These 7 Towns In Minnesota Feel Like Home
Not every town has to be big to be warm and fuzzy. Some of Minnesota's coziest towns fly under the radar. These are low-key, down-to-earth communities where people greet each other, shops know their customers, and life just moves a little more slowly. From a lakeside trail to an unusual museum to a tiny bakery and its deadly donuts, these seven small towns offer that elusive, genuine feeling of home. You don't just visit them—you relocate, if only for a little while.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais clings to the shores of Lake Superior and has the spirit of a charming harbor town and artists' colony. Walk the shoreline near Artist’s Point and you’ll likely run into someone painting or photographing the view. In town, Java Moose Espresso Cafe serves up coffee with a view of the lake. For something more hands-on, the North House Folk School teaches courses in anything from woodcarving to baking. Art aficionados can visit Sivertson Gallery, which specializes in local and Indigenous artists. There's a natural, artsy vibe here that's not contrived-just friendly.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro is promoted as Minnesota's bed-and-breakfast capital, but there's more to it than charming B&Bs. Its charming downtown is full of owner-operated stores—visit Lanesboro Arts, a gallery and performance space that doubles as a community center. It's a walker's and biker's delight, curving through town and offering easy access to the country. Lunch at Pedal Pushers Café, or dine riverfront with a snack from Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe. At the edge of town, the Root River State Trail winds through limestone bluffs, wildflower meadows, and shaded woodlands, offering a scenic passage for cycling or cross-country skiing in season.
Ely
Ely offers rough adventures and a quaint, walkable town. It's most famous as a departure point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a sprawling 1.1 million-acre network of lakes and streams stretching to the Canadian border. Even if you're not paddling out, there's lots to take in. Outfitters like Piragis Northwoods Company will gear and guide you. For a more earthbound experience, visit the Dorothy Molter Museum, honoring the famous "Root Beer Lady." Downtown Ely has coffee shops like Northern Grounds, used bookstores, and hometown restaurants like Insula Restaurant that never got around to changing decades ago. It's a town where people give directions in terms of landmarks, and somehow you get the feeling you've been there before.
Red Wing
Red Wing may be famous for boots, but small-town charm is its forte. The Red Wing Shoe Company Museum is worth a stop, even if you aren't in the market for leather. The museum includes historical exhibits, vintage boots, and a replica of the world’s largest boot, and it offers a fascinating look into the brand’s industrial legacy. Just nearby, Barn Bluff boasts one of the best hiking views of the Mississippi River. For a more low-key experience, sort through local art at Red Wing Arts, located in a renovated depot building. Its downtown is filled with 19th-century buildings, antique shops, and the kind of old-timey bakeries you'd wish for on every corner (check out Hanisch Bakery).
Park Rapids
Park Rapids has a downtown area where parking is still in the middle of the street, and that says a lot. It's casual, friendly, and a bit offbeat. You'll discover mom-and-pop shops like Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery, family restaurants, and summer ice cream parlors. The Heartland State Trail goes right through town and is perfect for a casual bike ride. Itasca State Park, the birthplace of the Mississippi River, is only a few minutes' drive away and a hot spot for locals. Spanning over 32,000 acres, the park offers more than 100 lakes and is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi, where you can walk across the river’s humble beginnings. It features interpretive centers, historic buildings like the Douglas Lodge, and plenty of trails for exploration. Locals suggest stopping at MinneSoda Fountain for a float that's completely 1950s.
New Ulm
New Ulm boasts Bavarian architecture, a friendly populace, and a dash of eccentricity to keep things interesting. Start at the Glockenspiel, a musical clock tower that peals out music and stands 45 feet tall. The Hermann Heights Monument is hard to miss, and you can enjoy the bird's-eye view from the top. Beer enthusiasts will not want to miss the August Schell Brewing Company, which has been brewing since 1860 and still offers tours. The Wanda Gág House, childhood home of the famous author and illustrator of "Millions of Cats," adds to the cultural richness of the town. Bakeries, gift shops, and murals celebrating the town's German heritage line the downtown area.
Little Falls
Little Falls is charming but not too much so. Free-standing shops, coffee shops, and art galleries like Great River Arts, with shows and live performances, border the town square. Maple Island Park, located on the Mississippi River, is the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon walk. History buffs will enjoy the Charles A. Lindbergh House and Museum, which traces the life of the famous aviator's humble beginnings. The museum offers tours of the original 1906 house, a visitor center with exhibits, and scenic trails along the river. There is the Little Falls Dam Festival in town during the summer, as well as the Little Falls Farmer's Market. People are friendly and will chat with you willingly, and there is always someone who can advise you on where you may go for supper.
A Homely Vacation In Minnesota
There is something enchanting about small towns that know how to put people first. These Minnesota treasures need no giant attractions or gaudy festivals, nor would they be improved by them. Attractive trails, charming shops, warm hellos, and plenty to be found make them snug in all the right ways. For the visitor merely passing through or looking to linger, these towns are less destinations than open arms, in which to relax, get cozy, and feel at home without even trying.
