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Alexandria, Minnesota: Spotty the Stuffed Dog

The old lady that owned him decided that Spotty, a fox terrier, should stay even after he was dead. He's been at the Kensington Runestone Museum since the 1970s, curled up on a rug in a replica cabin.

Kensington Runestone Museum

Address:
206 Broadway, Alexandria, MN
Directions:
I-94 exit 103. Drive two miles north on Broadway/Hwy 29, to the far north end of town. Spotty is a display inside the Kensington Runestone Museum.
Hours:
Summer M-F 9 am - 5 pm, Sa 9 am - 4 pm, Su 11 am - 4 pm. Winter M-Sa 10 am - 4 pm, closed Su. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
320-763-3160
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Visitor Tips and News About Spotty the Stuffed Dog

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Spottie.

Spotty the Stuffed Dog

Spotty is still waiting for Grandma...

[Kathy & Ron - On W X N, 08/27/2016]

Spotty.

Spotty the Dog

In the Runestone Museum located in Alexandria, MN, there is an exhibit which might qualify for your pet cemetery.

Inside the museum, there is a mock-up of a local couple's log cabin. You see the some period furnishings, clothing, and a fireplace. Then you see the dog curled up on the hearth. Turns out it's "Spotty." No, not a model of Spotty. It's the real Spotty. Apparently the dog was so beloved that when he died they stuffed him and he lay next to the hearth for the rest of the lives of his owners. A devotion-filled poem written by the couple about Spotty is posted on the outer wall of the log cabin for all museum visitors to read. It's just creepy that they'd keep Spotty around for the next couple of decades, don't you think? It made a lasting impression on me!

[Kelli Rae Tubbs, 08/24/2002]

August 2016: Photo added. August 2008 - This tip has been corrected -- "Bingo" to "Spotty."


Nearby Offbeat Places

Runestone MuseumRunestone Museum, Alexandria, MN - < 1 mi.
Big Ole: America's Biggest VikingBig Ole: America's Biggest Viking, Alexandria, MN - < 1 mi.
Big Fish Atop a SignBig Fish Atop a Sign, Alexandria, MN - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Big Folk Art: Jesus, Troll, Earth Eagle, Elbow Lake, MN - 29 mi.

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