The 7 Friendliest Little Towns In Minnesota
Being infamously nice, Minnesota was named the friendly state according to the World Population Review 2025 poll. Not just friendly, North Star State is lakeside-family-friendly. Although Michigan is the Great Lakes State, and Minnesota is bound by only one, Lake Superior, its sheer conglomeration of smaller lakes is impressive.
This reflects the Dakota term minisota, "Land of sky-tinted water," and the state's license-plate designation, "Land of 10,000 Lakes." Each town with a festival coming up maintains a perfect balance of nature and culture with deep history and modern attractions. Consider Grand Marais, an evocative North Shore escape on Lake Superior.
Biwabik
Very tiny with just a handful of streets, Biwabik exudes warmth with attractions as charming as itself, like Honk the Moose Statue, the local mascot. Between Embarrass Lake and Wynne Lake, it is an outdoorsy heaven with resorts, B&Bs, and lakefront lodges. Biwabik Campground on Vermilion Trail features water views and a scenic boardwalk. There's great winter fun at Giants Ridge Recreation Area, an upscale resort to the north with 35 alpine ski runs, rustic-chic quarters, a spa, and dining, plus two golf courses. Drop by Pine Grove Gallery—there's always something new worth seeing or buying, from jewelry pieces to art and decor.
Biwabik hosts a tourist-friendly feel as a destination for thousands of vacationers year-round. Pedal in lake views down Vermillion Trail and across the train tracks. Just northeast, the serene Wynne Lake is perfect for a long walk along the serene shore at sunset. Among points of interest, Free Little Library 313 is a charming notion. Don't miss Vi's Pizza & TNT Bar for dinner, with cutesy names and delectable fare, including inventive pies and impressive burger portions, plus craft beer and cider. There's no other place like Honktoberfest in the state where you can experience the heritage and spirit of this town during energetic festivities and Festermaster's Ball late in September.
Excelsior
A standout name is very promising for this vibrant town with plenty of substance to it. From gardens to festivals, it is a premier spot for families on the southern side of Lake Minnetonka, the Lower Lake. Like the skin of a Dalmatian, the interconnected lake system is fun under the sails or to lose yourself in wanderings along the meandering shores. Just 20 miles west of the Twin Cities, Excelsior has the slick feel that lifts your spirits. Lake vistas poking through its colonial backdrop deliver a dose of fresh nature and impart vestiges from Minnesota's past. Take a stroll along Water Street with Victorian charm and hop on the Excelsior Streetcar Line to cruise along other 19th-century landmarks.
Steamboat Museum is on the National Register, while Old Log Theatre is the first professional theatre in the Northwest. Taste your way around the globe downtown alone. Maynards is a locked-in favorite on the wharf for American fare, gluten-free options, tap beers, and martinis. No getaway is complete without me-time at the public beach, with shallows and sands for the kids on the shore of Excelsior Commons, festival grounds. Relax in view at Port of Excelsior, a city park, while the active head for a hike through the nearby Lake Minnewashta Regional Park, and all gather at the marina for scenic at sunset. Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt promises magic, with reindeer and alpacas last Christmas.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is at the heart of lakeside recreation in the state along the largest of the Great Lakes, the world's largest freshwater lake by area, Lake Superior. As the "Next Great Adventure Town," according to National Geographic, with fame comes not vanity but a welcoming community spirit here in Northeastern Minnesota. On the northern shore, Grand Marais features a historic lighthouse at the forefront and the whole Pincushion Mountain Trail System at its backdoor. Tourists trickle in for culture and a good dose of natural beauty. After all, Grand Marais is the epicenter of the "Fresh Coast" and the state's first art colony.
Often called the state's friendliest, hunt for hand-crafted treasures and hands-on experiences for the entire family through various workshops. From its harborfront beaches and boat launches to the whale-tail-shaped peninsula called Artist Point, breathe, relax, and get inspired by nature along the endless hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails. The homes right on the edge of Lake Superior evoke real estate envy against the modest Sawtooth Mountains that backdrop the town. Named "America's Best Small Lake Town" by Travel + Leisure, visit during the 34th annual Grand Marais Arts Festival, Downtown, July 12 & 13, 2025.
Henderson
Famously home to Prince, Henderson upholds the music icon's legacy through vast cultural attractions, including family-friendly festivals. Prince Garden draws many for a stroll around the Prince statue, Prince Memorial Bench, Prince Mural, and the Purple Rain Route from the screens of "Purple Rain." His former home, Paisley Park, is now a museum just 40 miles northeast. Just as notable is the Minnesota River, which laces Henderson in the east. The vegetation of the lush river valley imposes on the town village greens and places for research and recreation, including Joseph R. Brown Minnesota River Center and Rush River Park.
Enjoy a number of nature trails on site and the impeccably landscaped Bender Park along the river's bend. You can follow its playful flow along the scenic byway. Henderson Hummingbird Garden is an absolutely favorite spot with places to relax, and those tiny and fast hummingbirds fill your heart with joy. The Ney Nature Center features a bike trail along the train tracks, while the dog-friendly Allanson's Park Camping, with a woodsy appeal, is right in town. Henderson is home to Sauerkraut Days, a three-day event during the last full weekend of June, with festivities like Kraut Car Cruise, 5K Kraut Run, Tractor Ride, Kiddie Parade, Grand Parade, and more.
Lake City
Coming alive every summer along the Mississippi River across from Wisconsin, this friendly town is nature-blessed. Its claim to fame, darling Lake Pepin, happens to be the bounding stretch of the river. The sport of water skiing was born here along the lush shores. Lake Perfectly lets visitors get the most out of the waterfront allure over relaxation, picnics, and photoshoots. For a popular place, the vast opportunities to find yourself alone and at peace with the serene wilderness make it a rarity. Both Ohuta Beach and Roschen Park offer a scenic stretch of shoreline. Hok-Si-La Municipal Park and Campground is an all-time favorite base.
The natural lake encompasses a working lighthouse and abundant fishing. Enjoy easygoing recreation along the trails through Ohuta Park, Frontenac State Park, and Maiden Rock Bluff. Minutes north, Frontenac State Park offers campsites, birdwatching, and hiking/skiing trails with river valley views, plus a popular golf course. There's an event nearly every weekend. The quaint, independent shops and local restaurants are a 360-degree change in pace from the city bustle. Port 104 is a tavern next to the marina at sunset. Visit during the vibrant 18th Annual Tour de Pepin in June and stick around for the 52nd Annual Water Ski Days at the end of the month.
Lindstrom
Are you after a European-inspired getaway? Lindstrom's "America's Little Sweden" welcomes families, nature lovers, and culture fans surrounded by four prominent lakes: South Lindstrom, North Lindstrom, South Center, and North Center. From Allemansrätt Wilderness Park to Blue Waters Leisure Park, there are flower fields and lush vegetation spilling onto the trails. After a morning pick-me-up at Northwoods Roasterie, enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing, or tee off at the golf course in Lake Vista. The dog-friendly Town and Country Park has a loopy trail around a playground overlooking South Center Lake. It's impossible to resist the smell wafting from Lindström Bakery to enjoy the lakefront. Check out Gustaf's On Main Eatery or Swedish Restaurant at dinner time.
The all-time favorite Beach Park is an upkept sandy stretch along South Lindstrom Lake for swimming and fishing, with picnic tables, a boat dock, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. Gustaf's Up North Gallery (Glädje) is a beautiful blue building with unique pieces and plenty of Scandinavian-influenced items, from books to artwork and candles. The next-door Picket Fence Gals is an eclectic stop for antiques, collectibles, knick-knacks, and decorative elements spilling out into the yard. Drop by the Chisago County History Center and the Nya Duvemåla for regional history. The city's annual Karl Oskar Days celebrate Lindström's Swedish heritage July 9-13.
Nisswa
At the heart of Minnesota, Nisswa is engulfed by the waters of Gull Lake and Nisswa Lake. With easy access right on Highway 361, the natural barriers protect its idyllic atmosphere. Many enjoy boating, fishing, and watersports, plus waterslides and splash rides at the Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark. Nisswa Area Historical Society reveals a unique backstory, while Paul Bunyan Trail Access is a favorite hike. Known for its fun and quirky personality, there are adventures for the entire family. The annual Nisswa Turtle Races draw families and nature lovers alike to watch and race a local turtle for fun and prizes.
From June 4 to August 13, 2025, there is a wide window of opportunity to plan your best summer escape during the 62nd year, running in the town center on Wednesdays. Don't miss the Chocolate Ox and Nisswa Totem Pole Boutique Marketplace for unique souvenirs, including handcrafted decor. Depending on budget and personal preferences, both the Good Ol' Days Family Resort and Fritz's Resort Campground are top-rated along a waterfront. The latter offers a wide array of fishing boats, pontoons, and dock spaces. Accessible by boat, the tiny Dinzadi Island on Lake Edna is abundant in wildlife.
Exploring Minnesota's Most Welcoming Small Towns
From invigorating lakes to robust Northern forests, Minnesota's refreshing landscapes set the tone for charming towns. Excelsior feels elevated, with lake vistas poking through its colonial backdrop. Lindstrom is "America's Little Sweden," while Henderson is home to musician and songwriter Prince.
Evocatively, the North Star State can be romantic, adventurous, and knowledge-imparting. Visit Nisswa this summer for turtle races or Grand Marais, the state's first art colony. These seven spirited small towns are geared for all-season outdoor recreation.
