One of several beach/water-themed scenes at Hot Sam’s.
IT’S EASY TO BECOME distracted by the showy scenes that target your attention at Hot Sam’s Antiques, a multi-faceted attraction in rural Lakeville. There’s so much to take in, to enjoy, to photograph in this wooded site next to a pond.
Grandma in her rocking chair is just sitting there on the ground under the trees.
I’ve learned during two visits here to slow down and look, really look. Hot Sam’s is like stepping into the pages of an I Spy book. Turn the pages (walk) too fast and you’ll miss an object, a find, a work of art, a whatever. To see everything that defines this place which defies defining, you need to focus.
The road into Hot Sam’s is lined with treasures.
Art on the fence lining the driveway.
More miscellaneous treasures on the fence.
That visual concentration starts at the gate with a hodgepodge collection of objects decorating a fence alongside the gravel driveway.
There’s parking up by the log cabin/antique & collectibles shop. Explore inside and out.
The hard to miss ginormous Hardware Hank.
Don’t miss the crashed plane on the other side of the pond.
Park your vehicle and explore with the eye of a treasure hunter and a riddle solver. Only then, with an I Spy attitude, can you truly appreciate everything that is Hot Sam’s.
BONUS PHOTOS:
One of my favorite works of art at Hot Sam’s.
An odd pairing of sculptures.
For the Popeye fans.
An adorable woodcarving for sale.
Details matters, like the suitcases atop the taxi cab.
Just hanging out…
Heed the sign and don’t explore the restricted area.
FYI: Click here to read my first in this two-part series about Hot Sam’s Antiques.
Note that you must check in with Kathy or Jake before taking photos as a photo fee applies.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
That is quite an eclectic collection of items. Hoping to visit here soon. Very interesting.
And I look forward to seeing your photos.
It’s been awhile since I’ve visited Hot Sam’s but am intrigued to go again. Thanks Audrey.
You are welcome. I was there several years ago and it’s changed since then.
I like that “Restricted Area” sign! After the recent trouble with burglars in our area, I think that might be fitting!! 😀
Do burglars even read?
I love the alien!! The “I Spy” comparison is perfect.
There’s so much to love here, including that alien.
And thank you.
My sister who lives in the Minneapolis area had driven past this place for years and finally stopped in one day. She tried to describe it but only photos can really do it justice. Thanks for the fascinating tour.
You ate welcome. Hot Sam’s truly is difficult to explain without accompanying photos.
Well this looks like a fun little place to explore, your photo’s make me want to visit! Such unique pieces, I like the crashed airplane and the iron man sitting on the rusted car.
Yes, Hot Sam’s is a fun place to visit and to photograph.
Love the crashed plane. Very interesting walk through pictures you shared with us
Thank you. Hot Sam’s always has something interesting to photograph.
I think you should make people more aware of the photo fee. Most of the websites (Roadside America, this one, etc.) mentioned a $10 fee. But after having been there today (Sep, 2017) I was greeted with the unhappy news (after having shot for about 30 minutes with my DSLR) that the fee is $25 for “digital cameras”.
James, I’m sorry you had this negative experience at Hot Sam’s. That said, I don’t run the business and was simply a blogger who sought and was given permission to photograph there, did so and published the referenced post about a year ago. I noted at the end of the post that photographers need to check in with Kathy or Jake before photographing as a photo fee applies. What that fee may be is the responsibility of potential photographers to inquire about and for Hot Sam’s to share. Just like most things, prices can increase.