US Coast Guard Station of North Superior at Grand Marais, Minnesota on Lake Superior.

The Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Chill Out In 2024

Perhaps it is time for a week-long vacation from the office, or maybe you just need a weekend getaway from all the stress. No matter your reason, Minnesota is the best state for you to chill out in 2024.

Minnesota is known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes." Enjoy relaxing lakes such as Lake Superior and Lake Minnetonka where you can fish, boat, and even swim. Minnesota also offers welcoming events to tourists such as the Minnesota State Fair and Twin Cities Marathon that draw thousands of people annually. Head to these seven small towns in 2024 and find the best one for you to chill out.

Stillwater

Downtown stores and restaurants in historic buildings in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Downtown stores and restaurants in historic buildings in Stillwater, Minnesota. Image credit Sandra Burm via Shutterstock

Stillwater is known as the Birthplace of Minnesota because it hosted the 1848 territorial convention to help establish this state in the United States. Escape to Stillwater and enjoy sites such as the Warden's House Museum which was built in the mid-1800s and now operates as a museum in memory of the residence of the state prison warden.

Make sure you stop by the famous Stillwater Lift Bridge. Constructed in 1931, this bridge connects Houlton, Wisconsin, with Stillwater. Rent a bike and enjoy riding back and forth on the bridge. Or simply take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the sounds of seagulls above and the stillness of the water below.

Stillwater offers a wide array of food such The Lowell Inn for upscale dining with steak and seafood, all while renting a room for your visit. Or you can dine at a more relaxed atmosphere with Leo’s Grill and Malt Shop for the best American burgers you’ve ever had. Afterwards, take the family to Nelson's Ice Cream which offers large scoops in cones or cups. Flavors range from fudge, mint, chocolate chip, or even their famous mashups of different flavors.

Red Wing

Red Wing is a Community in Southern Minnesota on the Mississippi River.
Overlooking Red Wing, Minnesota, on the Mississippi River.

With a population close to 17,000 this charming town offers various attractions to make your visit here worthwhile. On this relaxing getaway, you will get to experience the famous Red Wing Shoes with the giant boot in the middle of the store. Upstairs they also have a museum you can check out.

Red Wing is famously known for its pottery. You can visit the Pottery Museum of Red Wing where they showcase pottery in all different forms from small items that fit on a shelf, and others that stand alone and are as tall as humans. Check out the special exhibits that showcase what pre-prohibition saloons looked like.

Get away from the bustle of city life and hike the Cannon Valley Trail where you can bike, walk, and even go skiing. This historical trail was built on the back of the former Chicago Great Western Railroad.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais Light against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior.
Grand Marais Light against the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior.

If you are looking for a quiet town to chill out in 2024, then Grand Marais is the town for you. With a small population of under 2,000 members, this town is a picturesque place to visit. Grand Marais is nestled close to Lake Superior, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the natural beauty Minnesota has to offer outside.

The Judge C.R. Magney State Park has trails open year-round. There are spots to picnic and grill, and if you are a furry parent then you can bring your dogs along with you. Visit Artist’s Point to get stunning views of Lake Superior crashing up on the rocks below.

You can’t visit this quiet town without stopping by the World’s Best Donuts. Enjoy more than just your traditional glazed donut. You can try kabobs, skizzles, and cake donuts for a unique experience unlike any other donut shop you know of.

New Ulm

Glockenspiel in New Ulm, Minnesota.
Glockenspiel in New Ulm, Minnesota. Image credit EWY Media via Shutterstock

New Ulm is a town with strong ties to German heritage and thus offers a cultural experience for tourists looking to stop by. Visit the 102-foot Hermann the German Monument. This monument was erected in honor of the German tribal leader known as Hermann the Cheruscan.

The Glockenspiel is a famous clock tower that has 37 bells inside. Make sure to stop by to hear the celestial sounds of the bells ringing throughout the town.

You can even enjoy the culinary delights of Germanic foods at Veigel’s Kaiserhoff for classic German dishes such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. Stop by the August Schell Brewing Company to grab a cold beer, swag clothes, and experience their live events.

Lanesboro

View of downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota during the festive Christmas season.
Downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota, during the festive Christmas season. Image credit Wirestock Creators via Shutterstock

With the smallest population of under 1,000 Lanesboro is located in southeastern Minnesota and is an ideal location for those who wish for some peace and quiet on their travels. Enjoy the serenity of Mother Nature on trails such as the Root River State Trail, built on an old abandoned railroad.

Along the Root River, you can fish and canoe to your heart's content. This river is full of various fish species such as trout and smallmouth bass.

Take a stroll in the heart of downtown Lanesboro to experience the arts at the St. Mane Theatre. This classic performing arts center provides live musical performances, documentary films, and other community productions for tourists to enjoy.

Ely

Main Street, Ely, Minnesota.
Main Street, Ely, Minnesota. Image credit Malachi Jacobs via Shutterstock

Take a trip up the northeastern part of Minnesota and you will run into a small town known as Ely. This idyllic getaway town offers a plethora of activities to do outdoors. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) stretches 150 miles long and is the perfect location to rent a canoe and be out in the wide open waters with friends.

The town of Ely is a huge advocate for wildlife and the preservation of bears. Their North American Bear Center is a wildlife park located in St. Louis County. This is an educational facility that welcomes visitors year-round.

Winona

View of houseboats along the Mississppi River in Winona, Minnesota.
Houseboats along the Mississippi River in Winona, Minnesota. Image credit Linda McKusick via Shutterstock

Winona is a charming small town that offers a wide variety of hiking, art, and local food to enjoy with views of the Mississippi River close by. Garvin Heights City Park is the best place to find scenic views of the town, bluffs in the area, and of the Mississippi River.

One of the best tourist attractions in Winona is the Great River Shakespeare Festival, where you can see live performances of Shakespeare plays and other classic works of art. Audience members get the authentic feel of being able to sit outdoors and watch.

The locals work hard to provide homemade experiences with their local cuisine. Add the Blue Heron Coffeehouse to your list of places to stop by for some homemade bread, artisanal coffee, and various other organic dishes.

Towns In Minnesota With Thriving Local BusinessesMinnesota's rich natural scenery, featuring vast lake waters and endless riverways, puts it on the map as a prime Midwest tourist destination.

Being able to chill out one of these seven towns in 2024 is sure to enrich your journey. No matter if you want to hike the Cannon Valley Trail, tour the Hermann the German Monument, or taste the world’s best donuts the state of Minnesota has so many attractions for you to consider. Get the experience of the captivating beauty of mother nature while also enjoying the historical culture of these towns in your next vacation in 2024.

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Hannah Crawford June 28 2024 in Places

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