The 7 Most Charming River Towns In Minnesota

The story of Minnesota flows through its rivers—broad, glacial waters like the Mississippi, the St. Croix, and the Minnesota River, carving valleys and shaping communities along their banks. These waterways do not just define the land; they anchor towns steeped in heritage, character, and quiet magnetism. From the historic bridge of Stillwater to the scenic overlooks of Red Wing, these riverside towns showcase a mosaic of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and welcoming downtowns. Here are the most captivating river towns in Minnesota to discover.

Red Wing

Perched along the upper Mississippi River, Red Wing unfolds like a living museum—its streets, landmarks, and landscapes echoing stories of industry, identity, and heritage. Named for a 19th-century Dakota Sioux chief, the city honors its Indigenous roots while embracing the legacies of craftsmanship and community that followed. At the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, over 6,000 hand-crafted stoneware and art pottery pieces trace the evolution of the town’s renowned clay industry, filling 13,000 square feet with color, texture, and ingenuity. Nearby, the Goodhue County Historical Society presents a thoughtful collection of exhibits that illuminate the region’s geology, Native cultures, and early enterprises.

Towering above it all is Barn Bluff, a sacred Dakota site and 400-foot natural sentinel overlooking the river and downtown below. Once a guidepost for river travelers and a limestone quarry, today it rewards hikers with sweeping views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi Valley. Along the river’s edge, Colvill Park hums with local life—its boat launch, tennis courts, and picnic shelters making it a favored spot for relaxation and recreation.

Stillwater

Set against the wooded bluffs of the St. Croix River, Stillwater radiates a quiet grandeur shaped by history, innovation, and riverfront life. Often referred to as the “birthplace of Minnesota,” this storied town played a pivotal role in the state’s founding—and it has not stopped evolving since. The Stillwater Lift Bridge, an engineering relic from 1931, still commands attention with its rare vertical-lift design, linking Minnesota to Wisconsin with industrial grace. Just north of town, the St. Croix Boom Site—once the heart of the region’s timber-sorting industry—now beckons with shaded picnic areas, riverside overlooks, and a quiet reverence for the state’s logging past.

Outdoor enthusiasts gravitate toward the Brown’s Creek Trail, a scenic 6.3-mile stretch that meanders alongside a trout stream and threads through town, inviting walkers and cyclists to discover Stillwater at a slower pace. Just up the hill, the Washington County Historic Courthouse stands as a monument to civic life. Built in 1870 and now carefully preserved, it provides a glimpse into the region’s judicial roots through guided tours of its courtroom, exhibit halls, and original jail cells.

Taylors Falls

Cradled between forested bluffs and the sculpted cliffs of the Dalles of the St. Croix River, Taylors Falls channels the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s geological past and the leisurely pace of a riverfront escape. At the heart of this landscape is Interstate State Park, where glacial potholes and basalt formations create an otherworldly backdrop for hiking, paddling, and exploring. When snow blankets the valley, Wild Mountain becomes the region’s playground—offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on well-groomed runs with terrain for every level.

Come warmer months, the Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours glide through the river gorge, giving guests front-row views of the towering cliffs and forested shores. Whether it is a daytime excursion or an evening cruise with live music, each trip feels like stepping into a postcard. Nestled in the historic Angel Hill District, the Folsom House adds a dose of 19th-century elegance. This preserved home of lumber magnate W.H.C. Folsom, filled with original furnishings, recalls the town’s roots in the timber trade and the New Englanders who once settled here.

Lake City

Positioned along the sparkling expanse of Lake Pepin—a naturally broadened stretch of the Mississippi River—Lake City moves to the rhythm of wind, water, and lakeside life. Known as the birthplace of water skiing, this inviting river town draws both relaxation seekers and outdoor enthusiasts with its wide-open views, laid-back streets, and vibrant recreational spirit.

Lake Pepin anchors the town’s identity, where sailboats drift across the horizon and anglers cast lines for bass, walleye, and northern pike. Just steps from the water, the Lake Pepin Pearl Button Company is a favorite stop for browsers and collectors alike. Housed in a restored Victorian storefront downtown, the shop brims with antiques, river-themed décor, clothing, and handpicked curiosities—its name paying homage to the once-booming pearl button industry that thrived here over a century ago.

Golfers gravitate to The Jewel Golf Club, an 18-hole course masterfully designed by U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin. Routed through 800 acres of wooded hills, meadows, and river valley terrain, the course shifts with the landscape, offering a thoughtful challenge for every skill level.

Little Falls

Shaped by the rushing waters of the Mississippi River, Little Falls carries the name of the very cascades that sparked its founding. The Charles Lindbergh House and Museum captures the spirit of early flight with immersive exhibits and a faithful restoration of the family’s riverside home. Visitors can walk trails that trace Lindbergh’s childhood footsteps, explore the interactive “Spirit of St. Louis” flight simulator, and take in the tranquil scenery of the adjacent Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, where oak groves and river overlooks provide a quiet counterpoint to his soaring legacy. History continues to take shape at the Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, which chronicles the personal stories and statewide impact of Minnesotans in service. Through uniforms, vehicles, weapons, and first-hand accounts, the museum preserves the legacy of those who shaped the state’s military past—from frontier battles to modern deployments. At the same time, Fishing traditions come alive at the Minnesota Fishing Museum, home to over 20,000 nostalgic artifacts, from antique tackle to vintage motors.

Just a short drive away, the Pine Grove Zoo invites families to wander through shaded paths beneath one of Minnesota’s last stands of white pines. This small but thoughtfully curated zoo has exotic and native animals, a petting barn, and picnic areas that make for a perfect afternoon escape.

Redwood Falls

Redwood Falls unfolds along the banks of the Redwood River, just upstream from its meeting point with the Minnesota River. Surrounded by rolling prairie and woodlands, this southwestern Minnesota town brings together scenic landscapes and a strong sense of community rooted in local tradition. Nature takes center stage at Ramsey Park, often called the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota.” Its crown jewel, Ramsey Falls, tumbles over layers of ancient rock into a wooded gorge, with scenic overlooks and miles of hiking paths that reveal wildflowers, wildlife, and panoramic views throughout the seasons. For summertime fun, families head to the Redwood Falls Aquatic Center, a lively splash zone featuring waterslides, diving boards, a water walk, and interactive play features designed to keep kids moving and cool.

Back in town, the Redwood County Museum curates the region’s story inside a two-story historic building. Visitors can explore furnished period rooms, early pioneer tools, medical equipment, and military memorabilia—each artifact bringing to life the daily experiences of past generations.

Zumbrota

Zumbrota traces the banks of the North Fork of the Zumbro River, where heritage and hometown pride shape every street and festival. Tucked into the rolling countryside of southeastern Minnesota, this distinctive town proudly proclaims itself “the only Zumbrota in the world”—a fitting title for a place that celebrates both its past and its individuality. Its most celebrated landmark—the Zumbrota Covered Bridge—has stood since 1869, making it the last remaining covered bridge in the state. Originally constructed just before the railroad era transformed the region, the bridge now serves as both a scenic pedestrian crossing and a timeless reminder of the town’s early days. Each September, the Covered Bridge Festival breathes extra life into this storied site. Over one vibrant weekend, the town comes alive with a grand parade, fireworks, a 5K/10K run and half marathon, handmade crafts, food trucks, and live music—drawing visitors and neighbors alike to celebrate community roots.

Just outside town, Hemp Maze Minnesota delivers a seasonal experience that is equal parts fun and educational. Open through October, the maze invites guests to wander through towering hemp fields, try their hand at a gourd sling, pose on a giant bench, and even stroll a whimsically themed graveyard made just for kids. The adjacent farm store stays open year-round, having CBD and locally made hemp goods that showcase the plant’s versatility and promise.

Beautiful River Towns Await

Minnesota’s river towns weave together natural beauty, storied pasts, and welcoming communities. From the scenic boat tours of Taylors Falls to the cascading waters of Redwood Falls and the one-of-a-kind charm of Zumbrota, each place offers its slice of the North Star State’s soul. Whether you are wandering through historic neighborhoods, paddling quiet rivers, or enjoying local festivals, these towns embody the warmth and wonder that make Minnesota unforgettable—one riverbank, one hidden gem, one memorable moment at a time.