2025's 11 Best Small Towns To Visit In Minnesota

There is something undeniably magical about the best small towns to visit in Minnesota. Where crystal-clear lakes mirror the sky and rugged forests whisper stories of time gone by, the land that is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” (and truthfully, there are even more) shelters a number of beautiful and benevolent homesteads that will charm and delight you with their many attractions. Each picture-perfect destination draws hundreds and thousands of visitors with its shimmering waters, historic architecture, and artistic trails. The best small towns to visit in Minnesota truly encapsulate what makes the state so enduringly magical and mystical. So this year, you ought to prepare for long hikes as you journey through the North Star State, where ten thousand lakes and more bubble with energy.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a town of wild beauty and rich cultural history. Named after the once-roaring rapids on the Mississippi River, its various attractions make it a dream destination for many, where anglers can cast a line into Lake Winnibigoshish or explore the peaceful serenity of the surrounding waters. Endless inspiration for photographic shoots and sites abound on the trails of Chippewa National Forest and Golden Anniversary State Forest, with interpretive exhibits at the Forest History Center offering deeper context into Minnesota’s logging heritage.

A unique cultural landmark is the Judy Garland Museum, where fans of The Wizard of Oz can explore the childhood home of the iconic actress. After a day of exploration, you can unwind in cozy accommodations like the Timberlake Lodge Hotel or the character-filled Hotel Rapids.

Ely

Ely is the true edge of the wilderness in Minnesota, an arboreal gateway to enchanting lakes, enigmatic forests, and unforgettable encounters with nature near the border of Canada. Tucked near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Ely encourages newcomers to take tranquil walks through the surrounding woodlands, which all feel like worlds away from modern life. One can go paddling across nearby lakes like Shagawa Lake. Likewise, you can go hiking through the forested paths to Kawishiwi Falls within the bounds of the Superior National Forest. Adventurers can delve into local history at the Dorothy Molter Museum, honoring the “Root Beer Lady” who welcomed travelers with her homemade brew in the wilderness.

For a deeper appreciation of Minnesota’s wild inhabitants, stop by the International Wolf Center or the North American Bear Center, both offering close (but safe) looks at native species. After a day outdoors, you can recharge at places like the Grand Ely Lodge, Adventure Inn, or Northwoods Inn & Suites.

Red Wing

Perched beside the magnificent Mississippi River, Red Wing is a panoramic and prodigious river town that invites visitors to slow down and soak in its beauty. One of the most iconic views newcomers can enjoy is found atop Barn Bluff, where unforgettable vistas stretch across Minnesota and Wisconsin. It overlooks the Mississippi River, which delineates the two states. One can walk or bike the picturesque Cannon Valley Trail, which connects Red Wing to its neighbor, Cannon Falls, and offers a lush corridor through river bluffs and farmland.

If you are wine connoisseurs, you can stop by Falconer Vineyards for a tasting amid the vines. On the other hand, individuals with an appetite for the artistic can explore modern creativity at the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden. Those eager for leisurely strolls in the outdoors will definitely appreciate the Spring Creek Prairie Scientific and Natural Area for its summertime ambiance. In the chill months of winter, thrill-seekers can head to Welch Village for skiing and snowboarding.

Grand Marais

Settled between Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains, Grand Marais is a waterfront getaway where art, nature, and small-town charm produce an atmosphere of leisure and love. For photographers, the town offers iconic views at Artist’s Point, the Grand Marais Lighthouse, and the picturesque Grand Marais Harbor that showcase the beauty of both Lake Superior and the distant Sawtooth Mountains.

Hikers can ascend trails through the Cascade River State Park and tackle the climb toward Devil’s Kettle, where a mysterious waterfall splits into unknown depths. You can also stop by the peaceful shores of Devil’s Track Lake on your way to the evergreen areas of George Washington Pines. Even more delights and attractions, like the nearby Fall River Waterfall and Five Mile Rock, make Grand Marais a grandiose and gorgeous destination for those seeking the radiance of a beautiful Minnesota town.

New Ulm

Combining the flair of the European country of Bavaria with the Midwestern hospitality of Minnesota, the beloved town of New Ulm features a colorful mix of architecture, history, and heritage for everyone to enjoy. Towering above the town square stands the Hermann Monument, a tribute to the Germanic warrior Arminius who stood against the Roman Empire long ago. Additionally, you can catch the clockwork show at the 45-foot Glockenspiel, which plays its melody three times daily close to the Hermann Monument.

Beer lovers and history buffs alike flock to August Schell Brewing Company, the second-oldest family-owned brewery in the US, where one can try out fiery brews concocted from one of the oldest brewing techniques in history. For serene outdoor beauty, you can stroll through Flandrau State Park and the marshes around Swan Lake.

Furthermore, New Ulm's calendar is packed with spirited celebrations, including Bavarian Blast in July, HermannFest in September, and a festive Oktoberfest that brings Germany's culture to life in the middle of America. After booking a stay at places like the Innis House Bed and Breakfast, you can expect a new and rewarding experience in the storybook town of New Ulm.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is a riverfront retreat in southeastern Minnesota that is often called the state’s most charming small town, for several good reasons. Winding through it is the Root River, a waterway brimming with splendor and serenity for those eager to go on long walks by the river. The popular Root River State Trail weaves through bluffs and farmland, taking travelers to places that will captivate and enchant.

Meanwhile, nature shines at the Mill Pond Overlook and Sylvan Park for those of you who are enthusiastic for more outdoor pursuits. Individuals more interested in art and history can admire the various exhibits at the Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro Medallion Walking Tour, where more than 20 medallions narrate the town’s past through public art.

Because Lanesboro is also lauded as the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota, you can expect to find plenty of rhubarb when the town comes alive each June with the fun-filled Rhubarb Festival, a quirky celebration of the tart plant. If you intend to make a pleasant and lengthy vacation in this lovely little town, you can head over to either the historic Stone Mill Hotel and Suites or the inviting Root River Inn & Suites to seek accommodations in Lanesboro. You will come to adore and admire the state’s most charming small town, around 40 miles away from Rochester.

Stillwater

As one of Minnesota’s oldest towns, Stillwater sits along the St. Croix River and maintains an ambiance of amicability and comfort that will make you want more. The historic Stillwater Lift Bridge is an iconic landmark suitable for group and solo pictures, especially at sunset when it reflects off the water like a painting. Strolling through riverside parks like Lowell Park, Pioneer Park, and Otto Berg Memorial Park can give you a better sense of tranquility and ease in the laid-back town of Stillwater.

Likewise, you can go hiking farther out to Afton State Park and Pine Point Regional Park for breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscapes. On the River City Sculpture Tour, you can admire public installations that reflect the town’s character and creativity. After a day of exploring, you can finally find serenity in one of Stillwater’s elegant lodgings, like the Hotel Crosby, the Ann Bean Mansion, or the Aurora Staples Inn. With scenic walks, riverside views, and a walkable downtown, Stillwater is a simple and lackadaisical small town around half an hour away from the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Lindstrom

Lindstrom proudly embraces its traditions and title as “America’s Little Sweden." Located just 40 miles from the Twin Cities, this Nordic-themed, lakeside town invites newcomers to go dipping and picnicking in places like South Lindstrom Lake, Chisago Lake, North Center Lake, and more. For those of you curious to learn more about Lindström’s heritage, you can attend the annual Karl Oskar Days, a Swedish-themed festival named after a character from Vilhelm Moberg’s The Emigrants.

Similarly, you can head over to the Gammelgarden Museum nearby in Scandia, which focuses more on the founding and development of the town. Lindstrom also features some of Minnesota’s most scenic rural wedding venues, including the Majestic Oak Ranch and Bloom Lake Barn, for couples planning a picturesque and perfect place to tie the matrimonial knot. For a comfortable overnight stay, you can always book a room at the locally loved lodgings like the Lakeview Motel.

Bemidji

On Lake Bemidji, travelers will find merriment and excitement in the harmonious small town of Bemidji. As the largest commercial center between Grand Forks, the state of North Dakota, and the city of Duluth, Bemidji provides a surplus of surprising and captivating attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy. First and foremost is the First City of Lights event on November 28, which ushers in and prepares the town for the coming of Christmas and wintertime parades.

For more static attractions, you can head over to the Headwaters Science Center, which caters to curious children and amateur scientists. Many might be interested in taking photographs of the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues, popular roadside features that honor one of America’s greatest folk legends in the Paul Bunyan Park. Many more of you will also be tempted to undertake outdoor excursions into the beautiful wilderness areas of Lake Bemidji State Park and beyond to Buena Vista State Forest, which has many lakes and woodlands.

Wabasha

Visitors will feel welcome and wonderful when gallivanting through the beloved town of Wabasha. Situated on the Mississippi River which separates Minnesota from Wisconsin, Wabasha thrives as a gateway community with access to nearby attractions in both states. One of its chief amenities is the National Eagle Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the welfare of eagles as well as providing safe and sound tourist programs for individuals interested in seeing eagles in Minnesota and in Wisconsin.

Those of you who prefer to wander can seek new experiences and adventures in the Nelson-Trevino Bottoms State Natural Area, a marshy and marvelous region within the bounds of both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Mississippi River is a riverine route that many can traverse, especially during the annual Wabasha Riverboat Days in July, which allows newcomers to board vintage or brand-new boats across the Mississippi River. Additionally, you might also fancy Wabasha’s Watermelon Festival, occurring on the weekend after Labor Day, where one can sample delicious watermelon and experience watermelon-themed performances.

Alexandria

The town of Alexandria shines with as much culture and hospitality as the great Lighthouse of Alexandria did in ancient Egypt long ago. Among the town’s glimmering attractions and amenities is the Runestone Museum Foundation, a compelling and immersive complex featuring Nordic and Native American artifacts and exhibits like runestones. One of the museum’s most controversial items is the Kensington Stone, which contains runic inscriptions describing a visit by Norsemen to Alexandria in 1362, and was subsequently “discovered” in 1898.

For children and adults looking for fun, Casey's Amusement Park contains race tracks, go-kart courses, mini-golf fields, and other amusements for every age. To the north of town, Lake Carlos State Park invites travelers to saunter through bucolic bogs and marshlands beside dozens of nearby lakes like Lake Carlos. Lastly, you can take selfies and groupies of Big Ole, a 28-foot-tall Viking statue commemorating the Kensington Stone.

Amidst Minnesota's riverside bluffs and lakeside attractions, travelers from near and far will be enamored by 2025's best small towns to visit in the state, each with their own grandeur and festivities worth experiencing. Whether graced by German architecture or within the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains, these small towns draw hundreds of visitors with captivating views and invigorating historic appeal. Many come for the craft beer in New Ulm, the amazing sights of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, and the artistic trails in Lanesboro. In the end, many more will stay a little longer for the many natural and historic attractions to be amazed at from the best small towns to visit in Minnesota.