This Famous Lit Minnesota Tree Will Remain Dark In 2024

If you've done any amount of driving across Minnesota, you may have heard of or even seen Jerry's Tree. It sits along I-35 between Owatonna and Faribault, and for many years its light starts to shine around Thanksgiving and remains lit through New Year's Day if not longer. The tree, which often is referenced as a 'beacon' for weary travelers as they approach the Twin Cities from the south, will remain dark this year.

The sad news was shared on social media, and then it made its way to a page that I follow, Quirky Minnesota Places. The lights on the tree were damaged by a storm recently and the weather and costs have made the repair project tough to get done right now.

"Jerry told KARE-11 in 2018 that each year he gets "cards, letters and cash donations from his mailbox. The senders thank Jerry as they write of the warm feelings evoked by his tree," in the mail from those who enjoy seeing his gift to those who roll along I-35."

It would be the first time in my memory that the tree hasn't been lit along I-35. 

Growing up in the Twin Cities, and traveling down to Albert Lea for the holidays, and when my wife and I moved to Albert Lea and then drove back to the Twin Cities for holidays it was always a symbol that told us we were close to our final destination.

I hope that the lights get the repair they need, and that we see one of Minnesota's signs of the holiday season lit once again next year for those driving along I-35 heading to or from the Twin Cities.