7 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Minnesota

Famously named "Land of 10,000 Lakes," the diverse Midwestern state of Minnesota has many other types of waterways as well. The Mississippi River begins as a trickle in the northern region, and the southwestern tip of Lake Superior is situated in Duluth. Although Minnesota has several bustling big cities and large attractions, such as the Mall of America, it's the state's small, pretty towns that make the perfect getaway spots. Following are seven of the most eye-catching locales you can call "home" for a few days or more.

Stillwater

Situated in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, lovely stillwater still retains a small town feel. Named the "Birthplace of Minnesota" as it's the location of the state's first territorial convention in 1848, Stillwater has rich history and more than its fair share of natural beauty. The charming town is nestled on the scenic St. Croix River, which beckons people from all over to visit. Explore the river by renting a boat from a local outfitter, such as Riverwood Canoe and Kayak Rental.

Nature lovers won't want to miss the Browns Creek State Trail, a 6.4-mile paved path ideal for hiking and biking. The trail winds through downtown Stillwater and through countryside, and was built along an old railroad. Other places to experience local wildlife, flora and fauna include Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and Pine Point Regional Park. Art enthusiasts can check out Art Reach St. Croix, which features ceramics, glass, printmaking, and other types of galleries.

Red Wing

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, eye-catching Red Wing offers everything from outdoor recreational opportunities to unique cultural experiences. The town has many of the same amenities as big cities, but is blessed with a quaint hometown vibe. Whether you want to hike, bike, or go boating on the river, or explore a local museum or historic site, you'll find it all in Red Wing.

Water-lovers can rent a canoe or kayak from Broken Paddle Guiding, and discover the confluence of the Mississippi, Chippewa and Zumbro Rivers. The company also offers specific tours depending on what you're interested in, such as the Raptor and Flooded Forests Tours. Golfers will find no shortage of beautiful golf courses in town, including the Mount Frontenac Golf Course, and the Red Wing Golf Course.

Ely

Located just 16 miles from the Canadian border, enchanting Ely is the gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Area, which offers a million acres of protected wilderness, wooded islands, towering cliffs, and much more. No matter what time of year you visit Ely, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty, such as sandy beaches in the summer and colorful ATV trails in the fall.

If you're traveling with children, you'll find an abundance of family-friendly activities in Ely. Check out the North American Bear Center, a nonprofit museum with both indoor and outdoor black bear viewing areas. You can also hike along the pretty 1.5-mile Kawisihki Falls Trail, and view the 70-foot-drop Kawishiki Falls and Fall Lake Dam. Spend a few hours at the Ely Folk School, where you can put your artistic skills to use.

Little Falls

Another charming Mississippi River town, the town of Little Falls is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Little Falls is surrounded by green forests, waterways including soothing creeks and lakes, and trails where you can explore local wilderness. When you're in town, make one of your first stops the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, where you can can view colorful fields of wildflowers in the spring, have a picnic in the summer, and spend the night in a cozy historic cabin all year long.

Little Falls also has a rich history, which you can explore at attractions such as the Minnesota Military Museum, the Linden Hill Historic Estate, and the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame. The town also boasts the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum and the Camp Ripley Environmental Center, where you can learn about 100s of local wildlife and plant species.

Grand Marais

Scenic Grand Marais is a quaint harbor town situated on Lake Superior's North Shore, and has a population of just under 2000. What Grand Marais lack in crowds and square footage, it makes up for in interesting attractions, and a plethora of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. When you arrive in town, check out the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, which is located on breathtaking Saganaga Lake, to learn all about the area's history and geography.

The Grand Portage National Monument is another must-see attraction, as it celebrates the history of the North American fur trade in historic depot that was reconstructed in its original location. Both the Gunflint Hills Golf Course and the Gunflint Riding Stables offer fun opportunities to get out and enjoy a nice spring, summer or fall day.

Winona

The thriving college town of Winona truly does offer it all, from world-class live entertainment venues, restaurants and attractions, to stunning Mississippi River and Lake Winona views. The welcoming town also offers unique special events all year long, such as the Great River Shakespeare Festival every July. Winona is also home to a growing list of arts, theater and history opportunties, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

The Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum is another one-of-a-kind local attraction, as is Pickwick Mill, a Civil War-era gristmill and sawmill that is available for tours. Nearby Niagara Cave is another recommended stop when you're in the area. Visitor descend 275 stairs to explore delicate cave formations, fossils, and a waterfall 200-feet underground.

Lanesboro

Last but certainly not least on the list of pretty towns is the hidden gem of Lanesboro. Situated in the eye-catching bluffs of Minnesota's Root River Valley, this beautiful town offers visitors the opportunity to do everything from golf on top of a bluff to enjoy a local theater performance. If you're craving an outdoor adventure, rent a tube, canoe or kayak at Cedar Valley Outfitters or Root River Outfitters.

Tourists who delight in arts and cultural experiences will love catching a show at the Commonweal Theatre Company or the Lanesboro Community Theater. You can immerse yourself in local history by stopping at the Lanesboro History Museum, which offers historic business memorabilia, arts and crafts exhibits, and phone booths featuring narrated stories.

If you find yourself traveling through Minnesota during your next family vacation or weekend getaway, you're in luck. The only problem you'll have is trying to narrow down which pretty small town you want to visit, as the state has an abundance of them. Many of the quaint hometowns have the advantage of being situated on lakes and rivers, which also offer ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.