8 Towns in Minnesota that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
From the scenic forests of the Superior National Forest to the charming banks of the Mississippi River, Minnesota boasts a captivating mix of natural beauty and small-town charm. Visitors are drawn to the state's picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant community events. Among these treasures are some of America’s favorite small towns, offering unique attractions, outdoor adventures, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it's exploring historic downtowns or enjoying local festivals, these Minnesota towns provide unforgettable experiences for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Ely
Located in Northeastern Minnesota’s Saint Louis County, Ely lies about 16 miles south of the US-Canada border, positioned in the eastern reaches of the Vermilion Iron Range within the Superior National Forest. Known as a gateway for tourists heading to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park in northwestern Ontario, Ely offers a variety of attractions. Visitors should explore the Ely State Theater, Burntside Lodge, and Dorothy Molter Museum. The murals by Elsa Jemne at the US Post Office, North American Bear Center, and numerous hiking trails like Echo Trail, Trezona Trail, Mesabi Trail, and Kekekabic Trail also warrant attention.
Additionally, the Ely Arts & Heritage Center, International Wolf Center, and Bear Head Lake State Park are notable spots. Whiteside Park hosts various community events, including the Winter Festival in February, the Blueberry Arts Festival in July, and the Harvest Moon Festival in September.
Grand Marais
On the North Shore of Lake Superior lies Grand Marais, a picturesque town perfect for exploring on foot. The main attraction is Grand Marais Harbor, a natural bay shielded by man-made break walls, each adorned with quaint lighthouses. From scenic Artist Point, you can follow a segment of the Gitchi Gami State Trail to reach Grand Marais Marina Vista Point. The mile-long walk around the bay includes notable stops like the Fish House Historic Landmark Museum, North House Folk School, and the Harbor Picnic Shelter.
A short stroll from the harbor brings you to the Grand Marais Art Colony, a cultural hub in the Great Lakes region, offering a variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts. If you visit in mid-summer, you can experience the annual Fisherman's Picnic, a beloved local festival for over 60 years, featuring live music, a parade, and family-friendly activities. Another must-see event is the Grand Marais Arts Festival, held in July.
Red Wing
Red Wing, the administrative center of Goodhue County, sits charmingly along the upper Mississippi River, about 45 miles southeast of St. Paul. Named after a Dakota Sioux leader, this river town draws thousands of adventurers year-round. Visitors come to hike the Cannon Valley Trail, Barn Bluff, Sorin’s Bluff, and nearby Frontenac State Park. Red Wing also boasts excellent golf courses, mountain biking paths, cross-country skiing trails, and a variety of water-based recreational activities on Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River.
Make sure to visit the Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum, Pottery Museum of Red Wing, Red Wing Brewery, Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts, and the Goodhue County Historical Society Museum. Additionally, downtown Red Wing features locally-owned restaurants, trendy boutiques, and specialty shops worth exploring.
Stillwater
Known as "The Birthplace of Minnesota," Stillwater is the seat of Washington County, situated on the western shores of the St. Croix River, just 20 miles northeast of St. Paul. This charming town features a historic downtown filled with meticulously preserved Victorian mansions, a variety of boutiques, art galleries, breweries, and diners like LoLo American Kitchen & Craft Bar. Visitors can also explore antique stores, wineries, and cozy bed & breakfasts like the Aurora Staples Inn.
Key attractions in Stillwater include the Stillwater Lift Bridge, Warden’s House Museum, Teddy Bear Park, Aamodt’s Apple Farm, Washington County Historic Courthouse, Isaac Staples Sawmill, Saint Croix Vineyards, and the Gateway-Brown’s Creek State Trails.
Excelsior
Located about 15 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis, this Hennepin County town is a charming western suburb of the Twin Cities, nestled on the southern shores of Lake Minnetonka. Excelsior's downtown district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with late 19th to early 20th-century landmark buildings that now house gift shops, boutiques, cafes, ice-cream shops, bookstores, breweries, and top-notch restaurants like Maynards and Coalition. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on Lake Minnetonka, hike a section of the Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail that winds through downtown, and ride the Excelsior Trolley to the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. The Port of Excelsior and Excelsior Commons Park offer beautiful picnic areas and swimming beaches for relaxation. The town also hosts special festivals such as Apple Days, Art on the Lake, the North American Pond Hockey Championship, Arctic Fever, and the Excelsior Farmers Market.
New Ulm
Situated about 71 miles from Excelsior, the quaint town of New Ulm offers a charming slice of Germany at the junction of the Cottonwood and Minnesota Rivers. Named after a German city near Bavaria, New Ulm showcases impressive Old World architecture, including the 45-foot Glockenspiel clocktower and the Hermann Monument, which honors Arminius, the ancient Germanic chieftain who defeated the Roman Empire. Schell’s Brewery, one of America’s oldest, continues to delight visitors with its historic brewing traditions.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Flandrau State Park, with its serene pools and oak-shaded bluffs. New Ulm is also known for its vibrant events and festivals, such as Oktoberfest, Bacchus Fest in May, Bavarian Blast from July 18 to July 21, and HermannFest on September 7.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro nestles deeply in the Root River Valley, a quaint community located about 40 miles from Rochester. For scenic views of the South Branch of the Root River, head to Mill Pond Overlook, or enjoy the sun and river breeze at Sylvan Park. History enthusiasts will find the Lanesboro History Museum enlightening, while the Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro Medallion Walking Tour offers a unique glimpse into the town’s past through 20 iron medallions scattered throughout the area.
In August, the town comes alive with Buffalo Bill Days, featuring lively events, games, and fairs for both visitors and locals. As the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro hosts an annual Rhubarb Festival every June, where you can indulge in delicious sweet tarts. For accommodations, consider staying at the Scandinavian Inn, the Green Gables Inn, or Root River Inn & Suites, perfect for those looking to explore the charming streets of Lanesboro.
Lindstrom
Founded in 1853 by Swedish immigrant Daniel Lindström, Lindstrom is a charming small town in the Chisago Lakes region of east-central Minnesota’s Chisago County, located about 10 miles from the Wisconsin border. From an aerial perspective, the town resembles an island due to the surrounding lakes—South Lindström Lake, North Center Lake, South Center Lake, North Lindström Lake, and Kroon Lake—which make it a favorite destination for anglers. Renowned for its Swedish heritage, Lindstrom offers must-see attractions such as the Karl Oskar & Kristina Monument, Allemansratt Wilderness Park, Karl Oskar House, Panola Valley Gardens, Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Chisago County Historical Society, and Lindstrom Bakery. Each year in mid-July, the town hosts Karl Oskar Days, featuring parades, street dances, the coronation of a Karl Oskar Princess, and fireworks.
Minnesota's diverse and picturesque towns offer a rich tapestry of experiences, each with its unique charm and attractions. From the northern wilderness gateway of Ely to the historic river town of Red Wing, these communities provide an array of activities and sights for all types of travelers. Grand Marais enchants with its stunning harbor and vibrant arts scene, while Stillwater and Excelsior charm visitors with their historic downtowns and scenic lake views.
