7 Storybook Towns In Minnesota
Admitted to the Union in 1858, the beautiful State of Minnesota is a truly can-not-miss hub of excitement for anyone travelling through the Upper Midwest. Affectionately known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, the natural beauty of the State is only rivalled by its special cultural ambience, which of course includes the famous “Minnesota Nice”. While the major urban centers of Saint Paul and Minneapolis remain well-known, Minnesota is also home to loads of smaller communities that are full of unique storybook charm. From lakeside retreats to encounters with immigrant history, these towns are awesome places to see another side of Minnesota that can often be overlooked. Do not delay then and come visit the pretty “Land of 10,000 Lakes” across a trip to these storybook towns and see why Minnesota has rightfully earned its place as a gem of the Northern United States.
New Ulm
Established by German immigrants in 1854, the town of New Ulm remains a special place to commemorate the life experience and contributions of German Americans to the country. Seat of Brown County in southern Minnesota and home to a modern population of just over 14,000 residents, there is indeed never a shortage of inviting cultural events and intriguing 19th century landmarks to explore here. Visit the Historic District and explore such fascinating attractions like the Hermann Heights Monument (1897) dedicated to all German pioneers, the 45-foot-tall Glockenspiel Clock and its 37 bells, and even the August Schell Brewing Company, which has been serving the best in German American alcohol since the 1860s!
Meanwhile the very fun cultural fairs like the summer Bavarian Blast Festival (July 17-20, 2025) and the famed Oktoberfest immerse guests in the tastes, sounds, and traditions of the Germanic peoples. Enjoy live music, parades, folk costumes, and, of course, loads of tasty food in an ambience that will entertain the young and old alike. Finally as a river town, New Ulm is also just a nice place to simply enjoy the outdoors. Located at the confluence of the Cottonwood and Minnesota Rivers, the town boasts hot summers and cool winters, and activities like cycling, jogging, and swimming remain ever-popular.
Brainerd
The seat of Crow Wing County in north-central Minnesota, Brainerd embodies the State’s nickname of the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, and it is indeed surrounded by hundreds of small bodies of water. Established in the 1870s and today the home of just over 14,500 residents, the town is situated along the Crow Wing River (a 113-mile tributary of the mighty Mississippi River), and it continues to be the destination of choice for many looking for great outdoor fun. With fun activities like fishing, swimming, sailing, canoeing, and even water skiing, leisure on the water is always in abundance here. And with up to 450 lakes and ponds within a 25-mile radius, there is never a shortage to choose from.
Beyond the outdoor allure, however, Brainerd also offers loads of other cultural attractions. Visit the downtown Historic District and its assortment of 19th-century buildings while cute local businesses like The Barn Restaurant and The Olde Open Window gift shop offer guests a charming slice of Americana and the famed “Minnesota Nice.” Finally, for those who love the sounds of the symphony orchestra, be sure not to miss the summer Lakes Area Music Festival. Featuring the best in classical music and orchestra pops, this delightful concert series brings a world of music to this humble Minnesota community. The 2025 event runs from July 25 to August 17.
Winona
Near the border with the State of Wisconsin, the town of Winona is a splendid community that is beautifully located along the Mississippi River. Established in the 1850s and named for a figure of Sioux mythology, today this seat of the same named county is home to nearly 26,000. A place of great natural beauty, guests can expect to find a picturesque abundance of rolling hills, wooded bluffs, and awesome River vistas. Enjoy opportunities for cycling and hiking at the Sugar Loaf rock formation (which includes awesome 360-degree panoramas), while the Garvin Heights City Park dramatically overlooks the Mississippi River. And with hot summers and cool winters, Winona truly can be appreciated no matter what the season.
In addition, several 19th and early 20th-century landmarks can be explored in the town proper, many of which are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Choate Department Store (1881), the East Second Street Historic District, and the Savings Bank Building (1916), amongst many more. Add in great cultural events like the Great River Shakespeare Festival, the Jazz and Beethoven Festivals, and the old-fashioned Steam Boat Days, and a perfect pairing of nature and arts can be enjoyed in this storybook Minnesota town.
Bemidji
Nicknamed the “First City on the Mississippi”, Bemidji lies along the banks of the same named Lake which eventually feeds into the larger Mississippi River. The seat of Beltrami County in northern Minnesota, the town was established in the 1880s as a lumber center, and today, nearly 16,000 residents call it home. Another great locale to simply enjoy the outdoors, Bemidji offers guests great access to plenty of natural attractions, conveniently located in its vicinity. These include Lake Bemidji, Lake Irving, the Big Bog State Recreation Area, the Chippewa National Forest, and the Itasca State Park, where camping, fishing, swimming, and boating are always popular. Add in hot summers and reliably cool winters, and Bemidji shines as an all-season getaway for those looking to explore nature throughout the year.
And in town proper, a nice slice of a mid sized town is on hand full of the unique charm that is Minnesota. Browse through a wide selection of local shops like the Yellow Umbrella Boutique while eateries include Lazy Jack’s and Bar 209 for some classic American-style cuisine. Finally do not forget to visit the giant Paul Bunyan statue, together with his beloved Blue Ox. An icon of American folklore, this is one photo opportunity not to be missed. Indeed, the pair of statues were even listed on the National Register of Historic Places!
Grand Marais
Grand Marais lies along the northern shores of Lake Superior, where it was founded by French Canadian fur traders in the 18th century. Today this seat of Cook County is home to a modest population of just over 1,300, and it continues to be one of northern Minnesota’s most scenic lakeside getaways. Enjoy warm summer and cool winter retreats where popular activities include swimming, skating, biking, sailing, and even golfing. And in the winter, Grand Marais is also a wonderful spot to be awed by the special colors of the northern lights!
Additionally, a great array of cultural events and festivals fill up the town’s calendar, providing fun for all ages. These include the October Moose Madness Festival and the Fisherman’s Picnic in the summer, where live music, food vendors, games, parades, and loads more entertain the entire family. Add in great restaurants like the Angry Trout Café and the Voyageur Brewing Company and cute local shops including Moose Tracks, and a true taste of “Minnesota Nice” and traditional Americana can be savoured by everyone.
Prior Lake
With a modern history dating to the 1890s, the town of Prior Lake continues to charm visitors in Minnesota’s southeastern Scott County, where a population of just over 28,000 reside. Sharing a name with the 1,164-acre lake, outdoor fun is never far away here, and whether it is winter or summer, tourists can find something to enjoy. Go skating and ice fishing, while swimming, sailing, fishing, and other water sports delight all ages. Meanwhile, in town, restaurants, including Charlie’s On Prior, offer some of the best in northwestern cooking, while cute stores like the Olive Moon Boutique are charming ways to find a unique piece of Minnesota to take home. And for the adult crowd, be sure not to miss the nearby Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, featuring tons of games, live music entertainment, and even A-list comedy stars!
Red Wing
Also near the border with Wisconsin, Red Wing serves as the seat of Goodhue County, and it was named for a Sioux Chief. Founded in the 1850s and beautifully situated along the Mississippi River, just under 17,000 call this picturesque community home. Featuring the town motto of “Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime”, Red Wing is indeed an inviting place that features alluring cultural events and beautiful natural settings. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the River City Days in August, the Rolling River Music Festival in July, and the September Hispanic Heritage Festival, amongst many more. And during the Yuletide season, one would be remiss in forgetting about the Holiday Stroll which officially kicks off Christmas. Here, parades, sleigh rides, live music, cookie decorating, Nativity scenes, and, of course, visits from Santa Claus make this a truly special outing for everyone. Finally, with plenty of stunning park areas in town and the aforementioned Mississippi River, even just a casual afternoon in nature may be enough to recommend Red Wing as one of Minnesota’s most quaint storybook towns.
Travelling through the American Upper Mid West? Then be sure to add Minnesota, or the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” to the itinerary, where loads of natural beauty and cultural charm await all guests. A perfect place to discover small-town America, the storybook towns of Minnesota shine with their unique characters and stunning natural ambiences that will fill any age of visitor with a lifetime of memories. From river towns like Red Wing and Winona to immigrant communities like New Ulm and Grand Marais, the wonder of Minnesota is on full display in these awesome towns. Though the major cities of any State will always attract attention, it is indeed the smaller towns that often showcase the true character of their societies. So come visit Minnesota through a voyage of these timeless, storybook towns, and see why it stands as one of the nation’s shining treasures!
