7 Most Vibrant Towns in Minnesota
Have you ever thought about visiting Minnesota but wondered where to go?
When you come to the "L'Étoile du Nord," French for "The Star of the North,” you will see how Minnesota symbolizes the history and natural beauty of the northern states.
From the busy bustle of the Twin Cities to quiet cabin life on Lake Superior, the state has a lot to offer curious visitors.
Grab warm clothes, practice your best Minnesota accent, and check out these seven vibrant Minnesotan towns.
New Ulm
New Ulm was named after a Bavarian city and was started by German settlers. That heritage has not been forgotten.
One of the most iconic spots in town is the Hermann the German monument. A grand bronze monument pays tribute to the triumph of Arminius over Roman forces in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. It is both a symbol of German pride and a popular tourist attraction.
Also in town is a 45-foot-tall free-standing clock tower with a glockenspiel, playing programmed music accompanied by the movement of figurines.
If you fancy a day outside, the Flandrau State Park is on the edges of town and lends out lush greenspaces with hiking trails skirting around the Cottonwood River.
Two Harbors
Two Harbors is right next to Lake Superior and has a charm that is truly special.
The Split Rock Lighthouse is a renowned spot for photos in the town. Resting 130 feet above sea level on a cliff, it has been navigating ships since 1910.
Fancy a treasure hunt? Down at Agate Bay Beach, it is a treasure trove for rock collectors, especially people interested in agates. This beach is a great spot to discover pretty rocks washed and shined up by Lake Superior.
After picking up some stones, explore the Edna G. Tugboat. The old-time tugboat is moored at Agate Bay, a veteran of the Great Lakes with over eight decades on the water under its belt. This grand vessel has swapped its working days for a life as a museum that floats.
Taylors Falls
This town might be one of the few places it is exciting to see potholes.
Taylors Falls, with a cozy population of around 1,000, is known for the glacial potholes at Interstate State Park and the views along the St. Croix River.
The river acts as a huge, wavy border between Minnesota and Wisconsin and is well-known for its sparkling clear waters.
Right where the states meet also lies Interstate State Park, a beautiful spot with an interesting feature—big holes carved by ancient glaciers. The swirling currents and rubble from the icy St. Croix River scooped out these potholes, among the deepest you will find anywhere on the globe.
An equally as fascinating feature near Taylors Falls is the Felsenmeer, known as a "rock sea." This area is populated with boulders and stones, sculpting a scenery that seems otherworldly.
Nisswa
If you are looking for an outdoor adventure or activities in town, Nisswa has you covered for both.
The town is on the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches more than 120 miles. Depending on the season, it is used for biking, hiking and snowmobiling. It is one of the country's lengthiest rail trails.
The town sits right by Gull Lake, a prominent lake in Minnesota. It is an excellent site for spending the day or even a whole weekend enjoying hobbies like fishing and boating.
For a big crowd-pleaser, the Nisswa Turtle Races are held in the summer. Individuals compete using wee-little turtles across multiple rounds in what can only be described as good family fun.
The Nisswa Area Historical Society runs a museum, providing insight into the area's vibrant past. The displays cover aspects such as local Ojibwe traditions, logging history and pioneering European settlers.
Stillwater
Stillwater holds an important place in Minnesota's past, often called the "Birthplace of Minnesota." It was the location where a territorial convention in 1848 led to the Minnesota Territory’s formation.
Cruising down Highway 64 from Wisconsin, you will cross the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge. It was created in 1931, and now the massive lift bridge connects Stillwater with the Wisconsin side. More than just a feat of engineering, it holds a special place for the people who live here.
In Stillwater, the Victorian architecture along Main Street is striking and memorable. Notable is the Lowell Inn, reflecting early 20th-century elegance, and the Washington County Courthouse, a gem from 1867, with its gold dome and prominent brick columns.
When you get to Stillwater, look up. This place is famous for its hot air balloon trips. People come here to float and enjoy the stunning sights of the St. Croix River Valley.
Grand Marais
For a long time Grand Marais has served as an oasis for artists. It is home to the Grand Marais Art Colony, which stands as Minnesota's oldest art colony.
The town has a postcard-ready appearance, with its harbor and lighthouse becoming a famous symbol of the town. The harbor is an amazing spot and those who love taking photos and painting will be right at home.
The town is also home to the unique North House Folk School, dedicated to traditional northern crafts, like boat building and weaving.
Grand Marais is a dream start-off point for nature lovers. It opens the door to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a peaceful spot of wilderness in the Superior National Forest.
The area is famous for its weaving series of lakes and rivers, ideal for canoeing or kayaking.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro is a top spot in Minnesota for cyclists. Hop on your bike and hit the Root River State Trail for a fun journey stretching more than 40 miles of smooth, paved roads in the charming southeast corner of Minnesota.
Lanesboro welcomes you with its delightful old brick buildings, each with an old story to tell, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This honor roll includes spots like the Lanesboro Historic District, which takes up a good chunk of downtown. In addition, swing by the Lanesboro Museum.
An Amish community calls the area around Lanesboro home. You can hop on a tour and see how they live, check out their farms, and even buy products they have made by hand.
Minnesota, the "Star of the North," offers a vibrant collection of towns and places to see, from New Ulm's German heritage all the way to Two Harbors' natural beauty and Taylor Falls' distinct geological formations.
Sure, it can get cold, but the spring, summer, and fall are great times to bike outside or ride your boat on the water. And if winter is your thing, grab your snowshoes and winter beanie.
Minnesota is waiting for you to discover the best it has to give.
