Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store is one of the Upper Midwest’s most recognizable seasonal shops.
Located along Highway 169 near Jordan, this enormous yellow candy barn opens each year for a limited stretch of the warm-weather season before closing for winter.
Travelers who arrive during its operating months step into a world packed with classic sweets, nostalgic treats, and seasonal specialties that draw families from across the region.
A Seasonal Shop That Builds Anticipation
The store is open only part of the year, typically from spring through late fall. Its winter closure has become part of its charm. Local families treat opening weekend like a holiday, knowing the shelves will stay stocked only until the cold sets in.
When the doors swing open in spring, the candy barn becomes a bustling hive of activity. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant atmosphere, buzzing with excitement. The anticipation of its limited availability adds to the allure, making each visit feel special.
As winter approaches, the closing day is bittersweet. Customers fill their carts with treats, knowing they’ll have to wait months for the next opportunity. This cyclical opening and closing has turned the store into a cherished tradition in Minnesota.
A Landmark You Can’t Miss on the Highway
The bright yellow barn sits right off 169, impossible to overlook. Its size surprises first-time visitors, but inside, the atmosphere stays warm and welcoming, more like a massive country market than a commercial candy retailer.
Drivers along the highway can’t help but notice its eye-catching facade. The barn’s cheerful color and enormous lettering invite curiosity and promise sweet discoveries inside. It’s a roadside icon that captures the spirit of Minnesota charm.
Every detail of its exterior reflects a welcoming personality. The vibrant paint and playful design elements create an inviting aura, drawing in candy lovers from all over. This unforgettable landmark remains a favorite stop for many traveling through the state.
Endless Aisles of Classic Sweets
Each corridor focuses on a particular theme, from nostalgic candies to chocolate, licorice, and holiday treats when in season. While peppermint bark and winter confections appear only near closing months, the variety remains a major draw.
Walking through the aisles feels like stepping back in time. Classic sweets from the past share shelves with contemporary favorites, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The diversity of candy is astounding, with endless choices at every turn.
Themed sections guide visitors through a delightful maze of flavors and colors. From sugary sour delights to rich, creamy chocolates, each corner promises a new adventure. It’s a candy lover’s dream come true, nestled right in the heart of Minnesota.
A Store Designed Like a Family Tradition
Most of the interior is crafted from wood, with long tables, barrel displays, and simple hand-lettered signs. The effect makes the barn feel less like a business and more like a family-run roadside shop stretched to grand scale.
Every detail inside whispers of tradition and hospitality. The rustic design elements evoke a sense of nostalgia, creating an atmosphere where memories are made. It’s as if the store invites visitors to become part of its story.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, reminiscent of simpler times. Families wander through the aisles, children’s eyes wide with wonder, embracing the experience. This familial feel turns every visit into a cherished memory in the heart of Minnesota.
Pies, Fudge, and Handmade Sweets
Aside from packaged candies, the shop is known for handmade pies, fudge, and seasonal specialties produced in-house. These items rotate through the year, with fall sweets especially popular before the winter shutdown.
The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, enticing visitors from the moment they step inside. Each sweet treat is crafted with care, adding a personal touch that sets the store apart.
Especially during autumn, these homemade delights become the stars of the show. Customers rave about the rich flavors and quality, often returning year after year for their favorite confections. It’s a celebration of local craftsmanship and culinary tradition in Minnesota.
A Quiet Farm Setting That Adds to the Appeal
Although the store attracts large crowds, its setting remains rural. Rolling farmland surrounds the barn, giving the whole visit a calm, small-town feeling even during busy afternoons.
This idyllic backdrop of lush fields and open skies enhances the experience. Visitors find respite from the hustle and bustle, enjoying a peaceful moment amidst nature’s beauty.
The tranquil environment serves as a perfect complement to the lively atmosphere inside. It’s a harmonious blend of excitement and serenity, making every visit to the candy barn a unique rural Minnesota experience.
A Favorite Stop for Travelers and Road-Trippers
Highway 169 connects the Twin Cities to southern Minnesota, making the store a convenient stop for families on weekend drives. Its short operating window encourages travelers to visit before the season ends.
The candy barn has become a beloved waypoint on the journey. Road-trippers find joy in the stop, breaking up long drives with a burst of sugar-fueled fun. It’s a welcome detour that refreshes and delights.
Every visit feels like a mini-adventure, a chance to explore new flavors and relive childhood memories. This makes the candy barn a must-visit destination for those traversing through Minnesota, offering a sweet escape from the road.
A Closing Season That Feels Like a Farewell
When the barn shuts its doors each winter, customers know it will stay dark for months. The seasonal rhythm has turned the shop into a tradition, with locals counting down to each year’s reopening.
The closing day carries a mix of emotions, as loyal patrons stock up on their favorite treats. It’s a heartfelt goodbye, filled with anticipation for the next opening.
This cyclical pattern creates a sense of community among visitors. The store becomes more than just a place to buy candy, it becomes part of their lives, a sweet chapter in Minnesota’s seasonal narrative.
Upcoming Relocation
In response to upcoming road construction, the store plans to relocate to a new site in Jordan, approximately one mile away. The new location is expected to open in the spring of 2027, offering expanded space and amenities.
This move is met with both excitement and nostalgia. Loyal customers are eager to see what the future holds, while fondly remembering the beloved original location.
The relocation marks a new chapter in the candy barn’s history. It promises new adventures and memories, ensuring that this Minnesota treasure continues to delight for years to come.
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