6 Unpretentious Towns To Visit In Minnesota

Best known for its thriving scenery, Minnesota is truly the state for adventure. Here both tourists and locals alike can explore a stunning range of topographical beauty along the water's edge, and verdant forests and National Parks await mere minutes beyond city borders. Not to be overlooked, however, small-town Minnesota has just as much to offer. Filled with local charm, regional delicacies, and strata of history, one does not always need to shrug on the laden backpack to go on an adventure in Minnesota. Here are six unpretentious (and delightful) Minnesota towns.

Warroad

Warroad is the only incorporated Minnesota town located directly on the shores of Lake of the Woods, and it is deeply steeped in hockey culture. The supplier Warroad offers high-end hockey gear to those interested in trying this wintry sport, and for a town so small, Warroad has sent several locals into the National Hockey League, all but ensuring the town's legacy lives on. The next generation of hockey players have consistent access to frozen lakes, and playing hockey is a rite of passage to those who grow up in this proud community.

For those perhaps more interested in warmer activities, the Warroad Summer Theatre has been in production since 1981 and features a constantly rotating series of performances. Many are aimed at younger audiences, but adults may enjoy a Whodunnit dinner show — a delightful meal with a side of mystery. Nearby Nomad Tavern, right along the Lake, is a fully fledged pizzeria with vegetarian options. They serve a wide variety of craft ales local to Minnesota.

Red Wing

Though there is much to appreciate about Red Wing, its culinary scene and its history rival any town in the state. And in the case of the St. James Hotel, one can appreciate them simultaneously. Established in 1875, this historic building has been family owned for generations. With the iconic Mississippi River flowing a short walk from this building's expansive front doors, visitors here can experience opulence and comfort together-and nowhere better than in The Port, a lower-level restaurant belonging to the Hotel. The Port offers prohibition-style cocktails and bold new food options. Cozy and antique, this venue is perfect for either a family outing or a romantic night.

Not to be outdone, the Red Wing Barrel House is another venue that combines history with modern-day culinary excellence. Established in 1886, the Red Wing Barrel House proudly claims to be Minnesota’s first bar and has retained much of its historic character. Also preserving its past in a multitude of featured photos, the Barrel House serves hand-crafted pizzas, a variety of whiskeys, and even gourmet hot dogs.

Avon

Understated but very much a classic, cozy town, Avon makes for a great detour should anyone be in the area. 90 minutes from the Twin Cities and 15 from St. Cloud, Avon is the best of both worlds — uniquely itself in nature, but close to any big-city need one might have. Avon's biggest appeal is in its proximity to the Lake Wobegon Trail, which is 65 miles long, weaves around the town and connects to several different lakes, ensuring that visitors and locals alike have access to hiking and fishing opportunities difficult to find anywhere else.

In town, one can find several local establishments to enjoy. PJ's on the Lake is a restaurant built on the shores of Middle Spunk Lake; here visitors can enjoy the scenic overlook of the water while also digging into a hearty meal. Potspot is a pottery studio in which visitors can paint the pottery of their own making or admire the artwork of local potters. Also offering custom artwork on premade pieces, Potspot is the artsy stop that ensures tourists will leave with a lasting impression of this small but vibrant town.

Brainerd

Like Red Wing, Brainerd was founded along the shoreline of the Mississippi River. It is a thriving town priding itself on a multitude of activities available both within city limits and just outside. Brainerd Lakes Best Rentals is one of several locations which provide the necessary equipment to explore not just the Mississippi but also nearby Crow Wing River and Gull River.

Visitors intending to stay longer might enjoy The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes. Featuring a 30,000-square foot water park, all ages are invited and welcome at this spacious retreat. From there one can explore the surrounding area, including (but not limited to) the many local delights throughout Brainerd itself, including Big Jay's Pizza Arcade, an old-school establishment open seven days a week.

Fergus Falls

Where to begin, with Fergus Falls? There is so much to enjoy and appreciate about this beautiful town. One might plan their perfect day at Fergus Fall by first seeking out the Otter Tail County Historical Museum, which showcases local history in interactive exhibits, dioramas, and audio tracks. Visitors of all ages here can learn about the region's agricultural beginnings, through to present day. One might then enjoy attending a showing at A Center for the Arts, a local theater built in 1921 and which offers anything from music to plays to dance performances.

No day at Fergus Falls is complete without discovering the local delight that is Uncle Eddie's Ice Cream Parlor. Family owned and a highlight serving not just Fergus Falls but the surrounding area, families here can choose from a variety of delicious ice cream options. Enjoy!

Cloquet

Perhaps best known for its famous gas station designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Cloquet is one of the most intriguing towns founded along the St. Louis River. The gas station was part of Wright's widespread urban design from the 1930s; his vision for similar establishments never took hold, and now this funky gas station in Cloquet is the only one of its kind. This town is much more than just its unique roadside attraction, though.

Cloquet is the perfect base of operations for anyone looking to adventure into Jay Cooke State Park, which is filled with rushing waterways, hiking trails, and a historic cemetery. Nearer at hand, the Black Bear Golf Course wends its way around lush forest and ponds, creating a challenging-but-enjoyable round for seasoned and beginner golfers alike. Eccentric but inviting, surrounded by rolling scenery yet cozy at home, Cloquet represents the very best of what small-town Minnesota offers.

The six towns on this list are highlighted because of their welcoming atmospheres and unique local establishments. Here visitors can experience Minnesota at its most pristine — beautiful and friendly and always ready to blaze new trails. Experience the founding of Fergus Falls by way of its historical buildings, discover delicious meals in the family owned St. James Hotel in Red Wing, or enjoy a day on the water near Brainerd or Avon. Your opportunities for genuine experiences are boundless in this expansive state.