5 Unique Places Nicolas Cage Should Check Out While In Minnesota

Nicolas Cage has been spotted around Minnesota while he is filming a movie in the Stillwater area. Most recently, Cage was spotted at a downtown Stillwater malt shop, which got me thinking about what other Stillwater area opportunities await Nicolas as he is on break from set. Here are 5 opportunities for Cage to enjoy while not straying too far from set.

5 Places Nicolas Cage Should Check Out While In The Stillwater Area

The Stillwater area is gorgeous year-round. I'm lucky enough to spend plenty of weekends in that area throughout the year, and if you asked me what else Nicolas Cage should experience while he is here, I'd be happy to do that.

The first thing I'd recommend he do is hop on Highway 95, head north to Taylor's Falls, and to check out Interstate State Park.

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Interstate State Park has plenty to offer if you want to spend time out in the crisp fall air. From ancient potholes to old lava flows, and plenty of breathtaking views of the St. Croix River.

It's one of my favorite state parks to visit just for the views.

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Number 2 on my list is not far from Interstate State Park; it's actually inside of it.

The Walter F. Mondale River Trail. It's a 2-ish mile hike that runs along the West edge of the St. Croix River. The best part of the hike is seeing history. You'll get to look out over the historical site of Nevers Dam, a major landmark from the region's 19th- and early 20th-century logging era.

Bring a camera.

Third on the list is not far from Interstate State Park and the Walter F. Mondale River Trail. However, it's very Nicolas Cage-y.

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The Franconia Sculpture Garden, in Shafer. 

This one feels especially fitting for him, as his film career has embraced plenty of unusual, surreal, and offbeat projects. Franconia features enormous outdoor sculptures scattered across a prairie landscape. Some of the artwork looks like it could have come straight out of one of his stranger movies.

With all that walking around, Cage will have done, it's time to sit down and grab a bite to eat.

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Drop in to Scandia Pizza for a slice, and make sure to check out the specials. Scandia Pizza would give Cage a taste of small-town Minnesota, away from the crowds and bustle of downtown Stillwater. It’s exactly the sort of casual, low-key stop that fits the story of a Hollywood star exploring the area between filming days.

It's also my guilty pleasure when I am visiting my in-laws.

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Finally, if Cage wants to get a classic Minnesota fall experience, Aamodt's Apple Orchard isn't too far from Stillwater. It's just 15 minutes from downtown Stillwater and offers something that's slower-paced, and who can say no to hot cider?

Any one of these places would be a great option for Nicolas while he is here.

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