12 Of The Friendliest Towns In Minnesota
Minnesota's rich German and Scandinavian heritage, thriving Hmong communities, and a burgeoning Somali society make it one of the most diverse states in the United States. It is a melting pot of cultures, where everybody interacts freely in their pursuit of the American Dream. This makes it an excellent destination for tourists who value friendly encounters, especially when you escape the Twin Cities. Minnesota offers a collection of welcoming small towns where a strong sense of community informs everyday living.
From the shores of Lake Superior in Grand Marais to the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, these friendliest towns in Minnesota capitalize on their scenic natural beauty, a strong sense of acceptance, and points of interest to make tourists feel at home away from home.
Red Wing
Red Wing's riverfront setting appeals to travelers from across Minnesota, with many using the opportunity to explore its beautiful countryside along the Cannon Valley Trail. For almost 20 miles, this paved recreational route follows the Cannon River, inviting bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers to savor a serene green environment as it winds through marshland, forest, prairie, and farmland. Residents are brought together by premier live shows at the Sheldon Theatre. This award-winning venue, established in 1904, attracts approximately 30,000 people annually with its diverse repertoire of performances, featuring musicals, plays, dance, bands, and concerts by local, national, and international acts.
The Pottery Museum of Red Wing connects the townspeople with an important aspect of local history. This delightful facility showcases thousands of vintage pottery, dinnerware, and stoneware manufactured in the 19th and 20th centuries. These serve as a window and a tribute to Red Wing's once-booming clay industry at the height of the Red Wing Potteries Company.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais sits on the north shore of Lake Superior, and its natural setting opens doors to fun recreational activities at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts, ranging from campers and hikers to picnickers and nature photographers, visit the park in search of solitude and adventure. Many come to marvel at the beauty of the iconic Devil's Kettle waterfall, while anglers can catch rainbow trout at the Brule River, as hikers explore the picturesque Superior Hiking Trail. Grand Marais is a haven for art lovers, hosting the Grand Marais Arts Festival every summer. This event attracts up to 10,000 attendees, who flood the downtown streets to view over 60 artist booths displaying ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and other art forms in a carnival setting.
A diverse culinary experience makes the town even more relatable to tourists. Food lovers can savor exceptional seafood dishes, from fish tacos and shrimp to oysters, at Angry Trout Cafe. This quaint eatery, situated on the edge of the harbor, offers a romantic setting and a dynamic menu, with ingredients predominantly sourced from the bounty of Lake Superior.
Northfield
44 miles from Minneapolis, a robust sense of community, fostered by the presence of St. Olaf College and Carleton College, makes for an inviting escape in Rice County. Residents coalesce over their love for the arts by constantly convening at the Northfield Arts Guild. This magnificent facility celebrates all arts disciplines across two historic buildings, hosting up to 100 annual events, performances, and exhibitions at the Center for the Arts galleries and the Arts Guild Theater. Cowling Arboretum is the major recreational hub in Northfield, offering 800 acres of pristine grounds along the banks of the Cannon River. The park features well-groomed summer and winter trails, peaceful picnic areas, a BBQ grill, and other amenities ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Furthermore, Northfield boasts a string of signature events throughout the year, headlined by the Defeat of Jesse James Days. This is the community's largest annual celebration, taking place every September, and features multiple days of historical reenactments, car shows, concerts, crafts, food trucks, and a grand parade that fosters social connection.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro's wealth of live performance venues draws droves of enthusiasts into the community, with many eager to catch professional productions by talented acts at the Commonweal Theatre Company. A hub in southeastern Minnesota, this premier location offers a rotating showcase of musicals, comedies, and dramas in a 200-seat venue, featuring great acting, superb storytelling, and a wonderful atmosphere. Lanesboro is an epicenter for outdoor experiences, thanks to its location along the Root River. Adventurers come from across the region to pursue exhilarating kayaking, canoeing, and tubing excursions, courtesy of Root River Outfitters.
Meanwhile, Bluffscape Amish Tours are a popular activity for tourists seeking to explore the serene Amish countryside in southeastern Minnesota. They feature relaxed buggy rides through an authentic Amish settlement, offering a chance to purchase original Amish furniture, baked goods, rugs, and other merchandise while learning about the community's humble lifestyle.
Ely
Ely is a close-knit community in St. Louis County, best known for hosting the annual Blueberry Art Festival. For over four decades, this festive affair has been drawing over 30,000 festival-goers for three days of family-friendly fun. More than 200 booths line the streets, as crafters, artists, and food vendors delight attendees with a variety of crafts, beer, and delicious treats, including freshly baked blueberry pies. The Ely Folk School welcomes guests for an immersive cultural experience that celebrates the region's wilderness heritage. It exposes guests to experimental learning experiences and hands-on activities, such as crafting a paddle from scratch.
Ely opens doors to remarkable adventures in the rugged Northwoods of Minnesota. These are accessible through the approximately 4-mile Trezona Trailhead, which loops around Miners Lake and is popular among winter skiers, wildlife watchers, hikers, and backpackers. Its amazing scenery, featuring lush woodland surroundings and stunning lake views, serves as the perfect escape from the crowds.
New Ulm
New Ulm's strong German heritage is reflected in the colorful festivals and warm residents of this Brown County village. Tourists can visit numerous sites to explore these European roots, including the Kiesling House. Constructed by a German settler in 1861, it offers a vivid portrayal of life for the town's pioneers and provides a rich historical lesson about the Dakota War. New Ulm also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals that celebrate its German heritage, highlighted by the annual Oktoberfest. Friends and family come together for this colorful jamboree, whose lineup of activities ranges from yodeling and traditional polka to beer drinking and soft turf games.
Flandrau State Park is a nucleus of everything outdoor adventure in New Ulm. Spanning over 1,000 acres along the Big Cottonwood River, this popular playground offers 8 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, two campgrounds, sand volleyball courts, and fire pits, inviting ultimate outdoor immersion.
Winona
This Driftless Area community sits against the stunning backdrop of the Mississippi River and draws travelers with magical natural scenery. First-timers love to ride the Winona Tour Boat for front-row views of the same during a soothing excursion on the iconic waterway. Resourceful captains narrate the community's history and its connections to the Mississippi River, allowing passengers to spot bald eagles and other native wildlife. The Winona Arts Center is the town's major cultural hub, serving as a hub for classes, concerts, workshops, films, and special events. It is always hosting guests of all ages seeking to enjoy performances, exhibitions, and advance their artistic technique.
Elsewhere, some of the best views in Winona await at Garvin Heights City Park. Perched on a blufftop, the reserve offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River, Lake Pepin, the Trempealeau Mountain, and other natural landscapes in the surrounding area, making it a popular stopover for sightseers and photographers.
Stillwater
Stillwater's stunning riverfront setting draws crowds of admirers, who often gather on the grassy grounds of Lowell Park for a relaxed picnic. This downtown park is situated along the scenic banks of the St. Croix River, surrounded by lush greenery and featuring picnic areas and walking trails. It offers a quiet spot for reflection and an escape from the urban bustle. Guests love to explore the scenery along the winding waterway by chartering a tour with Stillwater River Boats. You can choose between a lunch and a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel riverboat to discover the town from the river.
Another reason people come to Stillwater is to taste its great-tasting brews. You can find beer enthusiasts and social animals having a great time at River Siren Brewing, which serves delicious ales and provides a vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect jumping-off spot for friends and family gatherings, framed with terrific river views.
Faribault
Faribault is a delightful escape from Minnesota's two major cities and one of the friendliest towns in Minnesota for families. This community celebrates its history as the birthplace of the Tilt-A-Whirl, a Minnesota-invented amusement ride that debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in the 1920s, with beautifully restored Tilt-A-Whirl cars on display downtown, where visitors can sit for photos and relive the classic carnival experience. The Paradise Center for the Arts delivers an exceptional blend of entertainment for visual and performance art enthusiasts.
The outdoors beckon with boundless opportunities at River Bend Nature Center. Spanning more than 700 acres, this natural sanctuary is made up of maple basswood forests, wetlands, and restored prairies, and traversed by the Straight River. It features almost 10 miles of multi-use trails to explore and discover a gorgeous natural world.
Wabasha
Wabasha is a year-round adventure paradise on the banks of the Mississippi River and is home to Coffee Mill Ski Area. This skiing and snowboarding center is the perfect winter getaway for couples and families, offering 28 acres of recreational terrain with 14 ski trails and 3 chairlifts. The Wabasha Farmers Market is a great gathering spot for tourists visiting the area. It takes place every Wednesday and features dozens of regional vendors selling maple syrup, meats, vegetables, flowers, and other types of merchandise. The welcoming vibe, with people sharing laughs and genuine conversations, oozes Wabasha's true charm.
Wabasha is also home to the WideSpot Performing Arts Center, which serves as the area's artistic hub. Adults and children alike gather in the downtown venue to enjoy an array of performing arts, including concerts, musicals, operas, and comedies.
Excelsior
Excelsior is a popular suburb of the Twin Cities, boasting a storybook setting on the banks of Lake Minnetonka. Its relaxed atmosphere is a fresh breath of air for neighboring city dwellers, who come to blow off steam at the Port of Excelsior. This 13-acre oasis in downtown features two swimming beaches, picnic sites, playgrounds, and a band shell, providing a nice spot for relaxation. Excelsior's lively wining and dining scene makes for an exciting experience for foodies and beer lovers. Patrons love the atmosphere at Excelsior Brewing Company, which offers 24 beer tap lines, a laid-back vibe, and numerous opportunities for socialization.
The Paradise Charter Cruises and Minneapolis Queen welcome guests for scenic sightseeing cruises and charters on Lake Minnetonka and the Mississippi River. These award-winning yachts float on the calm waters as passengers enjoy food, drinks, and other treats.
Lindstrom
Locally known as "America's Little Sweden," Lindstrom charms travelers with a relatable cultural experience, centred around its Swedish heritage. The annual Karl Oskar Days is the epitome of the community's cultural events, offering multiple days of heritage celebrations. Thousands of excited participants flock to the town for traditional dance, song, and performances, as well as other family-friendly activities. The Lindstrom Farmers Market features local vendors with a variety of offerings, ranging from cheese and flowers to jams and fresh fruits.
Outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers find a compelling reason to come together at the nearby Franconia Sculpture Park. This 50-acre outdoor gallery draws approximately 150,000 annual visitors for an educational experience, exhibiting sophisticated sculptures by over 40 talented artists.
From chugging down great-tasting German beers during cultural celebrations in New Ulm to going on remarkable lake cruises with ecstatic fellow tourists in Excelsior, the friendliest towns in Minnesota make visitors want to keep coming back for more. Newcomers easily feel the sense of warmth as locals invite them to community concerts, outdoor festivals, and lakeside picnics, blending tradition and togetherness. These shared experiences create lasting memories and genuine connections everywhere you explore.
