6 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Minnesota
Minnesota is located in the Upper Midwest area of the USA and shares a border with Wisconsin, Iowa, North- and South Dakota, as well as Canada. It’s also considered one of the Great Lake states thanks to a stretch of Lake Superior’s spectacular shoreline running from Duluth to Grand Portage. There’s so much to see in the “North Star State” that around 77 million tourists, most of them domestic travelers, visit here each year to experience it first-hand.
Yet while many visitors are here to see the attractions in Duluth and Minneapolis, those in the know will include some of the state’s most interesting small towns in their Minnesota travel itineraries. Of these, some of the best places to visit include the pretty riverside town of Stillwater and the rugged wilderness of Ely, along with the charming communities of Grand Marais, Lanesboro, Red Wing, and Nisswa, to name but a few. Find out more about the best places to travel to in the Upper Midwest with this list of six of the most idyllic small towns in Minnesota.
Stillwater
Stillwater’s location on the banks of the St. Croix River across from Wisconsin and just a short drive from the Twin Cities makes it a favorite getaway destination for those seeking an authentic slice of Minnesota hospitality. The Stillwater Commercial Historic District encompasses much of the town’s downtown core and is the place to begin exploring. Covering an area of 11 blocks with 63 historic properties dating from the 1860s to 1940, it’s widely regarded as one of the prettiest town centers in the state. Standouts include the Washington County Historic Courthouse, built in 1870 and accessible via guided tours that showcase the building's original furnishings and architecture.
Another popular tourist attraction in Stillwater is the Lift Bridge, a vertical-lift bridge that connects Minnesota and Wisconsin. This iconic structure, built in 1931, also offers a panoramic view of the river and surrounding areas. Outdoor activities are also plentiful in Stillwater and include boating, paddleboarding, and gondola rides on the St. Croix River. Area wineries like Saint Croix Vineyards are also making a name for themselves and offer tastings and tours.
Ely
In the north of Minnesota near the border with the province of Ontario is Ely, a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The star attraction here for outdoor types is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast are of over a million acres that’s home to excellent camping, numerous designated hiking trails, and around 1,200 miles of canoe routes all waiting to be explored.
There’s plenty of wilderness to see here, too, with excellent opportunities to learn more about them at the International Wolf Center. Located on the outskirts of town, this fascinating attraction teaches visitors about the North American gray wolf through interactive exhibits and live wolf encounters. Across town, the North American Bear Center is another must-visit and is dedicated to enhancing an understanding of black bears and their environment through educational exhibits and viewing opportunities.
Nisswa
Nisswa’s location bang-smack in the middle of Minnesota certainly adds to the town’s curb appeal. Set in the picturesque Brainerd Lakes area, this idyllic small town is famous for its unspoiled Main Street which offers a delightful array of boutique shops, specialty stores, and eateries set in the town’s many old heritage buildings. Visitors can find out more about the town’s past at the Nisswa Area Historical Society, an interesting facility set in a pioneer-style logo home.
Enjoy the outdoors? Nisswa is surrounded by dozens of lakes, making it a hotspot for water sports, with Gull Lake in particular popular for its excellent fishing. The Paul Bunyan Trail runs through Nisswa and provides miles of paved paths for biking and walking. Also worth mentioning is the Nisswa-stämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival, a nod to the town’s first settlers, and the quirky Nisswa Turtle Races, two popular events that draw summer crowds.
Lanesboro
Located in the state’s southeast corner, you know Lanesboro’s going to be pleasant due to its nickname of the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota." This quintessential small town simply exudes charm, thanks in part to the scenic beauty of the limestone bluffs that surround it… and all those cozy B&Bs. Culture vultures will want to visit the Commonweal Theatre Company, a downtown venue that offers year-round performances of contemporary plays and classic dramas, all performed by a professional ensemble, while the St. Mane Theatre hosts concerts, films, and community events.
For outdoor fans, the paved Root River State Trail is ideal for biking, hiking, and rollerblading and passes through some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes. The Root River itself also provides excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Let’s not forget downtown Lanesboro, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés… and B&Bs like the elegant Cottage House Inn.
Red Wing
The fact the mighty Mississippi River runs through Red Wing makes it a must-visit when in Minnesota (its location just an hour southeast of Minneapolis certainly helps, too). Founded in 1857 and named after the Dakota Sioux chief, this pretty town is home to the Red Wing Shoes Museum, dedicated to the history of the company after which it’s named, and home to one of the state’s quirkiest exhibits: the world's largest leather boot, standing 20 feet tall and said to be big enough for New York City’s the Statue of Liberty to wear.
Other must-see attractions include the historic Pottery Museum of Red Wing with its displays of stoneware, art pottery, and dinnerware produced in the city since the mid-1800s; and the historic Sheldon Theatre, a performing arts center built in 1904 that hosts musical performances, plays, and other artistic events. Red Wing's charming downtown area is fun to explore and is one of the most idyllic in terms of ambiance in the state.
Grand Marais
A list of the most idyllic small towns in Minnesota wouldn’t be complete without at least one destination situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We’ve chosen Grand Marais, a scenic harbor town with a village-like appeal that offers an idyllic mix of natural beauty, artistic culture, and outdoor adventure. Exploring the picturesque harbor is a must, with a stroll along the waterfront and to the historic Grand Marais Lighthouse being the perfect way to grab photos of one of those stunning Lake Superior sunsets. You can also hop aboard a scenic boat tour of Lake Superior here, too.
Other must-visits in Grand Marias include Artists’ Point, a small rocky outcrop that’s popular among painters and photographers looking to capture the rugged beauty of the North Shore; the Grand Marais Art Colony, which provides workshops and galleries showcasing the work of regional artists; and the North House Folk School which offers classes in traditional northern crafts, including boat building and woodworking.
The Final Word
These six charming small towns in Minnesota are idyllic destinations for those interested in venturing beyond the state’s better-known attractions. From Stillwater's historic riverfront to Ely's proximity to a vast wilderness area, and from the artistic enclaves of Grand Marais and Lanesboro - as well as the rich heritage and stunning scenery of places like Red Wing and Nisswa - each town presents a distinctive experience traveler’s are sure to remember long after their return home.
