11 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Minnesota
In Grand Marais, a beloved bakery and a penny-candy shop sit steps from the harbor. Stillwater packs its riverfront Main Street with makers' markets and local kitchens below the bluffs. Lanesboro sends bike traffic straight off the Root River trail into its cafes and taprooms. These eleven main streets pull a whole town's worth of character onto one walkable stretch.
Stillwater
As the county seat of Washington County, Stillwater has around 20,000 residents yet keeps a distinct small-town feel. The town carries the nickname Birthplace of Minnesota for its role in the state's founding. It was settled in 1843, fifteen years before Minnesota reached statehood.
Locale Makers Market & Boutique sits at the center of Stillwater's Main Street, carrying handcrafted wares and art from 60 local artisans. Another must-visit spot on Main Street is Smith and Trade Mercantile, an artisan and home goods shop that has landed on many a "Best Of" list. For dining, LoLo American Kitchen builds its menu around what is fresh, local, and in season.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro is home to fewer than 500 residents, but its spot along the Root River State Trail, a popular route for biking, hiking, running, and skating, has put it on the map. The town sits in southeastern Minnesota's Bluff Country, along the Root River amid limestone bluffs, river valleys, and rolling Driftless Area terrain. After working up an appetite on the trail, grab a bite at Pedal Pushers Cafe (folks rave about the truffle and parmesan fries), a burger from Juniper's Restaurant, or a happy hour drink from Root River 102.
Moorhead
One of the larger cities on this list at around 44,000 residents, Moorhead sits near four colleges and carries the amenities and attractions that college towns tend to draw. Its Hjemkomst Center displays the Hjemkomst Viking Ship, a full-scale replica of the Gokstad burial ship that a local crew sailed across the Atlantic to Norway, and the museum's roofline echoes the shape of a Viking helmet. Art lovers will also want to check out the Rourke Art Gallery and Museum, which fills an old post office with an eclectic collection. Moorhead is also home to one of the oldest Dairy Queens in the country, the walk-up window where the Dilly Bar was invented in the 1950s, so grab a soft serve while you explore.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais sits on Lake Superior's North Shore and counts a population of around 1,300. For its size, the town packs one of the most active main streets in the state. Grab a donut at World's Best Donuts, a longtime family-run bakery, and penny candy or a soda from Joynes Ben Franklin before heading to one of the town's many festivals. The Grand Marais Arts Festival runs free each summer and ranks among the town's most celebrated events.
Nisswa
With easy access to the Paul Bunyan State Trail, Nisswa's downtown lines up plenty of good pit stops. Main Street Ale House is a fan favorite known for its cheese curds and its roster of more than 30 ales, while an IPA and buffalo wings from Big Axe Brewing Company hit the spot after a day on the trails. If you are into vintage shopping, Angry Minnow Vintage is a must.
Ely
Ely runs its main street along Sheridan Street, a drag stocked with businesses for outdoorsy and indoorsy types alike. Arrowhead Outdoors gears up visitors heading into the surrounding Northwoods, as does Ely Outfitting Company. Blue Loon Gallery and Boutique carries Minnesota-proud apparel, and Steger Mukluks turns out warm boots built for a frigid winter day.
Pipestone
Downtown Pipestone lines its Main Street with Sioux quartzite storefronts, many dating to the late 1800s. Stonehouse & Quarry Lounge is a local favorite for handhelds, hearty burgers, and protein-packed plates, while Rooted & Fruited is a newer spot for a plant-forward meal. Geyermans Clothing Co. is another Main Street stop for comfortable apparel. While in town, plan a visit to the nearby Pipestone National Monument, a sacred Indigenous site where pipestone has been quarried for more than 3,000 years for ceremonial pipes.
Red Wing
Red Wing gave its name to one of Minnesota's best-known footwear brands, and its main street lives up to the reputation. The town sits in southeastern Minnesota along the Mississippi River, with bluff-and-water views to match its historic storefronts. Shop the vintage finds at 210 Plum Crazy, then grab a bite at Liberty's Restaurant and Lounge. Save time for the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum, where you can pick up a pair of heritage boots and see the world's largest boot, a size 638 1/2 D work boot built for the company's 1905 centennial.
Bemidji
Road warriors likely know Bemidji for one of the most recognizable roadside attractions in America: the statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, which stand just off the main street. After a photo with the pair, wander downtown Bemidji to take in the local art along the sculpture walk, then grab a pint at one of the town's breweries. Bemidji Brewing draws locals for its seasonal IPAs, while Keg n Cork, which bills itself as the first Irish pub on the Mississippi, serves a Minnesota Fish Fry basket worth the stop.
Wabasha
Wabasha's Main Street is a designated historic district, a draw for history lovers and anyone who appreciates a well-kept downtown. The Olde Triangle Pub sits right on Main Street and remains a favorite local spot for a casual meal. Nearby on Bridge Avenue, Hoppy Girl Brewing pours a good drink after a look at Wabasha's murals and public bike program. For waterfront views, Slippery's Bar and Grill runs seasonally on Church Avenue closer to the Mississippi River.
Lindström
Known as Minnesota's Little Sweden, Lindström is a small town about 40 miles northeast of the Twin Cities. Gustaf's on Main Eatery is one of the town's most revered restaurants, with a menu full of Scandinavian dishes. After a meal, spend some time at the Swedish Gift Store and its shelves of souvenirs. If you can, time your visit for the summer's Karl Oskar Days, a family-friendly celebration of the town's Swedish heritage. Swedish immigrants settled the town, which was platted in 1880.
What Makes a Minnesota Main Street Worth the Walk
What sets these downtowns apart is how much of each town fits onto one street. Pipestone puts its quarried stone into the walls of its storefronts, and the sacred quarry it comes from sits at the edge of town. Lanesboro turns bike traffic off the Root River State Trail straight into Pedal Pushers Cafe and Root River 102. Moorhead built a Viking ship and a decades-old Dairy Queen into a single afternoon. Red Wing keeps a footwear empire and a 20-foot boot within a few blocks of the Mississippi. Each main street tells you what its town is made of before you finish the first block.
