While the destination is always the ultimate goal, sometimes getting there is a big part of the fun too. Especially when you come across unique roadside attractions. Settled in 1858 and with a population of under 14,000, Alexandria, Minnesota, has quite a few of these for you to take in. So hop in the car and check out these gems.

The Runestone Museum has been a part of downtown Alexandria since 1958.

scottcaps/Trip Advisor There are nine historic buildings on site here and the museum contains about 20,000 artifacts within, such as those relating to First Peoples and Nordic explorers.

Like this 40-feet-long replica Viking trading ship.

jpellgen/Flickr

But the most talked about (and visited) artifact would have to be the Kensington Runestone, which has been part of the museum since its opening. Discovered in 1898 by Olof Öhman in Kensington, Minnesota, its validity and origin have remained a debate since then.

rt11142014/Trip Advisor Linked to Scandinavian explorers in the area, the artifact dates back to 1362. Or does it? Some believe it to be completely authentic and others to be a complete fake. What’s your take? Runestone Museum Foundation, 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

If the Kensington Runestone isn’t enough to convince you that Alexandria embraces the Vikings, there is no doubt that Big Ole, a 28-foot-tall Viking statue located on Central Lakes Trail, will.

KateIllinois1/Trip Advisor Originally created by Gordon Schumaker for the World’s Fair in New York (1964-1965), it was later moved to Broadway in Alexandria. And then in 2002, it was moved to its current spot.

While he and his “Alexandria: Birthplace of America” sign have remained a symbol of the city’s Viking pride, like the Runestone, it has not been without controversy and even some rather rough patches. It was set on fire in 1967, had the sword broken off, and in 1996, it was completely knocked over by a storm.

pdxdesi/Trip Advisor What’s your take on Big Ole? Love him or hate him? Big Ole - Big Viking Statue, Central Lakes Trail, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

If you can’t find the time to get to the Runestone Museum to see the real thing, head to Runestone Drive in Alexandria.

Meg J/Flickr Here, you can see the 16-foot-tall Giant Runestone Replica that was constructed in 1951. Runestone Drive, Runestone Dr, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

Head to the website for the Kensington Runestone Museum for the most up-to-date details on visiting. As for Big Ole and the Giant Replica Runestone, you can head to these roadside attractions at your leisure. Have you ever stopped at any of these roadside attractions? What are your favorites in and around Minnesota? Tell us in the comments!

scottcaps/Trip Advisor

There are nine historic buildings on site here and the museum contains about 20,000 artifacts within, such as those relating to First Peoples and Nordic explorers.

jpellgen/Flickr

rt11142014/Trip Advisor

Linked to Scandinavian explorers in the area, the artifact dates back to 1362. Or does it? Some believe it to be completely authentic and others to be a complete fake. What’s your take?

Runestone Museum Foundation, 206 Broadway St, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

KateIllinois1/Trip Advisor

Originally created by Gordon Schumaker for the World’s Fair in New York (1964-1965), it was later moved to Broadway in Alexandria. And then in 2002, it was moved to its current spot.

pdxdesi/Trip Advisor

What’s your take on Big Ole? Love him or hate him?

Big Ole - Big Viking Statue, Central Lakes Trail, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

Meg J/Flickr

Here, you can see the 16-foot-tall Giant Runestone Replica that was constructed in 1951.

Runestone Drive, Runestone Dr, Alexandria, MN 56308, USA

Looking for more quirky stops to make? Check out these weird roadside attractions in Minnesota.

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Address: Alexandria, MN 56308, USA