10 Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Visit in 2024
With over 10,000 lakes sprinkled across pastoral landscapes, Minnesota boasts picturesque beauty worthy of exploration. In 2024, travelers ought to add a visit to the state's charming small towns, where lively communities await. Experience German heritage in New Ulm while strolling cobblestone streets and visiting historic sites steeped in tradition. Or relax among the quiet farmland and quaint shops of Lanesboro, taking in the laid-back Amish vibes as horse-drawn buggies clip-clop by.
From Scandinavian hamlets to artsy river enclaves, these lightly populated towns in Minnesota promise a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Minneapolis. If you fancy an easygoing vacation in the North Star State, the following destinations are guaranteed not to disappoint.
Alexandria
This hidden gem in central Minnesota provides the ideal getaway for an affordable vacation in the state's small towns. It is considered the Birthplace of America due to the world-famous Kensington Runestone. This historical marker is believed to be among the oldest signs of Scandinavian exploration in America and dates back to the 14th century. Visitors can learn about the Kensington Runestone and other Nordic artifacts inside the Runestone Museum Foundation. The "Big Ole" statue is a quirky sculpture in Alexandria and a symbol of its Viking pride. Rising 28 feet high and weighing 4 tons, it is often flocked by tourists seeking a memorable photo opportunity.
Alexandria houses more than 300 lakes, which speaks to the town's rich lake heritage. Those curious to explore can find interactive exhibits at the Legacy of the Lakes Museum. Inside, informative artifacts, such as old wooden vessels and fiberglass boats, preserve diverse lake traditions in the area. Finally, attend the annual Grape Stomp Festival of September 2024 to sample delicious homegrown wines.
Ely
More than a million acres of pristine, dense forests surround this tiny village of Saint Louis County, providing the ultimate escape for outdoor enthusiasts. While there are plenty of nature spaces to explore, the Trezona Trail Trailhead stands out for its blend of rich history and scenic beauty. This four-mile loop along the shores of Miners Lake runs past medieval Pioneer Mine buildings, offering a look into Ely's iron ore mining history. Travelers have exciting opportunities to interact with local wildlife species at the North American Bear Center. Besides learning fascinating facts about black bears, they can observe the behavior of three resident bears in their natural environment.
Ely delivers an opportunity to explore the remarkable life story of icon Dorothy Molter. From an enviable nursing career to selling root beer to canoeists, these and more stories about the "Root Beer Lady" come into focus at the Dorothy Molter Museum by touring her original cabins.
Stillwater
Stillwater draws travelers from within and without the state with its historic appeal. It hosted the first public convention establishing Minnesota as a U.S. state in 1848. The town maintains several landmarks, led by the Warden's House Museum, as a reminder of its colorful heritage. This rustic 1853 home housed the state's maiden territorial prison warden and displays period furnishings and other artifacts about the Civil War and local prison and war industries.
Stillwater's location on the banks of the St. Croix River makes for a thriving craft brewery industry. While there are multiple breweries to check out, locals favor Lift Bridge Brewing for its superb selection of beers, welcoming atmosphere, and insightful brew room tours. Those who appreciate chill outdoor spaces will enjoy Pioneer Park's atmosphere. This well-maintained reserve overlooking the St. Croix River has plenty of public amenities, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, benches, and BBQ pits, making it the ideal family escape.
New Ulm
Discover Minnesota's German connection in this charming community at the Minnesota-Cottonwood River junction. New Ulm boasts a variety of historical sites dating back to the 19th-century US-Dakota War. Visiting the Brown County Historical Society provides a vivid look into the area's past. On the first floor, the "Becoming Brown County" permanent exhibit pleasantly chronicles the town and its people, while Explorer's Corner on the 2nd floor is tailored for kids.
The cultural experience isn't complete without sampling authentic German beer at the Old Hauenstein Brewery. Since 1891, it has served the community with great-tasting crafts prepared from time-honored techniques. Also, you can't miss New Ulm's trademark Oktoberfest Celebration on October 5th, 2024 (join the pre-party on the 4th). Elsewhere, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame takes you on a riveting journey through the state's musical heritage. It has numerous exhibits honoring noteworthy Minnesota music legends, such as Bob Dylan and Prince.
Grand Marais
Picturesque and secluded, this Lake Superior North Shore city is home to some of Minnesota's most sought-after hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. Many travelers converge at Artist's Point to soak in spellbinding water views. Set on the scenic shores of Lake Superior, you can admire dramatic rock outcroppings, snap away at a post-card-worthy lighthouse, or relax on the sandy beach to wait for the sunset. Art lovers can visit the Betsy Bowen Gallery to browse various works by local artists. Highlights include rare and exclusive pieces by Betty, including woodcuts, signed books, and original calendars.
Travelers visiting during the snow season can find world-class skiing opportunities at the Pincushion Mountain Trail System. A beautiful wilderness area envelops the area and delivers unmatched panoramas of Lake Superior and Grand Marais from the mountaintop.
Taylors Falls
One of the best towns in Minnesota for outdoor adventures, Taylors Falls delights with world-class attractions despite hosting just over 1,000 residents. It houses Interstate State Park, whose magnificent scenery features dense woodlands with the pictographic St. Croix River passing through it. It offers fun adventures like hiking among glacial potholes and old lava flows and canoeing down the calm waters of the St. Croix River courtesy of Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental.
Touring the Folsom House provides a window into the region's history. The 19th-century mansion excellently displays a blend of New England Greek Revival architecture and takes guests back to the Victorian era with its original pre-Civil War artifacts. Among the 2024 events to look forward to in Taylors Falls is the Lighting Festival from November 29th to December 1st.
Lanesboro
Simplistic and family-friendly, Lanesboro's down-to-earth personality endears it to newcomers. The town sits in the Amish Country of southeastern Minnesota, exposing you to relaxed Amish vibes. The Bluffscape Amish Tours take newcomers on a fun and educational experience through the countryside, with a chance to meet friendly residents, explore their farms, and buy handmade Amish crafts like baskets, hardwood furniture, and woven rugs. Most adventurers in Lanesboro come to explore the Root River State Trail. This 60-mile paved multiuse pathway invites joggers, walkers, bikers, and runners to explore the backcountry, providing picturesque Root River vistas.
Big Springs Farm Pumpkins & Corn Maze is the perfect escape if you are looking for a family-friendly pursuit. Kids will have a blast exploring the corn maze, getting lost in the pumpkin patch, and enjoying hay rides. The best part is you can pay for a package of over 10 fun activities at a budget rate.
Red Wing
This Mississippi River village is an art lover's dream come true. Red Wing harbors a nationally acclaimed arts and entertainment culture that began in the mid-19th century. It has several places where visitors can sample the regional art scene, including the Pottery Museum of Red Wing. The site celebrates the heritage of Red Wing's clay industry by displaying intricate pottery art manufactured in the 1800s. However, the arts community will be on its best display during the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival on October 12th, 2024, as over 200 crafters complement the brilliant colors with diverse fine art exhibits.
Besides the impressive arts, Red Wing's robust park network encourages visitors to venture outdoors. Bay Point Park is among the best nature spaces thanks to its location on the banks of the Mississippi River. Parkgoers savor beautiful river views, spot majestic bald eagles, and enjoy easygoing picnics in a tranquil environment.
Lindstrom
Dubbing itself "America's Little Sweden," Lindstrom promises a pleasant cultural experience where guests explore Minnesota's Swedish heritage. On the city's western entrance, a lifesize statue of Karl Oskar welcomes newcomers with a tribute to the town's European pioneers. It is a popular spot for those seeking a photo opportunity in Lindstrom. The city is known for its family-friendly festivals, led by the Karl Oskar Days. But if you are visiting in the fall, you can wait for the Lindstrom Fall Fika Festival of September 2024 to celebrate the season with cute art, a farmers market, traditional dishes, and other activities.
Lindstrom has plenty of parks for the outdoorsy type, but residents and vacationers alike gravitate towards Allemansratt Wilderness Park. It stands out for its panoramic lake views, a historic house kiosk, a butterfly garden prairie, and the Allemanstratt Wilderness Loop.
Lake City
With access to Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River, Lake City is an inviting prospect for tourists interested in outdoor activities. It has multiple golf courses, but none more charming than the Lake Pepin Golf Course. Stretching 6,700 yards, this 12-hole facility boasts breathtaking vistas of the water and serene natural surroundings. Meanwhile, Roschen Park is the ultimate escape if you want to taste the waters of Lake Pepin. It has two boat ramps that let you access the lake for a fishing excursion and well-kept picnic areas for quality time with loved ones.
One of the best times to visit Lake City is during the Fall Fest, which is scheduled for all of October 2024. This spectacular spectrum of fall activities consists of the Johnny Appleseed Days, a Beer and Cider Fest, and Rotary Wine & Spirit Tasting, among other fun-friendly events.
Throughout the year, these time-honored towns come alive with unique events, from Lake City's bountiful Fall Festivals celebrating harvest time to Stillwater's bustling brewery scene, a signature attraction for over a century. Visiting these lovely towns in Minnesota enables the uninitiated to gain a keen sense of history, culture, and character that roots these special places as favorites for generations of Minnesotans. Exploring their laidback rhythms and scenic vistas provides lasting memories.
