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SPAM MMMuseum! Delicious!

By Colby Johnson, Minnesota Monthly

I can't decide which of the many billboards on the way to the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota is the best. It's probably a toss-up between, "Not Your Typical Meat Museum," and "The Guggenheim Doesn't Have Free Samples." Regardless of which is the most compelling, it's pretty difficult to pass through Austin and not want to at least take a quick peek inside the 16,500 square feet of SPAM-filled fun.

All SPAM jokes aside, the museum really is worth a visit. I mean, who knew canned meat could have such an interesting history? SPAM pretty much sustained our troops during World War II. And Hawaii, of all states, consumes the most SPAM by far. Weird, I know. Going to The SPAM museum is like filling your brain with random facts for trivia night at the bar.

With an extremely friendly and enthusiastic staff, the museum is a fun and informational destination with interactive and educational elements designed for all ages. And it's free! At the very least, you'll leave with a smile on your face and maybe a SPAM t-shirt or mug as proof of the visit. Oh, and the billboards didn't lie, there are free samples: a little cube of SPAM skewered on a pretzel stick. Brilliant!