6 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Minnesota

Some people are quicker to believe in magic than others. However, even the most skeptical might start to reconsider after exploring Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” Bavarian-style villages, towns guarded by gnomes, and pirate-themed golf courses are just a few of the attractions that will spark your sense of wonder. The following six fairy-tale-like small towns will awaken your inner child and remind you of how much magic still exists in the world.

New Ulm

Founded in 1854 by German immigrants, New Ulm feels like it stepped straight out of a Bavarian fairytale. The town hosts several festivals throughout the year that reflect its German heritage, such as the annual Bavarian Blast, a festival that takes place in July, featuring a polka hall, craft beer, authentic German clothing and craft vendors, and a Bavarian-themed parade.

Certain historic landmarks in town also reflect New Ulm’s German history, such as the Glockenspiel. Situated downtown, this massive, 45-foot-tall clock tower contains 37 bells that weigh over two tons in total. It also has 12 storybook-like figurines that move and perform throughout the day, reflecting the city’s history.

After exploring the whimsical town, thirsty travelers can head over to Schell’s Brewery for a cold beer. This charming brewery, established by a German immigrant, has been making beers in the community since 1860, with a few of the varieties available including American dark lagers, German-style pilsners, Vienna-style Amber lagers, and a seasonal peanut butter chocolate porter.

Ely

You are likely familiar with stories like The Big Bad Wolf and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. What if you could see their main characters in real life? You can do just that in Ely. At Ely’s International Wolf Center, visitors can observe four ambassador wolves up close, participate in educational programs and lectures, explore the role wolves have played throughout history, and experience other interactive exhibits.

Continue your wildlife exploration at the North American Bear Center, which has three resident bears to see, along with educational activities like bear documentaries, video exhibits, and a “Cub Room” where children can learn and play. In the winter, visitors can also sign up for quirky activities such as dog sledding! Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge offers day trips, camping trips, and lodge packages that are great for dog sledders of all levels.

Grand Marais

Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais has some pretty magical festivals that you have to see to believe! From October 16th through 18th this year, the town will host its annual Moose Madness Family Festival, a family-friendly event that celebrates all things moose with a moose scavenger hunt, moose medallion hunt, and self-guided moose safaris. Later on in the year, in December, the town fills with holiday magic at the Holiday Harbor Village. Activities at the village during this weekend include sled dog meet and greets, sauna sessions, a frozen fish toss, a rock skipping competition, a pottery show, a fiber show, and plenty of holiday shopping. To view some of the region’s beautiful waterfalls, make sure to visit Judge C.R. Magney State Park, where you can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching.

Dawson

Playfully nicknamed “Gnometown USA,” travelers will find a number of whimsical gnomes scattered throughout Dawson. More than 45 gnomes now call the town’s 'Gnome Park' and public library home, each standing about three feet tall in full gnome glory. Each summer, the town hosts its annual Riverfest, celebrating exemplary community members with events like the Gnome Unveiling Ceremony held in their honor. Travelers looking for a cozy place to fuel up for the day or grab lunch will love the Gnometown Grounds, a locally owned cafe, bakery, and gift shop that serves bagels, sandwiches, smoothies, Italian sodas, coffee, and more. Beyond its gnome-themed attractions, Dawson also has several charming boutiques to check out, such as Monica's Apparel & Accessories, a clothing boutique on Chesnut Street.

Brainerd

Located in the heart of the state’s lake country, Brainerd is just a short drive away from hundreds of lakes. In the northeastern side of town, travelers can easily access Lum Park, which sits along the shores of Rice Lake. A few of this park’s amenities include a boat landing, a beach, a disc golf course, grills, a pavilion, picnic shelters, and a sand volleyball court. Whipple Beach is another popular option, just a 15-minute drive west, offering similar amenities like a fishing pier, picnic pavilion, a public beach, and paved walking trails. Want to be a pirate for the afternoon? Head over to Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, an 18-hole course with skull-shaped caves, waterfalls, sunken ships, and other classic pirate decor that will make you feel like an 18th-century pirate.

Red Wing

With river festivals, sculpture gardens, and mega-sized landmarks, Red Wing has a quirky, storybook-like personality unlike any other in Minnesota. Each year, the town hosts its signature River City Days event, a three-day festival with live music, a car show, a disc golf tournament, an arts and crafts fair, trolley rides, a beer garden, and many other quirky activities. Year-round, travelers can also experience the town’s magical spirit at the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden, a 15-acre park filled with works from both nationally and internationally renowned sculptors. Currently, there are more than 30 sculptures to view. If you love boots, do not miss the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum. Alongside historical exhibits and company artifacts, it is home to the World’s Largest Boot, a 20-foot-tall giant crafted from 80 leather hides. Big enough to suit a fairytale giant himself!

Final Thoughts

Many of Minnesota’s most whimsical attractions are scattered throughout the countryside, hidden away from the daily routines of most residents. Their quiet presence only adds to the magic, making each discovery feel like your own secret adventure. Whether you want to grab a picture with the world’s largest boot or visit one of the three bears from Goldilocks, you are sure to have an unbelievable experience in any one of these six towns. So choose your destination, and set out as the hero of your own adventure.