8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Minnesota

Nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, overflowing with rivers, lakes, forests, and hills. On any given day, you’ll find locals and tourists kayaking down a river, mingling with neighbors while enjoying live music or sipping wine at a scenic vineyard. While the entire state arguably embraces this laid-back lifestyle, those seeking a particularly slow-paced weekend getaway should look no further than these eight relaxed small towns.

Ely

Located in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border, Ely has a population of just 3,000 residents and is surrounded by lakes and forests—a perfect example of untouched beauty. The nearby Fernberg Tower Area features quiet forest roads perfect for mountain biking, while Taconite Trail is great for taking a morning ride in an ATV. In the winter, Ely also becomes popular among snowmobilers, featuring hundreds of miles of trails with varied terrains nearby to ride on. For a rustic retreat, visitors have plenty of options in town, including Shagawa Inn Resort and Snowbank Lodge and Outfitters, both providing cozy, cabin-style accommodations.

Brainerd

Located along the Mississippi River and near Brainerd’s larger lakes, Brainerd is a great town for unwinding on the water. Visitors can spend the day on one of the nearby lakes, wakeboarding, tubing, waterboarding, or kayaking on either the Mississippi, Gull, or Crow Wing rivers. Sitting near the Paul Bunyan Trail, hikers can also take advantage of the more than 120 miles of paved trails that connect Brainerd and Bemidji. Within town, Brainerd is packed with galleries and museums. The Crossing Arts Alliance gallery, Crow Wing County Historical Society museum, and Franklin Arts Center are just a few worth visiting.

Winona

Though Winona has a population of just 26,000, it has a vibrant cultural scene filled with art, live music, and museums. Visitors can easily spend a morning strolling through the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which features both historic and contemporary works inspired by water. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants in town where travelers can enjoy live music, including the No-Name Bar, Acoustic Cafe, and Black Horse Bar and Grill. Visitors can also unwind in nature by renting a canoe and heading out to one of Winona’s nearby river and lake trails, including Voyageurs Canoe Trail, Long Lake Canoe Trail, or the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro, in southeastern Minnesota, is a laidback river town with a population of just over 700 residents. Just a 20-minute drive from town, visitors can explore Niagara Cave with its intricate, water-carved passageways, while the Church Hill Scenic Overlook offers a higher vantage point, providing panoramic views of the city and Lanesboro Dam. Want to fully immerse yourself in Lanesboro’s nature? Consider staying in one of the town’s nature resorts, such as Old Born Resort, open seasonally, which features campsites, quaint barn-style rooms,, a golf course, an on-site restaurant, and a river to tube on as well.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a quiet harbor town located in northeastern Minnesota along Lake Superior, home to just over 1,300 residents. Campers and hikers are often found at Grand Marais Recreation Area, which hosts a public marina, campsite, and public park that hugs the western shoreline of the Grand Marais harbor. The Grand Marais area also becomes popular with cross-country skiers in the winter months, flocking to the pristine trails of Bally Creek, George Washington Pines, and the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trail System. Looking for a homestyle meal after a day of hiking or cross-country skiing? Blue Water Cafe, a local favorite in downtown Grand Marais, serves classic diner dishes, ranging from omelets to burgers and grilled fish.

Alexandria

Lying in western Minnesota with a population of roughly 15,000, Alexandria boasts a rich culinary scene complemented by local breweries and vineyards. Travelers can enjoy a savory steak while appreciating views of Lake Darling at 2100 Chophouse, or enjoy the outdoor patio and live music at Deck Bar & Grill. Those wanting to sip on a glass of wine have endless wineries to choose from, including 68 & Vine Veterans Winery, Carlos Creek Winery, and Burr Vineyards. Bikers have many trails to explore near Alexandria as well, such as the Central Lakes Trail, which was previously a railroad route that is now a paved bike trail, passing by lakes, wetlands, prairies, forested hills, and more.

Pine Island

Pine Island is a relaxed town with about 3,900 residents and only about an hour outside of Minneapolis. Each January, the town hosts its annual Winterfest, celebrating the season with activities like snowshoeing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing, plus the chance to enjoy a cozy bowl of chili by the bonfire. Golfers can also check out the Pine Island Golf Course, featuring an 18-hole course spreading across 140 acres. With a 12.5-mile paved trail, playground, pavilion, and canoe launch access, Trailhead Park is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. After a day of adventure, visitors can head to TrailHead Grill and Lanes for great food, live music, and bowling in a lively atmosphere.

Crosby

Crosby sits sandwiched between Serpent Lake and Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake in central Minnesota, home to a little under 2,400 residents. Visitors can relax in Crosby Memorial Park, bordering Serpent Lake, or enjoy biking along Cuyuna Lakes Trail, a paved trail system that connects Crosby to other neighboring towns, particularly beautiful in the fall months. Crosby also has an interesting railroad, mining, and logging history that visitors can explore at the Soo Line Depot Museum, featuring photos, artifacts, and documents that share what life was like centuries ago. In downtown Crosby, there are lots of restaurants and bars to choose from, one great option being Iron Range Eatery, which serves innovative American cuisine and cocktails in a cozy environment.

Final Thoughts

Filled with natural lakes to explore, rivers to kayak down, forests to hike through, and galleries and museums to discover, these small towns in Minnesota may have modest populations, but they offer all the needed amenities for a fun and relaxing getaway. With some towns showcasing vibrant art scenes while others serve as peaceful retreats for campers and hikers, each destination has its own unique character to explore. Whether you're escaping the hustle of nearby Minneapolis or journeying from as far as Chicago, these eight towns offer the ideal laid-back atmosphere you need to unwind and shake off daily stress.