11 Picturesque Small Towns to Visit in Minnesota
Set in the heart of the Midwest, Minnesota is affectionately dubbed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and it's no wonder why - with its abundant, serene water bodies that beautifully dot the landscape. Beyond its natural allure, Minnesota boasts a rich northern culture and the renowned "Minnesota Nice" hospitality, making it a delightful destination for travelers.
As the 12th largest state in the U.S., Minnesota's blend of warm, welcoming communities, captivating history, and breathtaking scenery offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Dive into the charm and character of Minnesota by exploring eleven of its most picturesque small towns. Often overshadowed by larger cities, these hidden gems are brimming with charm and intrigue, promising a unique and memorable journey.
Grand Marais
This charming waterfront community lies on the picturesque shores of Lake Superior, offering a chilled-out atmosphere with unmatched views. With less than 1,500 people calling it home, Grand Marais presents exciting opportunities to explore its secluded yet beautiful open spaces without worrying about crowds. Newcomers quickly notice the Grand Marais Lighthouse, a postcard-worthy shoreline landmark dating back to 1885. Families will find the ideal hangout spot at Putt n Pets Mini Golf, where kids can pet cute farm animals as adults perfect their swing on the 18-hole miniature golf course.
The quaint downtown district harbors a mix of stores to provide various exciting experiences, from browsing beautiful art pieces at Sivertson Gallery to sampling delicious seafood at the Angry Trout Cafe.
New Ulm
Strategically placed on the confluence of the Cottonwood and Minnesota Rivers, New Ulm is a lovely community steeped in German heritage. Thanks to venues like August Schell Brewing Company, the town's European roots become evident when exploring the quiet downtown. The establishment was started by a German immigrant in 1860 and holds the title of America's second-oldest family-run brewery. Also, the Brown County Historical Society provides some background on the town through various artifacts and memorabilia depicting its German roots and other essential aspects.
New Ulm presents plenty of opportunities for outdoorsy travelers keen on exploring the open spaces. Across the 1,000-acre territory of Flandrau State Park, adventures harness a rich habitat of grasslands, woodland, and marsh for activities like hiking, camping, and picnicking.
Lanesboro
Serene and secluded, this cozy village along the Root River banks houses a modest community of about 700. This leaves plenty of room for newcomers planning to discover its plush outdoors and stroll its peaceful town streets. Ardent adventurers often escape to Sylvan Park and Riverview Campgrounds for the ultimate experience. The site delivers spellbinding scenery along the Root River, featuring stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush grounds with pleasant campsites. Meanwhile, those who like to take it easy prefer a game of golf at the Lanesboro Golf Club.
Besides its lovely outdoor spaces, Lanesboro provides fantastic experiences for visual and performance art fans. You can check out various creations by regional artists at Lanesboro Arts or watch a moving stage show at the Commonweal Theater Company.
Stillwater
One of the oldest towns in Minnesota, Stillwater received its first settlers in 1843 and is considered the state's birthplace for hosting the first territorial convention establishing Minnesota as a state. This town hosts the Warden's House Museum as evidence of its long history. The antique structure was constructed in 1853 to house wardens of the Minnesota Territorial Prison. Stillwater lies on the bank of the St. Croix River and delivers stunning views of the famous waterway.
Visiting the Stillwater Lift Bridge puts you in the perfect position to see the river while allowing you to experience local history. Several parks enable outdoor lovers to soak in Stilwater's relaxed waterfront atmosphere. This is especially true for Lowell Park, which sits on the river's edge.
Red Wing
Beautiful natural scenery, exciting museums, and bustling arts intertwine to guarantee tourists a remarkable experience in this Mississippi River town. With the town’s cozy nature spaces, Red Wing invites lazy strolls and unassuming picnics at the riverfront Bay Point Park. The town's rich heritage is well-reserved at the Goodhue County Historical Society through a lovely collection of artifacts and memorabilia. Meanwhile, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing exhibits awe-inspiring pottery works from as far back as the 1800s.
Red Wing is a reputed regional art center and harbors several quaint art venues, including the Anderson Center. It is also home to the Sheldon Theater, a historic performance art center listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ely
An outdoor lover's dream come true, Ely is the ultimate gateway to the wilderness of the Minnesota Northwoods. Tourists can look forward to fun outdoor adventures across the town’s multiple nature attractions. Among these is the North American Bear Center, which allows for rare encounters with the black bear and other unique native species. Hikers can pack their favorite boots to be well-equipped for the rugged Trezona Trail Trailhead. The 4-mile route winds through a wooded section with beautiful scenery and stunning viewpoints.
You can also discover the town from the water during a laid-back canoeing excursion courtesy of Voyageur North Canoe Outfitters. However, touring the Dorothy Molter Museum is the perfect alternative for visitors looking for fun indoor pursuits.
Taylors Falls
Tourists visit Taylors Falls for its exciting water-fuelled adventures along the St. Croix River. This charming Chisago County community boasts stunning natural scenery with a rich network of parklands. Adventurers often gather at Interstate State Park to enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, and canoeing opportunities with the help of local outfitters like Taylors Falls Canoe & Kayak Rental. One of the best tourist activities in the town involves taking the Taylor Falls Scenic Boat Tours. This relaxed excursion on the calm river waters offers a unique perspective of the natural splendor.
However, there is more to Taylors Falls than its superb outdoors. Historians can look forward to uncovering the town's curious past at Folsom House, a historic structure built in 1855, and harbors period artifacts depicting Victorian-era Taylors Falls.
Walker
For a small town, Walker impresses with its rich mix of attractions, ensuring variety for all traveler preferences. This town has fun outdoor opportunities accessible at Walker City Park, which sits on the shores of Leech Lake. The preserve's serene setting draws picnickers and walkers looking to relax, let loose, and enjoy the breathtaking scenes. However, those eager to get on the water can book a tour with Leisure Outdoor Adventures for a remarkable sport fishing expedition.
Away from the water, visitors will appreciate the charisma of Downtown Walker, which hosts lovely family-owned stores with a welcoming vibe. They can enjoy a casual shopping experience at Lundrigans Clothing & Shoes before examining cute souvenirs inside Christmas Point Wild Rice Company.
Winona
The seat of Winona County offers a big enough pie for everyone to get a piece. This Mississippi River town offers impressive variety, with attractions ranging from museums and galleries to wineries and parks. Artistically inclined can admire world-class creations inside the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which exhibits art inspired by water. Also, the Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum preserves and interprets unique artifacts and exhibits showcasing Winona's Polish heritage.
Those who fancy outdoor adventures will be at home exploring the vast expanse of Garvin Heights City Park, with numerous hiking trails winding through a forested grassland. Finally, enjoy the taste of award-winning local wines produced at Garvin Heights Vineyards.
Nisswa
This summer hotspot in Crow Wing County draws droves of tourists throughout the year with its abundant natural resources, beautiful lakes, and vibrant downtown. The Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark promises unadulterated fun for all ages, featuring exciting twists and turns down exciting water slides. Thrill seekers craving to get their adrenaline pumping won't get enough of the Brainerd Zip Line Tour, which delivers 15 miles of extraordinary views while whizzing along a cable from the summit of Mount Ski Gull.
Mount Ski Gull is also a popular winter attraction, offering fantastic skiing and snowboarding slopes that bring enthusiasts from across the state. Downtown explorers will notice a lively craft brewery scene in Nisswa. This is also an opportunity to sample freshly made beer by touring Roundhouse Brewery.
Lake City
Appropriately named, Lake City lies on the shores of and offers access to a beautiful natural space. This town has multiple golf courses, inviting seasoned golfers and newbies to enjoy relaxed tee time at Lake City Golf or Lake Pepin Golf Course. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the rich network of parklands in Lake City, which offer an avenue to escape the crowds and commune with nature. Roschen Park is among the most popular spots in town, providing lovely amenities, including a boat launch for those hoping to get on the water.
Shopaholics can find delightful opportunities across Lake City's modest downtown, which houses quaint antique stores and gift shops. Treasure hunters should stop by Lakeside Antiques for a chance to leave with unique vintage items.
Final Thought
The highlighted destinations represent a sample of the most picturesque small towns in Minnesota. From lakeside hamlets to river towns, each offers a unique small-town character and access to the natural beauty that defines life in the North Star State. Whether seeking cultural immersion, outdoor recreation, or simply a relaxed summer getaway, exploring these hidden gems promises an insight into the heartland rarely explored by tourist itineraries that stick to metro areas. By veering off beaten paths, these picturesque towns guarantee rich Midwestern experiences to last long after leaving Minnesota's most hospitable borders.
