12 Small Towns in Minnesota With Big Charm

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes. While this state is well known for cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, even residents of these cities need to escape to some of the more charming locations that this state provides. With so many unbelievable towns, narrowing down where to get away for a weekend can be hard. To help you with your choice, discover 12 small towns throughout the state that you will fall in love with due to their impeccable charm, natural beauty, and history.

Bemidji

Located in Northern Minnesota, near the start of the Mississippi River, this small town has a truly unique and magical air around it. Surrounding the beautiful Lake Bemidji, you will find it hard not to fall in love with it. Start visiting the giant Paul and Babe statues near the Bemidji Visitor Center. Follow this up by exploring the small downtown district where you will be able to find the oldest professional summer stock theater in Minnesota, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse. Going just a few miles north, you will find the beautiful Lake Bemidji State Park, where those brave enough can bike around the entire lake on its 16-mile trail.

Little Falls

Located in the middle of Minnesota, this alluring town is one of the oldest European-American towns in Minnesota. Step back in time by visiting the Linden Hill Historic Estate, where you can tour this 9-acre property overlooking the Mississippi River. If nature is what you are looking for, Little Falls will not disappoint! Visit the Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, where you can spot several waterfowl, including the endangered Sandhill Crane. If you enjoy camping, spend a night at the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, where you can camp, hike, fish, or canoe to your heart's content.

Walker

Next to Leech Lake, you will find yourself in the town of Walker. Founded in 1896, the city profited off the rail line construction and fur trade. Nowadays, most visitors are drawn to lake activities. While visiting, you must spend time at the lake. Whether you enjoy skiing, fishing, or relaxing, you can find something you love here. You can spend a day looking around the Cass County Museum to get an insight into the area's original inhabitants: the Ojibwe. If you are a winter lover, you will not be disappointed here. Check out the Shingobee Recreation Area for hours of cross-country skiing and hiking!

Stillwater

On the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin, alongside the St. Croix River, it is hard to ignore the town of Stillwater. For history lovers, Stillwater does not disappoint. Considered one of the oldest towns in Minnesota (founded in 1854), the downtown area is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. You can enjoy the night at one of the historic inns or various antique and vintage shops there. For nature lovers, due to its prime location, you can visit several campgrounds and parks. Enjoy an evening at Pioneer Park, where you can get one of the best views of Stillwater.

Grand Rapids

Located a few hours north of the Twin Cities, you find yourself in one of the most beautiful towns in Minnesota, Grand Rapids. If you love nature, you will not be disappointed. In winter, you will not be able to find a better town to visit. Check out Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Several trails around Grand Rapids can be enjoyed all year. Go to Legion Trail to enjoy walking through dense woods and spot some of the local wildlife! Spend an afternoon exploring the charming home of Judy Garland's early childhood and the Judy Garland Museum next door!

Two Harbors

Located on Lake Superior, you will encounter one of the most charming towns in Minnesota, Two Harbors. This is one of the most pleasant places you can visit for a weekend getaway any time of the year. Check out the Two Harbors Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota, where you can book a stay in the keeper's quarters. Walk on Flood Bay State Wayside and enjoy a nice picnic alongside the pebble beach to relax. Look at the Edna G tugboat and the Railroad Depot museum at Agate Bay to end your trip!

Wabasha

Head south of the Twin Cities and follow the Mississippi River to find the peaceful town of Wabasha. Here, you can go to the National Eagle Center, where you can get close and personal with several eagles! For more active people, go check out the Coffee Mill Ski Area and enjoy a weekend on the slopes! It is hard not to spend much time on the Mississippi River in Wabasha. Go on a charming kayak tour and explore the river with certified guides!

Nisswa

Located in central Minnesota and only two and a half hours north of Minneapolis, you can find yourself in the friendly town of Nisswa. It is famous for the turtle races that run on Wednesdays in the summer. Nisswa is a paradise for those who love the outdoors. Ride on the Paul Bunyan Trail in the summer or go cross-country skiing in the summer, and you will find it hard to be bored while visiting! For those with a sweet tooth, visit the Chocolate Ox, where you can enjoy delicious chocolates and eat!

Hastings

Just a short trip south of the Twin Cities, it would be a shame if you miss out on the town of Hastings. For the athletes out there, appreciate a bike ride on one of the many trails! Suppose you are more of a history buff. In that case, you will love the LeDuc Historic Estate, one of the last remaining examples of Gothic Revival residential architecture in the United States. If you are here in the summer, check out the Rotary Club Pavilion, where you can enjoy live music, classes, and outdoor movies from May through September!

Red Wing

Heading down the Mississippi from the Twin Cities, you will drive into the unique and charming town of Red Wing. Checking out the Red Wing Brewery and Falconer Vineyards is a must-do for those food and drink lovers! Spend the night at the St. James Hotel, which opened in 1875. Watch a play at Minnesota's oldest operating theater, The Sheldon Theatre. While in the area, be sure to spend time exploring the natural beauty in Red Wing, such as Frontenac State Park or Barn Bluff!

Ely

Head north, then go further, and you will find yourself in Ely. For those outdoor enthusiasts, you will be hard-pressed to find a more charming place to visit. Explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which covers thousands of miles of canoe routes. Go to the International Wolf Center or the North American Bear Center to get up close and personal with the two creatures and learn a few fun facts to tell your friends! If you are here in winter, make sure to attend the Ely Winter Festival, where you will see carvers come to turn giant blocks of snow into art!

Henderson

Only about an hour drive south of the Twin Cities, you will find yourself in the charming town of Henderson. It is one of the oldest communities in Minnesota. Enjoy the scenery of the Minnesota River Valley. Take a day and view the Sibley County Historical Museum, that started in 1949! Afterward, visit one of the many parks in the town, such as Allansons Park or Rush River State Wayside, where you can enjoy picnics, hiking, or even camping! Spend the day at the beautiful Ney Nature Center located on the bluffs of the Minnesota River!

Minnesota is a state that is known for its kind citizens, beautiful nature, and charming towns. It is a place many visit, especially in the summer, but it is also one of the country's most welcoming snowy season states. Where the hustle and bustle of the Twin Cities can be matched with the calming, friendly feel of its towns, explore the wonderful state and experience the charm for yourself!