7 Best Small Towns In Minnesota For A Crowd-Free Summer
As the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", Minnesota is known for its expansive wilderness and is a hotspot for outdoor adventure. As a part of the Upper Midwest, Minnesota experiences the beauty of all four seasons. Although the summers are short, the weather is ideal, boasting a climate with balanced temperatures. Make the best of it by embracing the great outdoors. Embark on a hiking adventure in Red Wing or head to Taylors Falls to cruise on the St. Croix River. Reel in a fresh catch for an authentic farm-to-table dinner at the fishing capital of Garrison. The entire state offers millions of opportunities to get active and experience the natural wonders of Minnesota.
Taylors Falls
Along the banks of the St. Croix River, Taylors Falls is stunning and brimming with recreational opportunities. Interstate State Park is easily one of the top attractions in the city. Take a peek at otherworldly formations known as glacial potholes, including one that is the deepest explored pothole in the world. Skip the trekking and take a scenic boat tour for a more relaxed way to see Minnesota and the St. Croix River. Hop onboard an intimate paddlewheel riverboat and cruise through the sparkling waters.
Bring the whole family to Taylors Falls for some fun in the fresh, open air. Let the kids splash and play at Wild Mountain. See who is the fastest on the Arctic Rush Alpine Slide, let the smaller kids wade in the kiddie pool, and tube down one of many waterslides at this phenomenal park. Anyone wishing to stay dry can head to the Tall Timbers Go-Karts or the FreeFall XP. Just outside Taylors Falls, Franconia Sculpture Park is an off-beat and memorable experience. The 50-acre outdoor museum features a diverse collection of artistic sculptures, captivating visitors of all ages.
Ely
Ely gives the "10,000 Lakes" true meaning as the Northern Minnesota city is surrounded by bodies of water, including Burntside Lake and White Iron Lake. The secluded area is a quintessential Minnesota marvel and sits roughly 20 minutes from the Canadian Border. Soak up the scenery and spend some time at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Spend a day paddling a canoe through the glorious waters, surrounded by rich forestry. In the evening, take a breather with a campfire cookout and then cozy up in a tent. Bear Head Lake State Park is another Ely gem with opportunities to relish in Minnesota's wildlife. Snap some pictures of black bears, moose, wolves, chipmunks, and bald eagles roaming about.
As with many towns and cities in Minnesota, Ely is an exceptional spot for family-friendly activities. Discover all about wild bears at the North American Bear Center, recommended by hundreds of visitors. Watch these majestic animals wander through their natural enclosures. Learn everything there is to know about their behavior, what they eat, and which animals they get along with. Kids will love The Cub Room, filled with interactive exhibits and a bear den they can explore. After a thrilling day, take a short drive to Ely’s Old Fashioned Candy, just down the street. Pick up a nostalgic treat to remember the good old days. Choose from present-day favorites or travel back to the 1800s to satisfy sweet tooths.
Red Wing
Located along the shores of the Mississippi River, Red Wing is a scenic wonderland that comes alive in the summer. Grab a good pair of shoes and hike up the Barn Bluff. At the summit, be in awe at the sweeping vistas of Minnesota and a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River. For a more casual stroll closer to the water, the Red Wing Riverfront Trail offers a serene sunset walk along the riverbank.
Get the party started in Red Wing with its jam-packed calendar of events. With Red Wing's rich pottery heritage, the annual CrockFest is a must-see to get in touch with Minnesota's creative spirit. Take part in the auction, enjoy live music at the Friday Night Social Dinner, and shop antiques including dinnerware, stoneware, and pottery. Visit at the beginning of August for River City Days, which is the summer festival. The three-day extravaganza features a Beer Garden, Kids Activity Tent, lumberjack shows, a parade, and all the delicious eats from the food vendors.
Stillwater
Eat, drink, and be merry in Stillwater, a charming St. Croix River city. Grab a few friends and head to the Lift Bridge Brewing Co. for an afternoon of laughs paired with Minnesota's finest. Be daring with intriguing flavors such as Mango Blonde, Hop Dish IPA, or a THC-infused Limelon Sparkling Beverage. Book in advance to get a private brewery tour and learn the ins and outs of creating magic at the Lift Bridge Brewing Co. Visitors who prefer wine over beer can relish a lovely day at the Saint Croix Vineyards. Sample different specialties by purchasing wine flights or diving deep into wine culture with a private tour and tasting. Throughout the summer, unwind to the live music at the winery or participate in one of the events, such as Wine and Canvas Paint or Yoga in the Vines.
Shop until you drop in downtown Stillwater. Support the locals by shopping at one of the many boutiques. From specialty shops to antiques and head-turning fashions, Stillwater has it all. Take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from American Gothic Antiques. Venture around the two floors of incredible finds, looking for a new home. Update your wardrobe with a new top or dress from Britta's Boutique. Pair it with a brand new set of shiny earrings or a pretty necklace and proudly state that it is from Britta's. After a long excursion, rest up with a fabulous dinner at Mad Capper Saloon & Eatery. Savor a classic plate of Chicken Carbonara, Pan Fried Walleye, or a Cowboy burger and call it a day well spent in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Lake Benton
Lake Benton is a Southwestern Minnesota paradise boasting a flawless combination of a breezy waterfront, rolling hills, and endless prairies. Stay awhile in this quiet and remote city by making Capital Cove Cabin a home for a week or two. Horse lovers may choose to camp out at Hole in the Mountain Park, featuring five miles of horse trails. Join the crowd in June for the Saddle Horse Holiday. Taking place at the Hole in the Mountain Park, cheer on the equestrian events and watch riders perform their best at this exhilarating event. Do not miss the parade of around 800 riders. Saddle Horse Holiday has been a Lake Benton favorite since 1946 and continues to be a summer highlight.
While Minnesota may not be a foodie giant, the Lake Benton area certainly does not disappoint when it comes to a home-cooked meal. Drop by The Country House for a comforting American dinner. Feast on a hearty steak, grilled chicken sandwich, or the highly recommended Walleye Pike. Finish off the day with an ice cream sundae or cheesecake for a sweet ending.
Make summer a little more magical at the Lake Benton Opera House. The building itself is both historical and striking. Constructed in 1896 and restored in 1970, the Opera House was saved from being demolished. Each year, local talent comes together to put on an exceptional performance. The current 2025 summer feature is The SpongeBob Musical, perfect for the whole family.
Nisswa
Welcoming and surrounded by lakes galore, Nisswa is a storybook town in the middle of Minnesota's untouched backcountry. Spend some time in this sleepy and tranquil town by booking accommodation at the Grand View Lodge, home to the legendary Pines Golf Course. Golf Digest raves about the course, stating it is one of the best in Minnesota. Put the day away with the sun poking through the trees. For something a little more adrenaline-pumping, go ziplining through Minnesota's elite landscape. Cruise through the sky and get panoramic views of the Brainerd Lakes.
For over 60 years, Nisswa's Turtle Races have been a beloved summer tradition. From early June up until mid-August, join the crowd every Wednesday at this adorable and quirky event. With a legacy spanning decades, the races have become so iconic that Nisswa established an Official Turtle Track in their honor.
Open from the end of May until September 1, make a splash at the Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark. Come back again and again with a season pass, or celebrate a special someone's birthday with a fun-filled party package. Stretch out in the sun, soak in the hot tub, zoom down the high-drop slide, or hop in the warm activity pool.
Garrison
Tiny but mighty, Garrison is a quirky and proud fishing town along the Mille Lacs Lake. Commonly known as the "Walleye Capital of the World", many anglers flock to Garrison for abundant fishing in the Mille Lacs Lake. There is no better place to stay than the Twin Pines Fishing Resort. Rent a cabin and book a fishing trip through the resort. Packages and charter boats vary, allowing visitors to tailor the best fishing excursion with gear rentals included. Before leaving Garrison, be sure to catch a photo opportunity with the Garrison Walleye. Find this massive 19-foot-long fiberglass Walleye Pike at the entrance of the Concourse.
The entire state of Minnesota is quite bustling in the summertime. With many festivals and events spread throughout, Garrison is no exception. Get rowdy with the residents at the annual Garrison Play Days. With everything from a car show and food trucks to a beer tent, a kid’s ice cream eating contest, and a hometown parade, it is the quintessential way to celebrate summer.
Nothing beats a good round of golf. Gather some friends or spend some much-needed alone time at the Northwood Hills Golf Course. Designed to suit all skill levels, the 18-hole course has been a Garrison favorite for many years. Get the girls together on Wednesdays for Lady's Day at the course. Take some time to catch up and putt around while breathing in the fresh Minnesota air.
Soak Up The Sun In Minnesota
Minnesota’s small towns offer an exceptional summer getaway for outdoor lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from city life. Head to Lake Benton for a night of culture at the Opera House or shop the day away in Stillwater's downtown area. Applaud Earth's tiny creatures at Nisswa's eccentric Turtle Race, or bring the kids to the Nisswa Family Fun Center. Party it up with Red Wing's packed events calendar, or rejuvenate with a soothing fishing session in Garrison. Take the road less traveled in Minnesota for a quiet adventure away from the crowd.
