8 Coolest Towns in Minnesota for a Summer Vacation in 2024
Minnesota is famous for its nickname - The Land of 10,000 Lakes, which it earned by hosting around 10,000 water bodies. No wonder it comes alive across its small towns in summer as people flock to the waters to cool off the heat. With the headwaters of the Mississippi River on one end and the spellbound Lake Superior on another flank, the small towns of Minnesota are choice destinations for summer vacations. These small towns are charming and full of things to see and do, especially near the waters. From Winona to Stillwater, here are eight towns in Minnesota that should be on your summer vacation radar.
Northfield
Northfield is a town centered around the Cannon River, with around 35 city parks to relax and bask in the great outdoors in summer. But before the parks, experience the town's natural beauty at the 800-acre Carlton College Cowling Arboretum, home to majestic trees and shrubs, a scenic bridge, some parts of the Cannon River floodplain, and around 10 miles of hiking trails to explore the area. Afterward, stroll through the magical scenery of the Japanese Garden Jo-Ryo-En. Next, hit the Cannon River to kayak, boat, fish, and canoe on the waters. For some park fun, head to Ames Park or Babcock Park, featuring picnic areas, walking trails, and sports facilities. If this isn’t enough for the outdoor lover, more parks in town are worth visiting, including Grant Park and Hauberg Park.
Ely
Ely has always been a cool town for a sensational summer vacation. With its bustling art scene, rich history, and surrounding natural attractions, there are many ways to have fun here. Visitors can start by visiting the Dorothy Molter Museum to learn about an icon of the town who once lived in the area. The town also features the Ely-Winton Historical Society where the history of Northern Minnesota is preserved. For art lovers, visit the Art & Soul Gallery & Gift to browse its collection of beautiful local art, or stop by the Ely Fok School to immerse in traditional crafts and skills.
Those willing to step outside of the downtown area can learn about wolves at the International Wolf Center or black bears at the North American Bear Center. Adventurers can proceed to Bear Head Lake State Park, which features picnic shelters, a swimming beach, and several lakes for canoeing and fishing. Additionally, Ely is a gateway town to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area, offering abundant opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
Stillwater
Stillwater is a picturesque town on the St. Croix River renowned as the birthplace of Minnesota. Once here, visitors can cruise on the river to admire the scenery. Next, walk the St. Croix River Loop Trail to witness the Stillwater Lift Bridge, the river, and the surrounding valley. For more adventures, head to Square Lake Park to hike, kayak, swim, and boat in the waters. On the other hand, history buffs can head to Warden’s House Museum or climb the 19th-century Stillwater Stairs, a set of about 100 steps that feature impressive views. More exciting attractions in town include Teddy Bear Park, which is great for families with children, and Stillwater Art Guild Gallery, where one can appreciate all kinds of artwork.
Lake City
Lake City is a quaint, laid-back town along Lake Pepin, a part of the Mississippi River. In summer, the town bustles with activities, especially on the lake, where vacationers can fish, boat, swim, kayak, watch the sunset, and sunbathe. However, the experience hits differently at Ohuta Beach and Park, home to one of the finest beaches in Minnesota and host to the Lake City Summer Festival in August 2024. The park also features a playground, a riverwalk, and a public sculpture. Visitors can continue the scenic experience at the local riverwalk, which covers the entire length of Lake Pepin and is ideal for leisure walks. Alternatively, one can have fun at some of the town’s top parks, including Fort Beauhamois Roschen Park and Peter’s Park. While the former is great for boating and having a picnic, the latter is an excellent place for sports.
Winona
Winona is a bustling town by the Mississippi River where beauty and eccentric summer experiences await every visitor. Once here, visitors are invited to check out Sugar Loaf, a 500-foot gigantic bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and Lake Winona. Head to the lake afterward to admire the scenery, take photographs at the backdrop of Sugar Loaf, hold picnics, and enjoy some watersports. Garvin Heights Park is another captivating destination as it features panoramic views of the river, the town, and the bluff. For art lovers, visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum by the river to see various marine-inspired artworks from local and globally renowned artists. If this isn’t enough, head to the nearby town of Wabasha to immerse yourself in history at the Castlerock Museum, which features an extensive collection of medieval European arms and armor, or stop by the National Eagle Center to learn more about the majestic Bald Eagle.
Red Wing
Red Wing is another charming town along the Mississippi River that promises visitors satisfaction, courtesy of its surrounding attractions. Visitors here will be met with attractions like Barn Bluff, rising 400 feet above the downtown and Mississippi River, with nearby views of Lake Pepin. While the bluff is considered sacred by the Dakota people, it is still an outdoor destination for hikes, sightseeing, and climbing. Lake Pepin is another destination to visit from Red Wing, as it is the largest on the Mississippi River, offering a boatload of outdoor pursuits like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and boating.
Back in town, visitors can shop at Pottery Place Antiques or visit some museums, including the Red Wing Marine Museum, Red Wing Shoes Museum, and Pottery Museum of Red Wing. After walking around, most people will be quite hungry, and many delicious eateries await in Red Wing. Some of the most popular are Red Wing Cafe, Smokin Oak Rotisserie & Grill, and Bev’s Cafe, offering tasty food, chilled drinks, and fun conversations.
Two Harbors
Two Harbors is situated on the shores of Lake Superior and offers easy access to the lake’s top state parks. Hence, a summer vacation here is an opportunity to chase these parks, starting from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, featuring one of the most beautiful lighthouses in America. Next, visitors can head to Gooseberry Falls State Park, which boasts breathtaking waterfalls, scenic overlooks, more than 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming areas, and campsites. Away from the parks, Two Harbors invites visitors to check out Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum, the oldest lighthouse in Minnesota, or shop for arts and crafts at Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is a small, charming town on the northwestern shores of Lake Superior that promises an unforgettable summer vacation. For starters, it is at the entry point of the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, home to several glacier lakes, virgin forests, streams, and hiking trails. At over a million acres, this area has enough activities for the summer, notably hiking, fishing, canoeing, night sky viewing, and more. Judge C.R. Magney State Park is also nearby, featuring the Brule River, nine miles of hiking trails, and a waterfall. For a more panoramic viewpoint, visitors can opt for Artist’s Point, a rock peninsula offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views and the magnificent Lake Superior. After the outdoor fun, art lovers head back to town to explore the Grand Marais Art Colony, where many intricate artworks are perfect for a souvenir.
Wrapping Up
Minnesota’s towns are excellent destinations for summer vacations. With their proximity to numerous waterbodies and other natural attractions, the opportunities for adventures are endless. These towns are also gorgeous, and with fewer crowds, it is easier to capture their beauty. Keep in mind that summers are getting hotter every year, so it is wise to spend sunny days near waterbodies, and these towns absolutely fit the bill for that relaxing and cool vacation.
