6 Quintessential Minnesota Towns
Minnesota, the 22nd most populous and 12th largest state of the nation situated in the Upper American Midwest, is distinguished for its diversified terrain showcasing prolific prairies, sprawling wilderness, bluff-lined rivers, and incalculable lakes which have helped earn the state its sobriquet, “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
Even though over 60% of Minnesota’s entire populace are dwellers of the Gopher State’s booming meccas—the ‘Twin Cities’ predominantly grab the maximum tourist attention—the many quintessential small towns dotting this gorgeous state are mostly overlooked. So, better not waste time and set out on a tour to uncover these archetypal towns in the Land of Sky Blue Waters.
Lanesboro
A halcyon Fillmore County community, Lanesboro, named as a homage to the early landowner F. A. Lane is infamous for its salient limestone bluffs, cold unspoiled watercourses, sizable biking trails, and illimitable bed & breakfasts like Historic Scanlan House Bed & Breakfast, Anna V’s B & B, etc. One of the most alluring pathways of Minnesota—the Root River State Trail, passing directly via the town's vintage downtown district, is used for cross-country skiing in the cooler months and bicycling, hiking, and inline skating during the warmer months.
Likewise, at Sylvan Park take part in ample recreational activities and diverse celebrations including Buffalo Bill Days, Art in the Park, Lanesboro Farmers’ Market, and Rhubarb Festival, all of which are hosted here. From March to December every year, the Commonweal Theatre Company amuses townsfolk and tourists with a rotating repertory of modern plays, holiday classics, dramas, and musicals. On top of that, the Lanesboro Arts’ St. Mane Theatre placed just beside the Commonweal also hosts community theater productions, performing art programs, and independent movie screenings all year long.
Red Wing
A Medium Long Exposure Shot of Downtown Rural Red Wing, Minnesota during a Summer Twilight.
Red Wing, christened in honor of the native Dakota Sioux chief, is an enthralling river town next to the upper Mississippi River, more or less 45 miles southeast of Minnesota’s capital city. Thousands of adventurous souls flock to this Goodhue County seat throughout the year to trek the Cannon Valley Trail, the proximate Frontenac State Park, Sorin’s Bluff, and Barn Bluff.
In addition to this, Red Wing provides outdoorsy types with abundant water-based recreations at the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin, mountain-biking paths, cross-country skiing trails, and unsullied golf courses. Check out the Scandinavian gift shops like Uffda Shop, boutiques like Forever Adored Boutique, barbeque restaurants like The Smokin’ Oak Rotisserie & Grill, and drop by the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum, Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum, Pottery Museum of Red Wing, and Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts.
Henderson
Downtown Henderson, Minnesota, USA. Editorial credit: Jon Platek via Wikimedia Commons
Established by Joseph Renshaw Brown and baptized after his mother’s middle name, this small Sibley County community in the state’s south-central portion occupies the Minnesota River Valley, nearly 60 miles southeast of the Twin Cities. Leisurely stroll Henderson's prosperous Main Street and pay a visit to the J.R. Brown Minnesota River Center, the former Sibley County Courthouse, and the Sibley County Historical Museum to learn more about the early years.
Furthermore, take part in outdoor recreations at Allanson’s Park, Rush River Park, High Island Park, Bender Park, Ney Nature Center, and Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge; aside from attending the annual celebrations such as the Henderson Hummingbird Hurrah, and Sauerkraut Days, Henderson Classic Car Roll-In.
Grand Marais
U.S. Coast Guard Station of North Superior at Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior.
The seat of government of Cook County, Grand Marais is a lakefront paradise situated along the northwestern shores of Lake Superior. It's about 110 miles northeast of Duluth and 38 miles southwest of the US-Canada international boarder. Acting as the jumping-off point for the Gunflint Trail which culminates at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the town is a bucket list destination for everyone who wishes to witness indefectible panoramas.
Peruse the Downtown’s plethoric gift shops like Lake Superior Trading Post, art galleries like Betsy Bowen Gallery, cafes like Angry Trout Café, and National Register-listed structures including the Bally Blacksmith Shop and the 1896 Lightkeeper’s House currently home to the Cook County Historical Museum. Additionally, explore the Grand Marais Lighthouse, the pictorial Artist’s Point, and the myriad hiking trails, besides participating in the town’s yearly fun-filled events such as the Summer & Winter Solstice festivals, Grand Marais Arts Festival, Lake Superior Storm Fest, etc.
Stillwater
This Washington County seat, commonly referred to as ‘The Birthplace of Minnesota,’ is set on the St. Croix River’s western banks, around 20 miles northeast of the state capital. Named for the placidity of St. Croix River close to the town core, the community’s historic downtown spotlights beautifully maintained Victorian-era mansions. Visit several boutiques like Whatnot Boutique, art galleries like Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, antique stores like Stillwater Antiques Mall, breweries like River Siren Brewing, and restaurants like LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar.
Prominent points of interest like the Stillwater Lift Bridge, Saint Croix Vineyards, Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Isaac Staples Sawmill, Teddy Bear Park, Washington County Historic Courthouse, and Gateway-Brown’s Creek State Trails are not to be missed.
Lindstrom
Classical Greek statue in a beautiful flower garden with a gazebo and a pond with a fountain at Panola Valley Gardens in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Editorial credit: Linda McKusick / Shutterstock.com
Lindstrom, initially settled by Daniel Lindstöm—a Swedish immigrant in 1853, is one of the teeny communities constituting the Chisago Lakes region in Chisago County of east-central Minnesota, precisely 10 miles from the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line. The town appears like an island from a bird’s eye perspective owing to the circumferential lakes like South Lindström Lake, North Lindström Lake, North Center Lake, Kroon Lake, and South Center Lake, making Lindstrom a well-liked angling venue.
The Karl Oskar & Kristina Monument, Lindstrom Bakery, Allemansratt Wilderness Park, Chisago County Historical Society, and Karl Oskar House, are some must-visit sites for travelers. Annually, in mid-July, the town celebrates Karl Oskar Days with various activities like street dances, parades, fireworks, and the crowning of a Karl Oskar Princess.
Conclusion
From Stillwater—“The Birthplace of Minnesota” to Lindstrom—“America’s Little Sweden,” there is no shortage of iconic towns in the North Star State. Each of these underappreciated treasures flaunting outstanding natural settings, a welcoming ambiance, fascinating monumental structures, high-spirited celebrations, family-oriented attractions, and top-rated restaurants, will surely leave an unerasable impression on every globetrotter vacationing in these classic towns.
