Surf Ballroom
Under $25Tour the Clear Lake ballroom where Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson played their final show in 1959.

Photo: greefus groinks, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.
1134 Giant Dr · Blue Earth, MN
This fiberglass Jolly Green Giant has stood in Blue Earth since July 6, 1979, conceived by local radio station owner Paul Hedberg to keep travelers stopping as Interstate 90 was built. A staircase lets you climb up to his base and pose for photos between his legs, beside six-foot feet that fill size 78 shoes. Next door, the Giant Welcome Center holds a museum of Green Giant memorabilia and exhibits on the town's canning plant.
General sightseeing guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
The forecast is part of the ticket
Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.
Golden hour sells out first
Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.
Dress a layer warmer
It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.
Timed entry is common
Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.
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