10 Top-Rated Small Towns In Minnesota
Bordered by Lake Superior, the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, and the US States of Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota respectively, Minnesota is a gorgeous Upper Midwestern US State. The nation’s 12th-largest state by area is acclaimed for its diverse topography featuring extensive woodlands, rolling prairies, numerous rivers, and countless lakes, earning the state its moniker, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Although around 60% of Minnesota’s total population resides in the “Twin Cities” (Minneapolis-Saint Paul Metropolitan Area), which receives plenty of worldwide tourist attention, the Gopher State is also peppered with many enchanting small towns that are within a short distance from the Twin Cities and the state's other minor metropolitan areas. Whether you want to discover the historic architecture, enjoy the stunning natural sceneries, taste the lip-smacking local cuisines, or participate in vibrant annual celebrations, these top-rated small towns of Minnesota are worth including in your travel plans.
Grand Marais
Cook County’s seat, Grand Marais is a charming lake town situated on Lake Superior’s northwestern shore, approximately 38 miles southwest of the Canada-United States International boundary and 110 miles northeast of Duluth. Serving as the starting point for the Gunflint Trail that leads to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Grand Marais is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurists, art enthusiasts, and those who wish to take in the picture-perfect views. Stroll through Grand Marais’s walkable downtown and browse the countless shops, art galleries, studios, cozy eateries, and National Register-listed properties like the Bally Blacksmith Shop and the 1896 Lightkeeper’s House that houses the Cook County Historical Museum. Explore the scenic Artist’s Point, the magnificent Grand Marais Lighthouse, and various hiking trails such as the Grand Marais breakwater trail, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Honeymoon Bluff Trail, and the Pincushion Mountain Trail System. To celebrate the North Shore’s unique history and culture, Grand Marais hosts several annual festivals including Fisherman’s Picnic, Grand Marais Arts Festival, Le Grand Du Nord, Moose Madness, Lake Superior Storm Fest, and the Summer and Winter Solstice Festivals.
Lindstrom
Also known as “America’s Little Sweden,” Lindstrom, named in honor of the Swedish immigrant and the town’s first settler Daniel Lindström, is one of the tiny communities that make up the Chisago Lakes region in the state’s Chisago County, about 35 miles northeast of the Twin Cities and 10 miles from the boundary with Wisconsin. The town looks like an island when viewed aerially due to the surrounding lakes, including South Lindström Lake, South Center Lake, Kroon Lake, North Lindström Lake, and North Center Lake, all of which make Lindstrom a popular destination for anglers. Admired for its Swedish heritage, this quintessential Midwest town allures travelers to tour some of its noteworthy attractions, such as the Karl Oskar & Kristina Monument, Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Allemansratt Wilderness Park, Chisago County Historical Society, Karl Oskar House, Lindstrom Bakery, and the nearby Panola Valley Gardens. Lindstrom also hosts the annual Karl Oskar Days in mid-July with a wide variety of activities like parades, fireworks, street dances, and the coronation of a Karl Oskar Princess.
Stillwater
Stillwater, often referred to as “the birthplace of Minnesota,” occupies the western banks of the St. Croix River, about 20 miles northeast of St. Paul in Eastern Minnesota’s Washington County. The sereneness of the St. Croix River earned the community its name, with its historic downtown featuring carefully preserved Victorian mansions, in addition to multiple boutiques, vintage stores, art galleries, wineries, breweries, bed & breakfasts, and homey diners. The town’s most prominent attractions include the Stillwater Lift Bridge, Washington County Historic Courthouse, Warden’s House Museum, Issac Staples Sawmill, Teddy Bear Park, Gateway-Brown’s Creek State Trails, Aamodt’s Apple Farm, and Saint Croix Vineyards.
New Ulm
Brown County’s administrative center, New Ulm is located on a triangular land created by the meeting of the Cottonwood and Minnesota Rivers, in the state’s south-central portion, approximately 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis. Founded by the German Land Company of Chicago and christened after the city of Neu-Ulm in the German state of Bavaria, New Ulm bills itself as “the most German town in America.” Vacationers would not want to miss the town’s innumerable important sites including the New Ulm Turner Hall, Brown County Historical Society Museum, Defender’s Monument, the Hermann Heights Monument, German Bohemian Monument, Wanda Gag Home, the 45-foot-high Glockenspiel Clock Tower in Schonlau Park, and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Besides these points of interest, New Ulm is also home to the August Schell Brewing Company, Flandrau State Park, and Morgan Creek Vineyards. To celebrate its German roots, the town hosts many yearly events including the Oktoberfest and Bavarian Blast, with live music by German bands, a 10K race, a parade, beers, and delectable cuisines.
Grand Rapids
Named for the Mississippi River’s 3.5-mile-long imposing rapids, this attractive, rural up-north town is the seat of government of Itasca County. Encircled by the beautiful fishing lakes, nature trails, and forests of Minnesota’s Northwoods, Great Rapids is an ideal base camp for nature enthusiasts and adventurists who want to spend some time in one of the terminus towns of the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Head straight to the Chippewa National Forest, where tracks lead to incredible vistas and a chance to witness the abundant native flora and fauna; learn more about the area’s history at the Forest History Center, Judy Garland Museum, and Itasca County Historical Society; experience the community’s artistic side at the Reif Performing Arts Center or the MacRostie Art Center; enjoy shopping opportunities at the Old Central School; and relax by or partake in a multitude of water-based recreations along the pristine lakes. Throughout the year, Grand Rapids also hosts various tourism-related festivals including the White Oak Classic Dog Sled Race, Children’s Fair, Wizard of Oz Festival, Threshing & Antique Show, Timberman Triathlon, National Ruffed Grouse Society Annual Hunt, and the WinterGlo Festival.
Ely
Ely, an outdoor recreation paradise in Northeastern Minnesota’s Saint Louis County is located on the Vermilion Iron Range’s eastern edge, within the Superior National Forest, about 16 miles south of the Canada-United States International boundary. Ely offers easy access to acres of unspoiled forest and waterways of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Northwestern Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. Heritage lovers must visit the many historically significant structures in and around the town including the Ely State Theater, Listening Point Cabin, Burntside Lodge, Bull-of-the-Woods Logging Scow, and Tanner’s Hospital; as well as the different museums like the Dorothy Molter Museum and Ely-Winton History Museum. Elsa Jemne’s murals at the United States Post Office, the International Wolf Center, the North American Bear Center, the Ely Arts & Heritage Center, and the distinct hiking trails viz. Trezona Trail, Kekekabic Trail, and Mesabi Trail are some of Ely’s additional fascinating attractions. Visitors can also take part in community events such as the Blueberry Arts Festival, Winter Festival, and the Harvest Moon Festival held at Ely’s Whiteside Park every year.
Excelsior
A quaint western suburb of the Twin Cities, Excelsior is situated on the southern shores of Lake Minnetonka in Hennepin County, roughly 15 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The town’s National Register-listed downtown commercial district comprises several buildings that date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries and currently house gift shops, cafes, boutiques, ice-cream shops, and many upscale restaurants like the Maynard’s Restaurant. When in town, do step onboard the Excelsior Trolley – a heritage streetcar that takes you to the Minnesota Streetcar Museum, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Minnetonka, or walk a part of the fully paved Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail that cuts through Excelsior’s downtown. The Excelsior Commons Park and the Port of Excelsior with their swimming beaches and picnic areas are the best places to unwind along Lake Minnetonka. Merrymakers can have a great time at the town’s well-attended events like Apple Day, Arctic Fever, Art on the Lake, Excelsior Farmers Market, and the North American Pond Hockey Championship.
Lanesboro
Platted in 1868 by F. A. Lane, an early landowner, this tranquil town in Southeast Minnesota’s Fillmore County is widely known for its conspicuous limestone bluffs, substantial biking trails, cool spring-fed streams, and countless bed & breakfasts. The Root River State Trail which passes right through the town’s historic downtown district is considered one of the state’s most scenic trails used for hiking, inline skating, and bicycling during summers and cross-country skiing in winters. After enjoying a biking trip through the Bluff Country, browse the various shops and restaurants that line Lanesboro’s Main Street. From March to December, the Commonweal Theatre Company entertains residents and tourists alike with a rotating repertory of dramas, musicals, holiday classics, and contemporary plays. Right next to the Commonweal is the St. Mane Theater managed by Lanesboro Arts which also hosts a variety of community theater productions throughout the year. Outdoor lovers can spend a fulfilling day at the 12-acre Sylvan Park providing a myriad of recreation opportunities besides functioning as a venue for varied events like Art in the Park, Rhubarb Festival, Lanesboro Farmers’ Market, and Buffalo Bill Days.
Red Wing
Red Wing, a pleasant river town along the upper Mississippi River, is the seat of government of Goodhue County. The town attracts scores of outdoor adventurers year-round for hikes to Barn Bluff, Sorin’s Bluff, Cannon Valley Trail, and the nearby Frontenac State Park. Red Wing also offers clean golf courses, cross-country skiing trails, mountain biking paths, and a myriad of water-based recreations at the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. Alongside the ample outdoor activities, spare time to visit the locally-owned eateries, specialty shops, the esteemed Red Wing Brewery, the Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum, Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts, Pottery Museum of Red Wing, and the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum.
Henderson
Founded by the American politician Joseph Renshaw Brown in August 1852, this small town in south-central Minnesota’s Sibley County is placed within the Minnesota River Valley about 60 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Take a leisurely walk through the thriving Main Street of one of the state’s oldest communities and learn about the area’s glorious past at the former Sibley County Courthouse, the Sibley County Historical Museum, and the J.R. Brown Minnesota River Center. Outdoorsy types are drawn to the abundant activities offered at Henderson’s parks and wildlife refuges including Allanson’s Park, Bender Park, High Island Park, Rush River Park, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and the Ney Nature Center. Every year, the town hosts the Sauerkraut Days, Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah, Henderson Classic Car Roll-In, and Celebration of Prince.
From the historical allure of Stillwater to the laid-back ambiance of Lanesboro, there is no shortage of postcard-pretty towns in the country’s 22nd-most populous state. Each of these uncharted gems draws curious travelers with its distinctive charms, superb sceneries, fascinating architecture, colorful festivals, and other family-friendly attractions. These appealing locales in the North Star State are sure to leave an enduring impression on everyone who visits them.
