13 Nicest Small Towns In Minnesota

Although Twin Cities make up two of the most visited destinations in Minnesota, there is much to experience outside the hustle and bustle of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The state's true bloodline runs through its small towns, where the people are fewer, the pace of life slower, and the nature richer and less disturbed. Furthermore, guests can anticipate novel adventures that expose them to the spectacular beauty of the Gopher State's backcountry.

Whether you're looking to wander the quaint streets of New Ulm over the weekend or spend a month-long holiday along the sandy shoreline of Grand Marais, small towns in Minnesota present the ideal setting to unwind for a minute. Fortunately, each has a unique charm, promising a fresh adventure wherever you decide to go.

Northfield

Northfield is a small town with a lively historic downtown district where its arts community where the arts community thrives. The corridor hosts a handful of galleries and theater venues, such as the Northfield Arts Guild Theater. This multiple-stage cultural hub hosts a lineup of performances to the audience's amusement. Downtown Northfield invites newcomers to learn about the town's rich past. This is well documented by the Northfield Historical Society using numerous artifacts and archives.

An escape to the great outdoors leads visitors to the beautiful Cowling Arboretum. This natural sanctuary spreads about 800 acres along the Cannon River with a mixed prairie and forest habitat. The site's tranquility is perfect for leisure walkers, picnickers, and sightseers.

Elk River

Elk River is a lovely community north of Minneapolis, set on the confluence of the Elk and Mississippi Rivers. It boasts alluring outdoor scenery, framed by lush forests and sparkling river waters, encouraging tourists to embrace scenic hikes at Woodland Trails Regional Park. Additionally, environmentalists will appreciate the efforts by the William H. Houlton Conservation Area to conserve and protect the local ecology. The green sanctuary offers peaceful hiking trails to stake out native wildlife.

The abundant river waters enable Elk River to support a thriving craft brewery scene. If you'd like a pint of freshly crafted beer, you can visit AEGIR Company for some great memories with friendly patrons.

Lindstrom

Popularly recognized as America's Little Sweden, Lindstrom is steeped in Scandinavian heritage and promises tourists rare opportunities for cultural exposure. The town pays homage to its European roots through an array of events, including Karl Oskar Days. This is the best season if you plan to immerse yourself in local culture, incorporating traditional foods, craft exhibitions, and a farmers market to excite the townspeople. Thousands of Scandinavian souvenirs await antique collectors at the Lindstrom Antique Mall, a nice spot to find a memento to take back home.

Those who embrace the outdoors can try golfing at Chisago Lakes Golf Course, which features 18 challenging holes. Alternatively, they can wear comfortable walking shoes for laid-back hikes along the scenic pathways through Allemansrätt Wilderness Park.

Red Wing

Red Wing boasts a delightful setting on the banks of the Mississippi River and is known for its mix of historical and artsy attractions. Historians can find facts about Red Wing's past at the Goodhue County Historical Museum. Several artifacts bring to life landmark events in the community's past, dating back to the Native American occupation. Meanwhile, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing chronicles the area's once-thriving clay industry. It displays over 6,000 pottery items and stoneware crafts.

Art lovers will fancy a live show at the Sheldon Theatre. Featured on the NRHP, this landmark venue was built at the turn of the 20th century and hosts everything from dramas and concerts to lectures.

Lake City

This picturesque village on the quiet banks of Lake Pepin charms vacationers with its peaceful atmosphere and year-round water opportunities. It is believed that water skiing originated in this lakeside enclave, a tradition that tourists can participate in during the annual Lake City Fall Festival. Golfers are spoiled for choice when it comes to their favorite pastime. Lake City offers multiple picturesque courses, including the Jewel Golf Club. While practising their swing, players enjoy unparalleled vistas of the Mississippi River Valley.

The downtown area houses multiple antique stores where you can find vintage treasures. Lakeside Antiques is among many establishments in the area and sells a mixture of rustic furnishings, art, and gift items.

Winona

Winona is another riverside community with stunning natural scenery, highlighted by breathtaking panoramas of the Mississippi. It is a great stop for outdoor lovers and cultivates fun adventures throughout its rich park area, including the forested grasslands of Garvin Heights City Park. The site offers a vast overlook of Lake Pepin. Art lovers find a mutual pursuit inside the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which displays a unique collection of art pieces.

At the Winona County Historical Museum, travelers can discover the town's dynamic heritage, including its Polish influences. This is best captured by the Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum using interactive exhibits.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is one of the most scenic small towns in Minnesota, situated on the northern shore of Lake Superior. It is known for its soothing lake views, which encourage vacationers to let loose along the shoreline. A trip to Artist's Point results in some of the best panoramas in the town, and the sunset over the glittering waters looks perfect from the vantage point. Bikers, hikers, snowshoers, and other adventurers can explore the great outdoors along the multi-use Pincushion Mountain Trail System.

Also, you can't miss the Grand Marais Lighthouse, a significant landmark representing the region's maritime heritage. It was initially installed in 1885 and rises above the water, creating a postcard-worthy photo opportunity.

Stillwater

Many visitors to Stillwater are drawn by its rich history, which dates back to the 1840s when the first settlers showed up. You can tell this from the multiple historical markers in the town, starting with the Stillwater Lift Bridge. This iconic structure spans the St. Croix River and is listed on the National Register. The Warden's House Museum is another essential site to check out. Built in the 1850s, the rustic structure provides a vivid perspective of life in the Victorian period.

Stillwater boasts a lively beer-drinking culture, backed by a fair share of quaint craft breweries. If you crave a pint, you can join the locals at Lift Bridge Brewing to savor some of the most flavorful beers in the region.

Ely

Between its outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters, Ely promises tourists an unforgettable experience to fuel their stay. It is surrounded by a rugged wilderness areas that compel you to step outside and explore. A demanding hike along the Trezona Trail Trailhead comes in handy for those who don't mind a little workout. Animal lovers will relish the opportunity to view beautiful beasts at the North American Bear Center. This lovely sanctuary hosts black bears in their natural habitat, allowing guests to learn about their behavior in the wild.

You can also visit the International Wolf Center to experience the fantastic world of wolves and learn amazing facts about the species. Lastly, a tour of the Dorothy Molter Museum reveals fascinating folklore about the Root Beer Lady and the rich legacy she left behind.

New Ulm

German culture meets war heritage in this small municipality of Brown County, situated at the confluence of the Minnesota and Cottonwood Rivers. New Ulm's backstory from the time its German pioneers settled in the area is presented chronologically by the Brown County Historical Society. The venue exhibits numerous artifacts from different periods during the town's evolution. Several unique festivals make tourists feel lost in a hidden village in Germany. This includes the New Ulm Oktoberfest, which incorporates tasty German beers and eats to tribute the community's European origins.

Beyond the history and culture, don't forget to explore New Ulm's musical side at the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. This landmark facility honors renowned personalities who advanced the music industry in the state.

Alexandria

Alexandria is known for its lakes, history, and arts, and it interests visitors with its broad spectrum of attractions. It is home to the Kensington Runestone, which is carefully stored at the Runestone Museum Foundation. This historic artifact offers evidence of the earliest existence of Nordic explorers in America and dates back to the 14th century. Guests are also drawn to the imposing figure of Big Ole, a 28-foot Viking statue across the Runestone Museum Foundation.

While in downtown, spare a few hours to catch a performance at Lakes Area Theatre. This intimate venue is where townsfolk gather to enjoy musicals, plays, and other live productions. Finally, those craving to get outside will like it at the quiet grounds of Alexandria City Park. This lakefront oasis is popular among anglers, picnickers, and leisure walkers.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is an ideal destination for vacationers seeking an isolated retreat on the picturesque Root River. Superb adventures await in this Fillmore County community, and thrill seekers can book a trip with Root River Outfitters for adrenaline-filled rafting trips to tackle the rapids. Those craving a complete outdoor experience can pitch a tent at Sylvan Park Campgrounds and know how it feels to sleep under the stars in the middle of the wilderness.

Back in downtown Lanesboro, art lovers can anticipate a great time at the Commonweal Theatre Company. The premier establishment captivates audiences with its lineup of stage presentations, featuring some of the best local talent.

Hibbing

Hibbing's once-thriving mining industry earned it the nickname "Iron Capital of the World." Today, visitors can head to the Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine to witness what's left of its mining heritage, home to one of the world's largest open-pit iron mines. However, you get a clearer picture of Hibbing's mining heydays and other aspects of its colorful past at the Hibbing Historical Society. This excellent museum showcases artifacts that highlight 20th-century life in the community.

For a change of activity, consider stopping by Hibbing Cinema 8 for a nice movie experience. The historic movie house screens first-run films at affordable ticket prices.

Whether planning to visit the Gopher State alone, with a spouse, or with family, these small towns in Minnesota promise lasting memories long after you leave. They present a rich mix of experiences to spark your retreat, from discovering immersive German culture in New Ulm to indulging in adrenaline-filled river fun in Lanesboro. Together, they are proof that you don't have to confine yourself to the urban sprawl for a gratifying time in the Land of 10,000 Lakes of the United States.