Some road trips need a reason, and this one hands you more than 3,000 of them. About 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities, a giant roadside stop has turned candy shopping into a full afternoon adventure.
The shelves hold the sweets you traded at recess, treats from countries you have never visited, and a few oddballs you will want to show your friends. There are also pies, rows of root beer, and stacks of puzzles.
Above it all, the ceilings are covered in murals and huge movie-themed figures. Families come back every year, and some locals even plan a trip for the first day of summer break.
Keep reading to learn what makes this sugar stop so famous, when to go to skip the crowds, and the one thing you must bring along before you leave home.
A Sweet Landmark on Highway 169
Every great treasure hunt needs a map, and this one starts at 20430 Johnson Memorial Dr, Jordan, MN 55352, in the United States.
Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store sits on Highway 169 between Belle Plaine and Jordan. It is only about 30 minutes south of the Twin Cities, so it makes an easy day trip.
The name is not just a bold boast. The store stocks over 3,000 types of candy, plus jams, baked goods, sodas, sauces, and much more.
For many Minnesota families, the drive itself has become a tradition. Some people make a special trip every summer as soon as school lets out.
Road trippers passing through southern Minnesota often treat it as a must-stop. It is the kind of place that turns a quick break into a highlight of the whole journey.
The store has earned 4.6 stars from more than 11,000 Google users, which is a huge crowd of happy fans. That kind of following does not happen by accident.
A newer road now leads to the store, making the trip simpler than it used to be. Returning fans who have not stopped in for years notice the improvement right away.
So set the GPS, clear some room in the back seat, and get ready, because the real fun starts once the doors open.
More Than Just a Candy Shop
Calling it a candy store is a bit like calling Minnesota a place with a few lakes. The label is true, but it leaves out a lot.
Yes, candy is the star of the show. Still, the aisles also carry chips, cookies, sauces, spices, candles, cheese, butter, meats, and pickled everything.
Food-focused day-trippers will find plenty to fill a cart. Each category comes with a deep selection, including international flavors that are hard to track down at local grocery stores.
Shoppers also point out that prices on many items are very competitive. Some say much of the stock costs less than at big-box chains, which helps explain how the store moves so much product.
Not everything is a bargain, though. Chocolate bars can run $5 to $10, so candy lovers on a budget may want to compare before they grab a handful.
Local goods sit right beside treats from far away. That mix makes it a handy stop for gift shoppers looking for something with a Minnesota touch.
The best plan is to walk every aisle, even the ones that do not seem like your thing. Some of the best finds hide in the sections you almost skipped.
Retro Treats From Recess Days
Remember the candy you begged for at the corner store as a kid? There is a good chance it is waiting here on a shelf.
Nostalgic candy is one of the biggest reasons people make the drive. Many shoppers say they found sweets from their childhood that they had not seen in years.
The selection covers favorites, classics, and the kind of treats that make you stop and say, I forgot those existed. That moment of surprise happens again and again in these aisles.
Taffy fans get plenty of love too. There are many types of taffy, plus fudge and other old-school sweets.
Vintage collectors and memory chasers tend to linger in this part of the store. Grandparents often point out the candies they enjoyed decades ago, then share them with the grandkids.
It turns a simple shopping trip into a family history lesson. Kids learn what their parents snacked on, and adults get a fun trip back to the school bus days.
Bring a list of the retro treats you miss most. Odds are good you will cross off more than a few, and add some new ones along the way.
Candy With a Passport
Travel the globe without leaving Scott County. The international candy section makes that possible.
The store specializes in candy and snacks from around the world. Many shoppers come just to try flavors they cannot find anywhere else in the state.
Some treats are familiar brands with a foreign twist. Others are completely new, with packaging in languages you may not read.
That sense of discovery is part of the fun. Regular guests say trying something new each visit is one of their favorite traditions.
There is also a section for the truly weird stuff. Brave snackers can pick up odd candies just to see how their friends react.
For families, this aisle can become a game. Each person picks one mystery treat, and everyone rates it on the ride home.
It is also a great spot for picking gifts for the person who has tried everything. A candy from another continent makes a far better surprise than another gift card.
So grab a basket and go exploring, because no plane ticket is required for this world tour.
Look Up Before You Shop
The best views in the building are not on the shelves. They are overhead.
Ceilings throughout the store are covered in murals and large statues. Themes have included characters from Frozen, Monsters Inc, Harry Potter, and plenty more.
There are larger-than-life superhero models too. Themed rooms range from Disney favorites to science fiction.
The room with chewy candies has a ceiling that gets special attention from shoppers. Many say it is one of the coolest parts of the whole visit.
The decor keeps changing and growing. Returning guests often notice that the theme inside is different from their last trip.
That means even regulars have new things to spot. It gives people a solid reason to come back year after year.
Art fans will also appreciate the arts and crafts on display. Crafters may leave with a few fresh ideas for their own projects.
Here is a friendly tip: walk slowly and keep your chin up. You might miss a giant hero hanging right above the gummy bears.
Dozens of Root Beers and Rare Pop
Pop lovers, meet your new happy place. The soda selection here is a destination of its own.
The root beer section alone offers dozens of choices. Many shoppers come looking for brands they cannot find anywhere else.
Beyond root beer, the shelves hold an extensive lineup of sodas in many flavors. Retro bottles sit next to unusual brands from small makers.
Building a mixed case is a popular move. Families often bring home a variety pack so everyone can test a different flavor.
A quick pro tip is to check the dates on bottles before checkout. It is a simple habit that makes sure your favorite pick is fresh.
Soda also makes a fun souvenir. A rare bottle tends to spark more conversation than a fridge magnet ever will.
Some shoppers turn it into a challenge, trying one new root beer each visit. With this many choices, that game could last for years.
Pair a bottle with your favorite candy, and you have a classic combo straight out of a 1950s soda shop.
The Bakery Counter Worth the Detour
Plenty of people walk in for candy and walk out holding a pie box. It happens all the time.
The bakery is one of the most talked-about parts of the store. Pies come up again and again, with apple pie leading the conversation.
Fresh cooled pies have been priced at $13.99. Many shoppers say they are well worth the money and urge first-timers to grab one.
The apple bread has its own fan club. Families often take home a loaf along with their candy haul.
Fudge and other baked goods round out the counter. There is something for anyone who prefers a slice over a sucker.
Some shoppers say the bakery alone could justify the drive. That is a big compliment for a place famous for candy.
A pie makes a smart gift if you are heading to a family gathering. It also travels well for the ride home, as long as nobody gets into it early.
Save some room in the car and the budget, because skipping the bakery is a choice many regret later.
Puzzles Around Every Corner
Here is a surprise few first-timers expect. This candy store is also a puzzle paradise.
Hundreds of puzzles are for sale throughout the entire building. They pop up in nearly every section, so you will keep spotting new ones.
Puzzles are actually among the most mentioned features of the store. For hobbyists, that makes the trip even more rewarding.
Minnesota-themed puzzles are available too. The staff can point you to the right spot if you are hunting for one.
That makes this aisle a great stop for crafters and hobby fans. A new puzzle and a bag of candy make an easy cozy night at home.
Puzzles also work well as gifts. A state-themed design is a thoughtful pick for friends who moved away or visitors from out of town.
Families planning a cabin weekend often stock up here. One big puzzle can keep a crowd busy on a rainy afternoon up north.
Just be careful, because one box often turns into three. Piece by piece, your shopping cart fills up fast.
Fun for Every Age Group
Toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents all find their own reasons to smile here. Few shops pull that off so well.
Kids love the giant characters and the endless candy choices. A step stool is even provided in the restroom for little ones.
Adults enjoy the retro treats, the puzzles, and the specialty foods. Older guests often go straight for the candies of their youth.
It also works as a date spot. Couples spend an hour exploring, picking treats, and checking out the themed rooms.
Families take photos under the big displays. Those snapshots often become part of a yearly tradition.
Some people even pick this store for birthday outings. It is a simple and fun way to celebrate without a big party.
Gift shoppers and souvenir seekers have plenty of options as well. You can knock out a lot of shopping in one stop.
Whatever the age of your crew, everyone is likely to leave with a bag and a story.
Crowds, Aisles, and the Weekday Trick
Popularity comes with a price, and here it is paid in elbow room. Weekends can get very busy.
Shoppers describe wall-to-wall crowds on Saturdays and Sundays. The aisles are narrow, which can make moving around slow.
Strollers and wheelchair scooters can have a harder time on busy days. Planning ahead makes the trip much more relaxed.
The best fix is simple: go on a weekday. Many regulars say arriving right at the 8 AM opening is the smartest move.
A calmer store means more time to read labels and spot treasures. You can also enjoy the overhead art without getting bumped.
Even busy days have a bright side. Checkout tends to stay orderly, and the staff remain friendly and helpful.
The building can get a bit warm on some days. Dressing in light layers may help you stay comfortable while browsing.
If a weekend is your only option, go anyway with patience. There is a reason so many people squeeze in to see it.
Bring Cash, Seriously
Here is the single most important tip in this whole article. Cards will not work here.
The store accepts only cash or check. Electronic payments, including tap-to-pay and cards, are not accepted.
Cash-only is one of the most talked-about details of the store. Plenty of first-timers find out the hard way at the register.
The good news is that there are ATMs throughout the building. You will not have to leave if you forget.
Still, ATM fees can add up. Grabbing cash from your own bank before the drive is usually the cheaper choice.
Think about your budget before you go too. With so many items to tempt you, setting a dollar limit can help.
A smart plan is to give kids a set amount of cash. It turns shopping into a lesson in making choices.
So tuck some bills in your wallet before you hit the highway. Your future self at checkout will thank you.
Hours That Fit Any Road Trip
Early birds get the gummy worms. The doors open at 8 AM every single day of the week.
From Monday through Thursday, the store closes at 7 PM. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, it stays open until 8 PM.
Those long hours make it easy to fit into almost any plan. You can stop in on the way to the lake or on the drive home.
Morning visits on weekdays are the calmest. That is when shoppers have the most space to explore.
Plan for one to two hours inside. Many people say they wish they had set aside even more time.
Some try a speed run when they are in a rush. Most leave saying they want to come back and take it slow.
Evening stops on weekends can work too, though crowds are more likely. Checking your schedule ahead of time helps you pick the best window.
Since the store is open seven days a week, there is really no bad day to plan your sweet escape.
Parking, Restrooms, and Small Comforts
Practical details can make or break a road trip stop. Luckily, the basics here are covered.
There is plenty of free parking. Even on busy days, the large lot gives drivers lots of room.
The restrooms are designed with creative touches. Many guests describe them as clean and fun, though a few have noted they can get messy during rush times.
Kids get a little help with a step stool. Small details like that make family visits easier.
Air conditioning helps on hot summer days. Some shoppers still say it can get toasty when the store is packed.
The staff are known for being kind and helpful. They will gladly point you toward a specific item or section.
A short break near the car can help everyone recharge before round two. Some families do a first lap, rest, and then go back for the items they missed.
Those comfort factors help explain why so many groups linger far longer than they planned.
A Sugar Rush Worth Repeating
Few shopping trips turn into family traditions. This one does it with ease.
Between the retro candy, global snacks, giant art, and fresh pies, there is a lot packed under one roof. Most first-timers leave already planning their next visit.
Candy prices can be on the higher side for some items. Yet the experience, the selection, and the bakery keep people coming back.
Vintage lovers get their childhood favorites. Food fans get rare sodas and specialty goods, and puzzle fans get stacks to choose from.
Remember the key tips. Bring cash, aim for a weekday morning, and give yourself at least an hour or two.
Check dates on anything you plan to store for a while. Then leave some room for a pie on the way out.
For a quick drive south of the Twin Cities, the payoff is big. It is part shop, part gallery, and part time machine.
Go once, and do not be surprised if your next summer break starts with a familiar trip down Highway 169.
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