Best Literary Landmarks In Minnesota
Among the many famous authors and literary legends that hail from Minnesota, some have left their mark in the form of a landmark or special place. Traveling through the state, one can tour sites or venues touched by great literary minds. Along a journey of literary landmarks, be inspired to write a legend of your own. Find your muse by visiting any of these literary landmarks in Minnesota.
Jon Hassler Theater
412 W. Broadway
Plainview, MN 55964
(507) 534-2900
www.jonhasslertheater.org
Jon Hassler was a thoughtful literary genius that taught and studied in Minnesota from the 50s to the 90s. He was born and raised in the small town of Plainview and was a master at capturing the small town lifestyle through his fiction writing. Many of his characters and protagonists struggled with the same problems as his own family, neighbors and friends. The theater in Plainview was named for him and was able to acquire Hassler's childhood home as well to use for housing actors and theater workers during productions.
Birchbark Books
2115 W. 21st St.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 374-4023
www.birchbarkbooks.com
A local favorite and independent bookstore, Birchbark Books is owned and operated by Minnesotan's own Louise Erdrich. Erdrich is an award-winning author of Native American literature and fiction that chronicles the struggles of Native Americans in the United States. Being that her own background is a member of the Chippewa Indians, Erdrich understands first-hand about the population she describes. Erdrich grew up in Little Falls, Minnesota and has a strong desire to educate and empower all Minnesotans regarding Native culture. Stop in at Birchbark Books and she may make an appearance to sign a book for you.
O.E. Rolvaag House
311 Manitou St.
Northfield, MN 55057
www.facebook.com/O-E-Rolvaag-House
Ole Edvard Rolvaag was a Norwegian immigrant who came to the Midwestern United States in the early 1900s. A famous resident of Minnesota, Rolvaag wrote of the struggles found in the United States by early immigrants. His works became vital to the understanding and empathy shown to Minnesotan immigrants. Rolvaag went on to teach literature at St. Olaf College and eventually had a library at the school named for him. The O.E. Rolvaag House is located near the college.
Related: Best Historical Sites In Minnesota
Peanuts Statues
Landmark Plaza
380 Saint Peter St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
www.stpaul.gov
Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts characters and author of the beloved comic strip, was a well-known native of St. Paul, Minnesota. Bronze statues of the famous Peanuts characters reside throughout Landmark Plaza in St. Paul. The design studio, Tivoli Too, handcrafted these pieces as a tribute to the late Charles Schultz and the city of St. Paul. Hang out with Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Woodstock and, of course, Charlie Brown at Landmark Plaza.
Common Good Books
38 S. Snelling Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 225-8989
www.commongoodbooks.com
Garrison Keillor, Minnesota humorist and author, owns and operates a book store in his spare time. Common Good Books in St. Paul is an independent book store housing a large selection of works by Minnesota authors and other works from around the globe. Keillor was made famous for his radio show "Prairie Home Companion" on Minnesota Public Radio as well as his insightful and humorous approach to small-town life. Check out his book store for a good read and a possible meeting with the author himself.
Related: Best Literary Landmarks In Minnesota
Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for eight years. She loves covering all things Minnesota and her work can be found on Examiner.com.
