The Val Johnson UFO Encounter catapulted a quiet Minnesota town into the national spotlight with a mystery that endures today.

The Val Johnson UFO Encounter: Mystery in Warren, Minnesota

Explore the enigmatic Val Johnson UFO Encounter that catapulted a quiet Minnesota town into the national spotlight with a tale of lights, a shattered windshield, and a mystery that endures. 🛸👮‍♂️💥

✅ Listen to The Val Johnson UFO Encounter: Mystery in Warren, Minnesota on our podcast. We release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️


Quick Summary

Explore the enigmatic encounter that still has folks taking in Warren, Minnesota.

  • Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson’s 1979 mysterious collision with an unexplained light.
  • The “UFO Car” on display, offering a tangible link to this otherworldly event.
  • Warren’s historic charm and ongoing debate between skeptics and believers.
Something happened... but what? Was it a UFO, an orb of light, a hoax? Tell us your thoughts! Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Something happened… but what? Was it a UFO, an orb of light, a hoax? Tell us your thoughts! Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

Val Johnson UFO Encounter: What Really Happened?

In the quiet farmlands of Minnesota, something out of the ordinary happened. In 1979, Deputy Sheriff Val Johnson had a run-in with a light that left him unconscious and his car wrecked. What’s more? This isn’t a tall tale—there’s a car with a cracked windshield and bent antennas to prove it. 🚔✨

Hey! I’m Kitty, one half of the dynamic duo behind Travel with Jack and Kitty. Jack and I are your Minnesota mavens, rocking out tunes and tales from Minneapolis to Winona, where we now live. We’re all about sharing Midwest secrets that only the locals know about in our bestselling travel guides, daily podcasts, and travel blog. Join us for the fun, quirky scoop! 🎸📖✨

Now, let’s explore the mystery of the Val Johnson UFO Encounter and how you can experience this little slice of Minnesota lore… today!

The charming town of Warren, Minnesota is just a hop, skip and a jump from our friendly neighbors to the north... Canada! Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.
The charming town of Warren, Minnesota is just a hop, skip and a jump from our friendly neighbors to the north… Canada! Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

A Small Town with a Big Story: Discovering Warren, MN

Warren, a cozy town nearly kissing the Canadian border, is the backdrop of our strange story. With just over 1,600 residents, this agricultural heartland is wrapped in rivers and charm. But beneath its tranquil exterior, Warren holds a secret that’s anything but quiet. 🌾🛸

Val Johnson experienced something... but what the heck was it? We believe he had an encounter with a UFO, but skeptics think it was all a hoax. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Val Johnson experienced something… but what the heck was it? We believe he had an encounter with a UFO, but skeptics think it was all a hoax. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

The Night That Changed Everything

It was late at night when Val Johnson encountered the unexplainable—a bright light that smashed into his patrol car, leaving him out for 39 minutes. When he awoke, time had slipped, and his car coasted to a stop, facing oncoming traffic. The aftermath was physical evidence of an encounter that science couldn’t fully explain. ⏰🌌

The UFO Car: A Must-See Exhibit

Fast forward to today, and you can actually see the famed “UFO Car” at the Marshall County Historical Society. This car isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a star attraction that tells a story of the unexplained right in Warren. 🚨👽

If you find yourself in this neck of the woods, a visit to the Marshall County Historical museum is a must. I mean, who doesn't want to see a car that was attacked by aliens?! Hehe. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.
If you find yourself in this neck of the woods, a visit to the Marshall County Historical museum is a must. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a car that was attacked by aliens?! Hehe. Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

Stepping into the Past: Settler’s Square

While the UFO car might draw you to Warren, there’s more to see at Settler’s Square. Walk through a slice of the 1880s with historic storefronts and agricultural relics that showcase the area’s rich past. It’s a history buff’s playground. 🏘️🚜

Skepticism vs. Belief: The Debate Continues

Was it a close encounter or a well-crafted hoax? The debate rages on among skeptics and UFO enthusiasts alike. While some believe it’s a landmark case, others, like UFO skeptic Philip Klass, claim it’s nothing more than a stunt. 🛸💭

Warren’s Legacy: Looking to the Skies

The Val Johnson incident left an indelible mark on Warren. This town, with its motto soaring towards a bright future, can’t help but be tethered to that bizarre event. And whether it’s through a quirky town event or a glance upward, Warren keeps its eyes on the skies, past and future intertwined. 🌟🌃

Keep on Exploring!

So there you have it, a trip through time and mystery in Minnesota. And as for Warren, it seems that unidentified flying objects might just be part of its journey to a bright future. Until the next adventure, keep seeking out those curious spots, in the Midwest and beyond. Happy travels! 🛤️✈️

Know Before You Go: Val Johnson UFO Encounter

  • Val Johnson’s patrol car is on display at the Marshall County Historical Society museum
  • The museum is located at: 808 E Johnson Ave, Warren, MN
  • They are open Monday through Friday, Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., weekends and other times by appointment
  • For questions, call: 218-745-4803
  • Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted ❤️
  • Looking for more fun in the area? Visit our Northern Minnesota blog articles
Here's me (left) and my hubby Jack (right) recording today's podcast. Hehe. Just kitten! 😽 Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Here’s me (left) and my hubby Jack (right) recording today’s podcast. Hehe. Just kitten! 😽 Digital art by Jack and Kitty Norton.

✅ Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, The Val Johnson UFO Encounter: Mystery in Warren, Minnesota – where we go even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️

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The Val Johnson UFO Encounter: Mystery in Warren, Minnesota
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