Famous Minnesota Attraction One of Worst Tourist Traps in US

You know those places that get talked up so much, you feel like you have to go just to say you’ve been? And then you get there and wonder why you bothered? Classic tourist trap.

We’ve all been suckered in at some point. For me, it was Wall Drug in South Dakota. The billboards had me counting down the miles like it was the world’s greatest roadside attraction. And then… underwhelmed doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Spoiler alert: I just had to Google what was actually there as a refresher because it made that little of an impression. No shade (ok, maybe a little) But, it turns out, I’m not the only one who feels that way, because Wall Drug just made a national list of the worst tourist traps in America.

How were the worst tourist traps determined? Cheapism talked to travel bloggers and industry professionals, along with reading online reviews to identify the tourist traps in every state.

Some are iconic locales now overrun or overrated. Others lure road trippers out of the way of their intended destinations. They might be cheesy, inauthentic, overpriced, crowded, boring, ugly, or just plain not worth the time. - Cheapism.

So, let's get to it. What is the worst tourist trap in Minnesota? Before we get to that, let's take a peak at our neighbor states, because lord knows we've all been to these attractions as well.

Iowa: Spook Cave

"There's not a whole lot to see here, folks — that's one of the primary criticisms of Spook Cave. An escorted boat tour of a flooded cave in McGregor (May through October) does give visitors a chance to learn about the history of limestone in the region and view stalactites. Whether that's worth $16 for adults and $11 for children is the question. There's also a pricey gift shop." - Cheapism. 

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Wisconsin: The Dells

"The Wisconsin Dells area is a tourist trap to end all tourist traps, with tacky water parks and wacky attractions now divorced from the namesake rock formations that originally drew sightseers. Even a breathless write-up on Roadside America admits, 'At times the Dells seems like a ravenous snake, swallowing tourists whole, digesting their lump of vacation energy and disposable income." - Cheapism. 

Also See: Incredible Minnesota Attraction Now One of the World's Best

And finally, Minnesota: Mall of America

"The Mall of America attracts 40 million visitors in a typical year with chain stores that most people probably have near their hometowns. Some of the biggest draws have high prices: $50 for a day at Nickelodeon Universe, around $24 at the aquarium, and $28 a person for the Crayola Experience. One saving grace: No tax on clothing in Minnesota." - Cheapism. 

Ouch! Some harsh things being said about the nearby tourist traps. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with Cheapism?

To see the entire list, click here. 

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