Entry No. 37 — the Minneapolis file — filed under: outsider-art
Hot Sam's Antiques & Foto Park
Spanning 10 acres of rural woods, this self-proclaimed 'junkyard theme park' is an eccentric outsider art haven filled with colossal, bizarre sculptures made from repurposed scrap, including a UFO suspended over a swamp and a 24-foot guitar crafted from a Vikings training camp hot tub.
The story
If you think you're pulling up to a standard rural antique store off Pillsbury Avenue, the 24-foot guitar made out of an old Minnesota Vikings training camp hot tub will immediately set you straight. Spanning 10 acres of woods and marshland in Lakeville, this self-styled 'junkyard theme park' is the lifetime brainchild of 'Junk Man Jake' and his partner Kathy, who converted acres of industrial scrap and forgotten Americana into an sprawling outsider art shrine.
Every corner of the woods harbors something absurd carefully assembled from industrial detritus. You'll find a silver UFO suspended directly over a swamp, a saddle-toting brontosaurus, a fence adorned with weathered baby doll heads, rusted-out hippie vans, and a monstrous shark rising from the brush. It's also where Minneapolis oddities go to retire—in 2023, the legendary I-94 'Mannequin Car' (Minnie and her Porsche) was permanently relocated here after decades on display in the city.
What it's like
Pay your $10 at the log cabin antique shop before heading out into the trees. The path winds casually through heavy woods and swamp edges, so wear sturdy shoes and load up on bug spray during peak mosquito season. Leashed dogs are fully welcome—they're practically expected to pose next to the giant spaceship. Give yourself plenty of time to poke around both the outdoor trail installations and the crowded cabin packed with vintage odds and ends.
The move: Pay the $10 admission to wander the sprawling grounds, take photos with a brontosaurus wearing a saddle or a fence decorated with creepy baby doll heads, and browse the antique-packed log cabin.
- 📍 Lakeville
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 22820 Pillsbury Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- Northstar Forge — Pair an afternoon spent wandering a woodland metal junkyard with a hands-on blacksmithing class just west in Carver.
- Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC) — Connect Jake's scrap-metal folk art with a class in heat, spark, and flame art back up in South Minneapolis.
- Pavek Museum — Keep the retro aesthetic rolling by trading outdoor junk sculptures for rooms packed with historic radio and broadcast tech.
Good to know
How much is admission?
Admission to explore the 10-acre outdoor Foto Park grounds is $10.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, friendly dogs on leashes are permitted on the outdoor grounds.
When is it open?
Hours can be seasonal or subject to change based on weather, so always confirm their current schedule on their website or call ahead before driving out.
What is inside the cabin?
The log cabin houses an antique shop filled with vintage tools, collectibles, retro signs, and assorted oddities curated by the owners.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · minnevangelist.com · minnesotaprairieroots.com · exploreminnesota.com · tptoriginals.org · racketmn.com
last checked: 2026-07-21