8 Best Small Towns In Minnesota To Chill Out
Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is one of the gems of America’s Great Lakes region. Bordered by Lake Superior, the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba, Minnesota is a land of natural wonders, bustling cities, and wonderful small towns. Some small towns are great for exploring, some for enjoying summer or winter recreation, and others for simply chilling out and taking it easy for a few days. To help you plan your next relaxing trip to Minnesota, we have listed eight of the best towns for chilling out.
Grand Marais
Despite having only about 1,300 residents, Grand Marais is the biggest (and really only) town in sparsely populated Cook County, which forms the northeastern tip of Minnesota. Set on a natural harbor on the north shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais was once a trading hub but is now more renowned for the natural grandeur of its location. The surrounding waters and forests bring nature enthusiasts of all types, but Grand Marais’ beauty also draws in artists. The Grand Marais Art Colony hosts the town’s biggest event, the Arts Festival, each July. If your idea of chilling out is painting a landscape or cruising on a sailboat, Grand Morais is the place to be!
Henderson
Henderson was one of the boom towns of southern Minnesota during the late 1800s, but the population steadily fell for most of the twentieth century as the town’s importance as a river and railroad junction faded. There has been a slight uptick in population this century, up to about 1,000, as Henderson has reestablished itself as a tourist destination. Henderson is an endpoint for the 70 mile long Minnesota River National Wildlife Refuge, and the town’s 450-acre Key Nature Center is a great place to relax and enjoy the flora and fauna. For visitors who enjoy a bit of quirky charm, Henderson holds an annual Sauerkraut Days festival and has a mural dedicated to the late music icon Prince.
Red Wing
Best known to outsiders as the home of the Red Wing Shoe Company, the southeastern Minnesota town of Red Wing (population 16,500) is also one of the nation’s prettiest historic towns. With a fantastic location overlooking the Mississippi River, Red Wing boasts numerous grand structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s, including the Romanesque-style State Correctional Facility and the 1875 St. James Hotel. Red Wing also has a still-operating historic train depot that also functions as an art gallery. In addition to the aesthetic beauty of its architecture, the town offers stunning panoramic views of the river and beyond from locations like Barn Bluff. Red Wing is about more than just shoes!
Ely
Ely (pronounced “ee-lee”), located in the northeast corner of Minnesota in St. Louis County, was in former times an important mining town. Today, however, this town of 3,300 situated near the shores of Lake Superior is a magnet for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. It is typical to see kayak-topped vehicles parked along Sheridan Street in the heart of downtown, with visitors gearing up to head to attractions like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Ely is also home to both the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center, confirming its nature bona fides. Ely is an ideal town for visitors who equate chilling out with exploring the outdoors.
Fergus Falls
Set along the picturesque Otter Tail River in west central Minnesota, the town of Fergus Falls is a bustling little county seat with about 14,000 residents. Fergus Falls is also surrounded by several of Minnesota’s famed “10,000 lakes.” While a good number of visitors come primarily to get out on the water, Fergus Falls has a charming downtown area on and around Lincoln Avenue as well. The nicely-preserved Fergus Theatre is a particular highlight among the historic structures housing shops, cafes, and galleries. Fergus Falls also contains unique features like an ornate former hospital, reborn as the Regional Treatment Center, and Grotto Park’s cute statue of “Otto the Otter.”
Stillwater
Stillwater, one of the oldest towns in Minnesota, is nicknamed “The Birthplace of Minnesota” because of its political importance during the 1830s and 1840s. Named for the calm waters of the adjacent St. Croix River, which marks the border with Wisconsin, Stillwater has a population of 20,000 and boasts a downtown area with more than 50 shops and boutiques. Harkening back to the German heritage of many early settlers, Stillwater is home to America’s first Kathe Wohlfahrt German Christmas Store. Along with great shopping, visitors to Stillwater can chill out on the river with an old-time paddlewheel cruise (via Stillwater River Boats) or even a Venice-style gondola ride (from Gondola Romantica).
Excelsior
Befitting its exceptional name, Excelsior is a fun little town set on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka, only 15 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Despite having only 2,400 residents, Excelsior supports a surprisingly lively downtown area along the lakeside Water Street, fed in part by day-trippers from the Twin Cities. The annual Art on the Lake festival showcases local artists and brings big crowds, and Excelsior is a year-round artists’ haven. Along Water Street and throughout the town, Excelsior has done a great job of preserving many stately Victorian-era structures. In addition to all the great things about the town, Lake Minnetonka is one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the state.
Grand Rapids
The challenging rapids along the Mississippi River that gave the town its name are long gone, but the community of Grand Rapids (population 11,000) retains a close connection to the great waterway. Because the rapids made it the northernmost point of steamboat navigation on the Mississippi, Grand Rapids was an important town in the late 1800s and still has a historic, handsome downtown area. One architectural highlight is the ornate Old Central School, now a shopping destination and civic center. Grand Rapids was also the birthplace of Judy Garland, and the town honors her with an annual Wizard of Oz festival each June and a “yellow brick road” that runs through downtown.
From its icy winters to its sunny summers to the seasons in between, Minnesota has something for every traveler. For visitors looking specifically for a great small town to chill out in, Minnesota has them in abundance. Use our list as a starting point, then do some exploring of your own to discover even more fantastic small towns in Minnesota. You are sure to discover fun times, friendly locals, and a lot of great relaxation!
