10 Charming Minnesota Towns For The Perfect Getaway
When you think of Minnesota, your mind undoubtedly goes to its watery terrain. As a vacation destination, the 32nd state is well-known for its lake-life recreation. Yet, there’s more to the Land of 10,000 Lakes than meets the tourist’s eye. From Wabasha’s bald eagle expeditions to Ely’s annual film festival to Lindstrom’s Swedish traditions, small towns across Minnesota are also jam packed with landlubber-ish escapades. Here are 10 charming Minnesota towns for a perfect getaway; each beckons visitors to enjoy wineries, local color and, of course, lakes and rivers.
Stillwater
Known as the birthplace of Minnesota, the town of Stillwater perches on the west bank of the St. Croix River and is the perfect location for a weekend escape. There’s no better way to start exploring this enticing small town than with the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a recently converted pedestrian and bike bridge that links Wisconsin and Minnesota as a final piece of the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail. Walk across for stunning river views or watch nearby as the bridge raises to allow riverboats to pass through.
You will also love Stillwater’s historic Main Street, teeming with local restaurants like The Wild Hare and the stalwart Main Cafe, antique shops galore, and the diverse architecture of centuries past. You will also stumble upon dozens of independently owned businesses in the Boutique District by the River. Staying in this area puts you close to everything; book a room at the Hotel Lora, a boutique hotel on Main Street, for cozy accommodations.
For an extra dose of history, check out the Warden’s House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and featuring lumber industry, pioneering, and Stillwater State Prison artifacts, highlighting this town’s unique origins.
New Ulm
New Ulm was founded in 1854 by immigrants wishing to create a sort of German utopia in the US. You can’t visit this small town without paying homage to its rich German heritage—you’ll find nods to its ancestry throughout town. A 45-foot glockenspiel overlooks the downtown area where you can dine at Veigel’s Kaiserhoff for authentic wiener schnitzel and German potato salad. And just a short distance away, you’ll find Schell’s Brewery—spend a leisurely afternoon at the biergarten or book a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.
When it’s time to relax, head to Flandrau State Park, 1,000 acres fit for outdoor activities and mere minutes from downtown. In the summer, you’ll enjoy swimming in the sand-bottomed, chlorinated pond, sunbathing on the beach, and picnicking in the umbrage of the park’s soaring trees. There’s also eight miles of well-maintained hiking trails that guide you through the park’s marshes, woods, and grasslands.
At the end of a busy day, guests love to stay at the Bingham Hall Bed & Breakfast for its homey atmosphere and thoughtful touches. Plus, it’s located right downtown.
Red Wing
Red Wing rests on the majestic Mississippi River, providing visitors with a panorama of paddle boats and river bluffs amidst a bevy of buzzy local businesses.
A special way to discover Red Wing’s beauty is to reserve an e-bike from Rolling River Bike Rental. A must-see is the Canyon Valley Trail, 19.7 miles of old railroad track now used as a walking and biking path. Running parallel to the Cannon River, this trail offers you breathtaking views of the rolling forest foliage.
You should definitely spend a day exploring Red Wing’s historic downtown. Start your morning with a fresh brew from Mandy’s Coffee & Cafe before tackling the town’s arsenal of shops. Pick up the latest bestseller at independent bookstore Fair Trade Books or try Cut Above Home for carefully curated kitchen accessories and home decor. Top off your getaway with a room at the St. James Hotel, a stately red brick property located on Main Street that’s been in operation since 1875.
Grand Marais
Between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior lies Grand Marais, a haven for artists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Check out the Grand Marais Art Colony for art classes and rotating public exhibitions, no doubt inspired by the town’s pristine beauty. See it up close in the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest—there’s a number of hiking trails great for picnicking or even spotting a moose in its natural habitat.
Downtown Grand Marais is super walkable, and you’ll love trying the multitude of seafood eateries in town. Newer to the Grand Marais local food scene is the North Superior Fishery’s food truck, stationed downtown with daily specials that feature fresh fish caught the same day. Herring is the holy grail in Grand Marais, but you also have to try the trout nuggets.
When traveling to Grand Marais, stay at East Bay Suites, waterfront lodging that offers guests a list of guided experiences like kayaking and canoeing. Plus, it’s right across the street from World’s Best Donuts, a nationally lauded Grand Marais institution that serves up Seussian delights such as cake donuts, skizzles, and kabobs. From comfort foods to lakeside relaxation, a trip to Grand Marais is always a treat for the soul.
Nisswa
Situated in north central Minnesota, the town of Nisswa is next to Gull Lake, a highly desired spot for North Star State vacationers. Along with water sports and recreation, the Nisswa lake life provides serene waterfront dining at the Quarterdeck Grill and on-the-water noshing with sunset views, provided by Gull Lake Cruises.
Nisswa hosts many long-running celebrations in its historic downtown throughout the year. Autumn brings the Fall Festival, which features the Smokin’ Hot Barbeque Challenge, and the town’s City of Lights event ushers in the holiday season with hot cider, carolers, and frosty fireworks. Join in the merrymaking with this welcoming community, and while you’re downtown, be sure to stop by The Chocolate Ox, the area’s premiere ice cream and candy shop, for a sweet treat.
Where once the town was simply a summertime destination, Nisswa’s year-round allure is changing that. A great way to experience this yourself is a stay at Grand View Lodge, a resort that offers perennial activities for the whole family. From bingo to bonfires, snowshoeing to sand volleyball, you will always have something fun to do at this retreat.
Wabasha
Known as the Eagle Capital of America, Wabasha itself soars as a Minnesota town worthy of a holiday. To learn more about this precious bird, you have to visit the National Eagle Center, a facility dedicated to educating folks about the historical and cultural significance of eagles. At the center, you can embark on a number of amazing experiences that increase your chances for prime eagle sightings including habitat tours and Mississippi river cruises.
The winter season offers great skiing and snowboarding at Coffee Mill Ski Area, featuring 14 different runs and three lifts. And each February, the community gathers for the Grumpy Old Men Festival, an annual ode to the 1993 film set in a semi-fictional Wabasha. Of course there’s a movie rewatch party, along with ice fishing and a polar plunge. You can even grab a bite at Slippery’s Tavern, a bar and grill that the main characters frequented in the film.
When you plan your restful weekend in Wabasha, book the Turning Waters Bed & Breakfast for its downtown locale, homemade five-course breakfasts, and onsite, pizza-serving taproom Hoppy Girl Brewing. You’ll definitely be smitten with this town’s distinct character.
Lindstrom
Lindstrom, an island-like destination given it is completely surrounded by lakes, is referred to as “America’s Little Sweden.” Only 35 miles away from the Twin Cities, this Scandinavian small town is an incredible choice for a weekend getaway.
In Lindstrom, you’ll be encouraged to fika, which means getting a cup of coffee and a pastry with a friend. Luckily, there are many spots that will help you uphold this lovely Swedish tradition like Northwoods Roasterie & Coffee Shop or The Lindstrom Bakery. The coffee pot-shaped water tower proudly standing in Lindstrom’s downtown can’t help but reinforce this custom.
To get out on the water, check out the Chisago Lakes Water Trail, a 10-mile waterway of interconnected lakes, great for kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing. A day trip from Lindstrom Beach can take you through a lily-padded channel to arrive at Allemansrätt Park, a 125-acre wilderness and Swedish heritage park. Or you can rent a pontoon or motorized boat from Captain Shawn’s Rentals to spend a day fishing walleye, crappie, or bass.
Stay at the Amerivu Inn and Suites, which will put you close to Lindstrom’s downtown where you can take advantage of open green spaces, the Lindstrom farmers market, and plentiful shopping and dining options.
Ely
Ely is the perfect place for a weekend escape to reconnect with nature. With over 20 different access points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, so many possibilities for outdoor adventure await you. The outfitter Williams and Hall can make your Boundary Waters expedition easy by planning your trip and providing great equipment and food.
On the other hand, cinephiles will adore the Ely Film Festival held every March. It’s a week-long event that showcases regional independent films and hosts Q&A sessions with filmmakers to celebrate storytelling with the community. It’s held at the iconic State Theater, which for the other 51 weeks of the year plays feature films across a wide variety of genres.
Day or night, you can’t go wrong with Northern Grounds. The morning coffee shop’s menu includes its own small batch brew and an array of breakfast items. In the evening, the space becomes a cozy wine bar with a wide selection of by-the-glass options, wine tastings, and impressive charcuterie boards.
Among the many great lodging options in Ely is River Point Resort, tranquil rental cabins on a private peninsula where the Kawishiwi River meets Birch Lake. You’ll be astounded by the sunsets and the service.
Winona
Winona is a river city with an endless stream of things to do. On the banks of the Mississippi River, this town is brimming with personality. It starts with the large number of original festivals the town puts on each year. There are at least four dedicated to different genres of music, including two favorites: the Minnesota Beethoven Festival and the Dixieland Jazz Festival.
You’ll also love the Minnesota Marine Art Museum located in the small town. With both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, the MMAM is devoted to art inspired by water on its gorgeous seven-acre campus.
Moreover, Winona makes it so you don’t have to head to California to experience wine country. The town’s wineries are situated on the Great River Road Wine Trail that extends into Wisconsin and Iowa. A local favorite is the family-owned Garvin Heights Vineyards, fortunate to have amazing real estate on the bluffs overlooking Winona as its wine tasting backdrop.
Offering a mix of old and new, the newly renovated The Exchange in downtown Winona is a great choice for accommodations with different-sized rentable rooms. For something more traditional, check into Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, Winona’s newest hotel with Sugar Loaf Bluff right outside your window.
Crosby
Crosby, Minnesota is a mountain biker’s dream, adjacent to the first-rate trail system inside the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Teeming with wildlife, the 50 miles of trails gives riders a choose-your-own-adventure taste of the teal blue mine pit lakes.
And see those lakes you can when you rent a glass-bottomed kayak from Cuyuna Outfitters. You’ll have 40 feet of clarity to say hello to the passing sunfish and peer into the underwater forests that remain in the lakes.
Downtown Crosby has some fantastic options for refueling. Red Raven is a hybrid of a cafe and a bike shop, great for both a coffee and a tune-up. You will love the vibe at Rafferty’s Pizza—think wood-fired pies and a patio with views of Serpent Lake. Unwind at Cuyuna Brewing Company, a welcoming taproom with beer, cocktails, and a Burritos California counter to order fresh Mexican food.
Choose the ride-in/ride-out Cuyuna Cove for your weekend stay in Crosby. A mix of rustic cabins and bungalows great for parties of any size, this property’s ideal location puts you close to both downtown Winona and the town’s gorgeous surroundings.
It’s time to finally book that getaway to any one of these small Minnesota towns, all boasting beautiful scenery in an array of rivers, forests, bluffs, beaches, and lakes. You can go moose watching in Grand Marais, try New Ulm’s German fare, or walk across the river in Stillwater. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, peaceful solitude, or historic downtown culture, you will find it in the North Star State, especially in these 10 charming Minnesota towns for a perfect getaway. The hardest part is choosing where to go first.
