Major city · United States
Blue Earth
Stop for 30 min to see the Jolly Green Giant statue, then continue on I-90. Not worth an overnight unless you need a cheap bed on a road trip.
Blue Earth is a small farming town in southern Minnesota, best known for the 55-foot Jolly Green Giant statue. The town itself has a handful of chain motels and fast-food stops. Most travellers use it as a quick photo break on I-90 between Sioux Falls and Rochester, or as a base for visiting nearby towns like Fairmont and Sherburn.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow)
- Airport
- MSP
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Blue Earth911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Faribault County Sheriff+1 507 526-5148
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Blue Earth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · +1 507 526-5148 Faribault County Sheriff
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (About 1 h 45 min drive north on I-35 and I-90).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (gas station or fast food)$2–3
- Budget bedSuper 8 double room, a night, per roomUS$70
- Mid-range bedSuper 8 double room, a night, per roomUS$80
- High-end bedSuper 8 double room, a night, per roomUS$100
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$80 · High US$120
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International (About 1 h 45 min drive north on I-35 and I-90)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
Feb
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Mar
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Nov
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Dec
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Blue Earth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
6 rd
Feb
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
5 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
8 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
11 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Aug
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Oct
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
Nov
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
6 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The town is small enough to walk the main strip, but the statue and motels are spread along US-169.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 20 min
Drive west on I-90, about 15 min
Lakes and a small downtown.
Door to door: 15 min
Drive west on I-90, about 10 min
Tiny town with a historic main street.
Door to door: 1 h 10 min
Drive east on I-90, about 1 h
Mayo Clinic and a larger city.
Door to door: 50 min
Drive east on I-90, about 40 min
SPAM Museum and Hormel headquarters.
Door to door: 1 h 45 min
Drive north on US-169, about 1 h 30 min
Historic town with Carleton and St. Olaf colleges.
Door to door: 1 h 30 min
Drive north on US-169, about 1 h 15 min
Home to the G.A.R. Hall and a small museum.
Door to door: 2 h
Drive west on I-90, about 1 h 45 min
Pipestone National Monument and quarries.
Door to door: 1 h 20 min
Drive north on US-169, about 1 h 10 min
Home to the world's largest ball of twine.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US-169 corridor
All motels are on the highway strip; AmericInn and Super 8 are the main options.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Super 8 double room1 × 1 night × US$80 | US$80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$80 | US$160 |
| Gas for 100 mi (160 km) round trip1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$26 |
| Trip total≈ US$141 per person per day, bed included | US$281 |
check
2026 estimate in USD; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (gas station or fast food) | $2–3 |
| Fast-food meal | $8–12 |
| Motel room (double)check | $70–140 |
| Gas (per gallon)check | $3–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The statue is a quick stop: 10 min is enough.
- No public transport; rideshare may not be available.
- Winter driving on I-90 can be hazardous; check road conditions.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Faribault County Sheriff
- +1 507 526-5148
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Blue EarthBlue Earth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Faribault County Sheriff+1 507 526-5148
Embassy
No consulate in Blue Earth. The nearest US embassy is in Washington, DC; consulates in Chicago and Minneapolis.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I-90 exit 119 to Jolly Green Giant statue: About 2 min drive
- Blue Earth to Fairmont (I-90 west): About 15 min
- Blue Earth to Rochester (I-90 east): About 1 h
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the Jolly Green Giant? — Where is the Jolly Green Giant?
- How much is this? — How much is this?
English is the only language you'll need.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Blue Earth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, snow) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages with verified statue hours and seasonal closures.
- Eat pages with last orders for the few local restaurants.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures for I-90 exits.
Sources
Ask about Blue Earth
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