So Minnesota: Lego King of Minneapolis builds Minnesota landmarks one brick at a time

Published

4 months ago

December 19, 2025

So Minnesota: Lego King of Minneapolis builds Minnesota landmarks one brick at a time

Many kids will find Lego sets under the Christmas tree this holiday season, but the popular toy isn’t just for children.

Jeff Esler fell in love with Legos as a child, and that love affair has never ended.

“I am the Lego king of Minneapolis,” Esler said. “So my friends call me.”

A decade ago, Esler immortalized Nye’s Polonaise Room in Legos and posted it on Facebook.

“That one, it kind of went really viral,” Esler said. “I think I got 100,000 shares.”

Esler’s fame grew after he went on to use toy bricks to build mini masterpieces of Minnesota landmarks.

“I did Matt’s, and then I did Gluek’s,” Elser said. “I did the Frank Lloyd Wright gas station in Cloquet. Then, probably the Split Rock Lighthouse. The Grain Belt sign.”

Each project costs from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. They take a ton of bricks and days to build. Esler has sold some models and given others away.

“I do the landmarks, because they click with people,” Esler said.

Esler plans to keep building some of Minnesota’s most recognizable places one brick at a time.

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What will bring visitors back to the Science Museum of Minnesota?

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4 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

What will bring visitors back to the Science Museum of Minnesota?

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Minnesota

Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

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16 hours ago

April 8, 2026

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Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

Elk River leaders are moving to keep Minnesota’s retired state flag flying in the city after residents backed the idea in a survey.

The Elk River City Council voted 5-0 on Monday night to draft a resolution to display the old flag instead of the new design adopted two years ago.

The move came after more than 1,000 residents responded to an online survey posted by the city. In that survey, the city says almost 75% supported displaying the old flag.

A final council vote is expected at its next meeting on the 20th.

Minnesotans hold onto old habits when buying a state flag

Other cities across the state have taken similar steps to fly the retired flag, including Champlin and Zumbrota.

The flag design turned into a political dispute when planning for a new design first began. Two years later, debates continue, with some believing the old flag celebrated the displacement of Native Americans and others embracing it due to its history.

Lawmakers, commission member discuss new legislation for state flag, seal designs

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Minnesota

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Country music star Brad Paisley will be bringing his talents to the Grandstand at this year’s Minnesota State Fair.

Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, with prices ranging between $52 to $113.75.

Paisley has won several awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards.

Brad Paisley performs during The Big 98’s Friendsgiving at the Grand Ole Opry House on November 10, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jason Kempin / Getty Images

In 2008, Paisley became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. Last year, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

This year’s Grandstand acts also include TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, Rod Stewart, “Weird” Al Yankovic and Bonnie Raitt. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are also still available.