8 of the Friendliest Towns in Minnesota
America’s 12th largest State, Minnesota is indeed a Midwestern marvel that is affectionately known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”. With a population of 5.7 million inhabitants, there is never a shortage of Minnesota Nice in this State and visitors can find plenty of natural beauty and fascinating history through a visit to any of its towns. From lake side communities to German settlements, the friendly and charming towns of Minnesota are great places to discover for the solo traveller and families alike. So take to the road and experience some of Minnesota’s friendliest locales!
Willmar
Seat of Kandiyohi County, the town of Willmar was founded in the early 1870s and today is home to a population of just over 21,000 residents. Stunningly surrounded by an area that includes some 300 lakes, there is undoubtedly never a shortage of lake side views to enjoy in this town. Including such sites like Green Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake Florida, one can partake in such fun activities like fishing, swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and even ice fishing in the wintertime! And with mild summer and cool winter temperatures, Willmar is indeed a most comfortable place to be in throughout the year. Add in an assortment of cute shops, tasty local restaurants, and loads of welcoming hosts, and Willmar will surely leave a most positive impression for all.
Walker
Walker is a small and charming community where just some 966 inhabitants call home. Seat of Cass County and situated on the southwestern corner of the State’s third largest lake, Leech Lake, residents, and visitors alike can enjoy some of Minnesota’s best fishing with an abundant population of Northern Pike and Walleye species. In addition Walker is just a short drive away from the stunning Chippewa National Forest where biking, hiking, and wildlife watching are always popular activities. Spanning an area of some 600,000 acres the vast forest and pristine lake side vistas make Walker a truly special place to discover for no matter what time of year.
Brainerd
Brainerd was founded in the 1870s and today just under 15,000 residents call this most beautiful Minnesota town home. Straddling the 113 mile long Crow Wing River, wonderful opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing, and other water sports make any afternoon spent here a most fun and memorable experience. In addition Brainerd offers many great cultural attractions each with a unique blend of Minnesota friendliness. Visit the historic downtown district and its assortment of restored 19th century buildings, enjoy an authentic Midwestern meal at a local restaurant, or browse through any of the town’s charming shopping outlets. Meanwhile at the Lakes Area Music Festival some of the very best of classical and symphonic music can be enjoyed offering a different slice of American and world culture all within the small town charm of Minnesota.
Bemidji
The town of Bemidji was founded in the 1880s and its name derives from an Ojibwe indigenous word meaning “Lake with crossing waters”. Home to a population of just over 15,000 residents, this seat of Beltrami County is situated on the shores of Lake Bemidji which eventually feeds into the mighty Mississippi River. Known for its mild summer and cold winter temperatures, besides its namesake lake Bemidji also offers great access to other lovely bodies of water including Lake Irving and Big Wolf Lake where fishing, swimming, camping, and canoeing can all be enjoyed.
Meanwhile the town’s great assortment of tasty local eateries, cafes, and cute boutique shops bring all the charm to this uniquely Minnesotan place. And do not forget to pose with the giant statues of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, two icons of American folklore.
Minnetrista
From a Dakota indigenous word meaning “Crooked water”, the small town of Minnetrista is the proud home of just over 8,000 residents. A short 30 minute drive from the city of Minneapolis, this town like many other Minnesota locales enjoy great access to several lakes. Among the most prominent is surely Lake Minnetonka where over an area of 15,000 acres activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports are always popular.
Meanwhile at the nearby Lake Minnetonka Regional Park splendid biking and hiking trails and perfect picnic spots are all in abundance making for a great afternoon of leisure. And like any small town, the locals are always on hand to offer their charm while great local restaurants and cute stores are always ready to leave a most positive impression.
Lanesboro
With a population of just 724 permanent residents, the small town of Lanesboro may initially seem easy to overlook. Yet with its picturesque and historic architecture and splendid natural surroundings, this is surely one of the most charming places to discover in Minnesota. Unofficially known as the State’s Bed & Breakfast Capital, visitors can enjoy the quaint setting of Lanesboro and its downtown where much of the buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These include the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe and the Little River General Store where a true sense of travelling back in time is present. Meanwhile at the nearby Root River, great opportunities for biking and hiking are perennially popular, while a simple stroll along the water’s edge may just be enough to feel right at home in a special Minnesota rustic setting.
Winona
Situated on the banks of the famed Mississippi River, Winona is a beautiful southeastern Minnesota town with loads of truly stunning scenery. Home to just under 26,000 people truly exquisite vistas of wooded bluffs, rolling hills, and of course the River make a trip to Winona one that is sure to be filled with much picture taking. Visit the famous Sugar Loaf rock formation (and its wonderful views of the town), drive up to the top of Garvin Heights, or simply choose one of the many hiking or biking trails in the area where close encounters with the water’s edge are always in fashion. Meanwhile a number of historic buildings, fun year round festivals, and an assortment of welcoming galleries and restaurants, round out Winona’s cultural side, making a perfect pairing with its special natural wonder.
New Ulm
Established in 1854 the town of New Ulm is a place full of historic intrigue. Seat of Brown County and located near the confluence of the Cottonwood and Minnesota Rivers, the town was founded by German pioneers whose heritage continues to be celebrated in the modern day. Spend time at the historic district where many lovingly maintained 19th century buildings and landmarks can be found.
This includes the Hermann Heights Monument (dedicated to all German pioneers and their descendants in America), the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, and the August Schell Brewing Company founded in 1860. Meanwhile enjoying the sights and sounds of New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is amongst the most unique activities in all of Minnesota, where travellers from all across the State and country come to experience the special camaraderie and hospitality of this most wonderful town.
Visiting the State of Minnesota is sure to be an experience filled with exquisite natural surroundings and fascinating cultural history. And with its abundance of lakes and other bodies of water, there is always a fun activity never far away. Indeed the friendly towns of Minnesota are great places for families and solo travellers to discover why this “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is so beloved and sought after. Whether its enjoying the wonderful views of Winona or posing with Paul Bunyan in Bemidji, no matter what time of year when in these and other friendly Minnesota towns a most special appreciation of Americana will certainly be had.
