9 Old-World Towns to Visit in Minnesota
Minnesota is an enticing state for travelers seeking an authentic and vintage atmosphere. The state offers a delightful journey back in time, possessing a rich history, well-preserved architecture, and small-town charm. Many of Minnesota's small towns are filled with beautifully maintained 19th-century buildings, from Victorian homes to brick storefronts. Walking through these towns feels like stepping into the past, where every corner holds a piece of legacy. These nine little towns in Minnesota are a great place to visit for those who haven't already.
Winona
Winona's downtown area displays a fascinating look into the past.
A substantial collection of Victorian commercial design in Minnesota, located along the Mississippi River, is found in the Winona Downtown Commercial Historic District. Numerous locations in this area are recognized as part of the National Register of Historic Places. Due to the city's strong architectural tradition, the majority of the buildings in this region, which date from 1857 to 1916, have Italianate and Queen Anne accents that prove their historical value. Among the remarkable attractions is the Winona County Courthouse, a bold Romanesque Revival building. Its impressive clock tower and elaborate brickwork represent the period's craftsmanship.
One of the oldest houses in Minnesota, the Huff-Lamberton House, features Italian Villa-style architecture with a unique Exotic Revival porch added in 1876. This brick home exemplifies the elegance found throughout Winona.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is a gateway to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Minnesota. This enchanting town has endless opportunities for photography of historic sites.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is admired for its waterfalls, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Gunflint Trail is a historic route that has molded the identity of the region. It is a short drive from Grand Marais and extends cultural and environmental information at the Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center. Inside the 1934-built Chik-Wauk Lodge, the museum owns interactive and educational exhibits that chart the region's history from prehistoric times to the creation of the distinctive rural community it is today.
In addition to preserving the history of the Gunflint Trail, Chik-Wauk, a collaboration between the Gunflint Trail Historical Society and the Superior National Forest, welcomes guests to experience the peace and grace of the North Shore's wilderness, ideal for people of all ages.
New Ulm
New Ulm is a community surrounded by German ancestry, and its parks reflect its history.
German Park is a lovely green area that honors the city's German heritage and allows guests to learn about the culture while enjoying its inviting exhibits. German Park is especially radiant in the summertime with a free concert series that draws locals and tourists to the hillside to see live musical acts.
Not far from German Park, Hermann Heights Park is another culturally relevant spot in New Ulm. It is home to the towering Hermann the German Monument, a 102-foot statue that pays tribute to Hermann the Cherusci. This monument takes visitors on a climb up the spiral staircase to an awe-inspiring eyeshot of the Minnesota River Valley.
Wabasha
Wabasha is a great combination of antiquity and natural beauty.
The Anderson House Hotel, the oldest landmark hotel in Minnesota, welcomes guests. This site is found at the center of Wabasha's historical district. The hotel is a great place to start exploring the town's features, like the well-known National Eagle Center, as it is only a few blocks from the Mississippi River.
Established to educate the public about bald eagles, the National Eagle Center teaches all about the birds in U.S. conservation record. The center not only spreads information regarding why bald eagles should remain valued but also allots for the region's archive of the Mississippi River ecosystem.
Pipestone
For those who want to spend some quality time outdoors or are enthralled by Native American origin, Pipestone is a smaller town that couples its celebrated culture with vibrant surroundings.
At the Pipestone National Monument, visitors can lose themselves in the peaceful serenity of the outdoors as they stroll along trails that lead to a massive waterfall. Here, visitors can also behold in-person pipestone carvings and examine exhibits that highlight the lives of the various Native American tribes.
A short distance away, Main Street, with its stores, theater, and structures made of recognizable stone, showcases the town's historical dominance. This part of town also reflects the structural style and community spirit of Pipestone, tempting visitors to absorb the town’s past.
Two Harbors
Two Harbors may be an underrated small town, yet it seamlessly combines natural beauty and historical significance. Whether drawn by the area's rugged landscapes, rich roots, or the proximity of Lake Superior, Two Harbors has something for every traveler.
Gooseberry Falls State Park welcomes tourists of all ages with a four-story standing cascade, spectacular scenic landforms, and flowing rivers great for trout fishing. Nature lovers should not miss the park's vast trails and informative displays, which give insight into the region's geology, animals, and history.
The famous Split Rock Lighthouse is located farther down the coast and is perched on a striking cliff inside a 2,075-acre state park. Encompassing some of the most magnificent scenery on the North Shore, Split Rock tells the story of Minnesota's naval past from which everyone can learn.
Red Wing
Red Wing's long-standing culture has lessons for everyone.
The picturesque Levee Park is the ideal location for a picnic or a stroll in the evening because of its serene environment by the river. Tourists can go fishing or take a walk alongside the Mississippi River and see the passing boats.
One of Red Wing's most recognizable sites, Barn Bluff, rises above the city so travelers can see the Mississippi River, the city, and the nearby hills. The bluff holds deep historical and cultural value for Native American groups, adding a layer of heritage to its inherent elegance.
See the Sheldon Theatre to witness the pinnacle of art in town. Built in 1904, this theater presents incredible entertainment from Minnesota. Comedies, drama, dance, and music are among the various traveling productions that Sheldon hosts most of the year.
Anoka
Anoka, at the intersection of environment and history, entices tourists with its unique allure.
The Anoka-Champlin Mississippi River Bridge, sometimes referred to as the Ferry Street Bridge locally, is crucial to the town's development. This amazing open concrete arch bridge, which connects Anoka and Champlin, was constructed in 1929 by the Minneapolis Bridge Company and serves as a nod to the community's river background.
Adding to the town's artistic expansion is the Heart of the City Music Factory, an elegant Victorian-style concert venue housed in the historic Old Milk Factory along the Rum River. The theater hosts a variety of music series with performers from rock, gospel, jazz, classical, and other genres, holding together a thriving arts environment in this tiny town.
Stillwater
Stillwater is one of Minnesota’s oldest towns, and its architectural beauty has stood for generations.
One of the town’s most renowned sites is the Washington County Historic Courthouse, completed in 1870. Having been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, this stunning courthouse is currently the oldest courthouse still standing in Minnesota.
One more crucial sight is the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a rare surviving example of Waddell and Harrington vertical-lift highway bridge construction. Of the six vertical-lift bridges built between Minnesota and Wisconsin before World War II, the Stillwater Lift Bridge stands out as a noteworthy piece of transportation progression, incorporating a feeling of precious heritage into this picture-worthy river community.
Minnesota has impressive vistas of historic buildings and insightful beginnings that make for an unrivaled day trip or weekend stay. Each of these towns, with its maintained main streets, provides a window into its past while showcasing infrastructure begging to be photographed. Whether looking through antique shops or admiring 19th-century buildings, the slow pace and nostalgic ambiance make these areas desirable destinations to learn from gorgeously aged towns. Discover the small communities that transport tourists back countless years in the Midwestern state.
