitely a must see tourist stop--very colorful and amusing. I can tell that the locals have great sense of humor. Thanks for sharing! :)
Rosario--I've never tried a bison burger but I have heard they are wonderful. Next time I drive by the mouse, I may have to stop!
Judi--The mouse is pretty cute but the real story is the farm.
Carole--I know there are more out there so keep an eye out for new posts!
Gary--We have had less snow than you have but not that much less. I took this picture last March. I have to spread out the Artful Distraction posts to make them more fun!
Kristina--Most times I am returning with my camera to get the best photographs.
Thesa--That was added with the last two posts...clever aren't I? :)
Lindsey--Pretty cool aren't they? You can't miss them on the side of the road!
Lynn--There are some pretty unique landmarks in MN. Makes going for a Sunday drive in the country more exciting.
Yolanda--How have you been? Thanks for stopping by to comment. You are correct, we have some creative and fun people in MN.
Teri, we haven't seen these particular sites but these are the kind of things that make america great. If you ever watch the movie Michael with John Travolta these are the kinds of sites he keep finding. Sometime we need to get off the main road and just enjoy the trip instead of the destination.
Bartley Group--They are unique and fun aren't they? I have not seen Michael but will have to find it and watch now. :)