7 Minnesota Towns That Locals Love
Minnesota’s small towns have a way of staying with you with their natural beauty, deep-rooted community, and year-round events that keep life vibrant even when the snow piles high. Whether it’s listening to live music echo through a riverside park, kayaking on glassy northern lakes, or browsing handmade crafts at a holiday market, these towns remind you that ‘Minnesota nice’ isn’t just a saying, it’s a lifestyle. For locals, these seven towns aren’t just destinations; they’re home to traditions worth keeping, from New Ulm’s Oktoberfest to Stillwater’s historic Main Street charm and Ely’s connection to the Boundary Waters. Together, they reveal the best of the North Star State, where every season invites you to slow down and explore deeply.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is located along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, and it captures the kind of natural beauty that never feels the same twice. One day, the lake is calm and glassy; the next, its waves crash dramatically against the rocky shore. That constant change seems to energize the town, a favorite getaway for Minnesotans who love art, food, and the outdoors in equal measure. You can start at the Grand Marais Art Colony, where artists have gathered since the 1940s to teach and exhibit their work. Just steps away, you’ll find the North House Folk School, offering workshops in traditional crafts like woodcarving, fiber arts, and boatbuilding, perfect for those who love learning by doing.
Walk down to Artist’s Point, a rocky peninsula that extends into Lake Superior, offering one of the most breathtaking sunset views in the Midwest. For a cozy lunch or dinner, Angry Trout Café serves locally caught fish and lakefront views that keep people coming back season after season.
Every late September to early October, the town comes alive during Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, a scenic art tour along the north shore where local artists open their studios to visitors. Organized by Visit Cook County, it’s one of the most loved cultural events up north. Grand Marais isn’t just a place to visit, it’s a place to pause, recharge, and remember how vibrant small-town life can be when surrounded by nature.
Lanesboro
Lanesboro, often called Minnesota’s ‘bed and breakfast capital’, thrives on its blend of scenic trails and tight-knit community. It’s one of those places where the pace of life matches the rhythm of the water that runs beside it. You can start your morning biking or walking along the Root River State Trail, a 42-mile paved route that winds through limestone bluffs, farms, and thick canopies of green. The trail passes right through downtown, making it easy to grab lunch at Pedal Pushers Café, known for its locally sourced comfort food, or wander through the shops that line Parkway Avenue.
Art plays a big role in community life here. The Commonweal Theatre Company stages professional performances year-round, drawing talent and audiences from across the state. In summer, you might catch live music at Sylvan Park or the Art in the Park festival, which brings together local artists, food vendors, and families under the shade of century-old trees. If you’re visiting in the fall, the hills surrounding Lanesboro turn brilliant gold and crimson, a favorite time for photographers and nature lovers. With its walkable streets, friendly pace, and community that truly shows up for its events, Lanesboro captures everything people love about small-town Minnesota living.
Bemidji
Bemidji, often called the ‘First City on the Mississippi’, is a place where northern Minnesota’s wild beauty meets a friendly, creative spirit. Its location between Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving makes it a natural hub for water activities, from summer kayaking and pontoon rides to peaceful morning walks along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches over 100 miles through forested countryside. You’ll find locals and visitors gathering year-round at Lake Bemidji State Park, where boardwalk trails weave through tamarack bogs, and cross-country skiing takes over in winter.
The iconic Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues, standing tall since 1937, are must-see landmarks that give a glimpse into the town’s playful history. The Watermark Art Center brings local art to the forefront, hosting regional exhibitions and workshops that appeal to lifelong learners. The Night We Light Festival, which happens in late November, kicks off the holiday season with a parade, fireworks, and lighting of the downtown area near Paul Bunyan Park. It’s a major community celebration marking the start of winter.
Whether you’re walking the lakeshore at sunset or enjoying coffee downtown at Raphael’s Bakery Cafe, Bemidji offers an inviting blend of outdoor adventure, art, and easy camaraderie.
Nisswa
Set in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country, Nisswa feels like summer distilled into a town. With its mix of small boutiques, lakeside resorts, and community spirit, it’s easy to see why locals love living and staying active here. The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs straight through town, making it a perfect spot for biking or walking between shimmering lakes and pine forests. A short walk from the trail leads you to Downtown Nisswa, where family-owned stores like Lake Latitude Boutique and Stone House Coffee & Roastery create that friendly, come back soon energy.
For those who love being on the water, nearby Gull Lake and Nisswa Lake are perfect for fishing or quiet afternoon cruises. Nature lovers can explore Crow Wing State Park, just a 25-minute drive away, to see where the Mississippi River meets the Crow Wing River, a serene spot for picnics and gentle hikes.
Nisswa is also home to one of Minnesota’s most beloved local events, the Nisswa City of Lights Celebration, which happens on the Friday after Thanksgiving. It’s a magical small town tradition featuring thousands of lights, horse-drawn wagon rides, bonfires, and fireworks, drawing families from across central Minnesota. Whether you’re paddling a lake, sipping wine at Roundhouse Brewery, or chatting with neighbors on Main Street, Nisswa captures everything people love about Minnesota’s north woods—lively, relaxed, and welcoming.
Ely
Ely is tucked along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and offers the kind of small-town spirit and outdoor energy that Minnesotans truly treasure. It’s a place where early mornings start with mist over Shagawa Lake, and days unfold with hiking, canoeing, or exploring the nearby Superior National Forest. Active locals and visitors alike head to the Kawishiwi Falls Trail, a short and scenic 1.5-mile loop that rewards you with the rush of cascading water surrounded by birch and pine.
Downtown Ely, centered along Sheridan Street, feels both lively and close knit. One can find galleries, coffee shops, and the Ely ArtWalk, which transforms storefronts into an open-air art exhibit each winter. For those curious about the region’s wildlife and conservation efforts, the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center provide hands-on learning experiences year-round.
Ely’s community calendar is just as full as its forests. The Blueberry Art Festival in late July draws thousands for art, crafts, and classic fair food, while winter brings the Ely Winter Festival, featuring snow sculpting and torchlight parades that turn the town into a wonderland. Ely’s mix of nature, art, and neighborly energy makes it a place where staying active feels completely effortless.
Stillwater
Set along the St. Croix River, Stillwater is often called the ‘Birthplace of Minnesota’, but its vibrant present is just as appealing as its history. Locals love its blend of scenic beauty, a walkable downtown, and an active lifestyle. The restored Stillwater Lift Bridge, now open to pedestrians and cyclists, offers a direct connection to Wisconsin and stunning river views, perfect for a relaxed stroll or bike ride. The locals consider the site to be a great place for a walk on Sundays, with tons of restaurants nearby.
Stillwater’s Main Street is filled with historic architecture, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants like LoLo American Kitchen and P.D. Pappy’s, where you can enjoy a riverside meal in the summer. Active residents enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking with Brown’s Creek Trail providing a peaceful 5.9-mile path linking the city to the Gateway State Trail, ideal for both cycling and long walks.
Throughout the year, Stillwater’s community gatherings bring people together. The Harvest Fest in October is especially popular, featuring live music, a pumpkin regatta on the river, and autumn markets that showcase local farms and artisans. Whether you’re exploring antique stores or watching the sun dip below the bluffs, Stillwater’s charm lies in how effortlessly it mixes small-town warmth with active riverside living.
New Ulm
Known as ‘The Most German Town in America’ due to its founding by German immigrants, New Ulm combines old-world culture with a friendly, active spirit that keeps residents engaged year-round. With its tidy streets, breweries, and historic landmarks, this town along the Minnesota River offers plenty to explore. The Hermann Heights Monument, standing 102 feet tall, provides panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside for those who don’t mind a climb. You can walk up to the very top of the monument and stand at the feet of the statue and get some amazing views. The stairs aren't too tough to climb.
Downtown New Ulm bustles with locally owned shops and bakeries, and the August Schell Brewing Company, a historic brewery, offers guided tours through its historic facilities and scenic gardens. The Flandreau State Park, located just south of downtown, provides serene hiking trails, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, making it ideal for those who like to stay active outdoors.
New Ulm’s strong community spirit shines through its many festivals. In early October, the New Ulm Oktoberfest, which is the biggest Oktoberfest in Minnesota, celebrates the town’s German roots with parades, live polka music, dancing, and locally brewed beer. For active seniors and families alike, New Ulm offers an inviting mix of cultural experiences, green spaces, and year-round gatherings that make it feel both vibrant and deeply rooted.
Why locals stay loyal to these towns
What ties Minnesota’s small towns together isn’t just their scenery, it’s their sense of belonging. In Grand Marais, you might meet the same artist you saw at the Cook County Market painting at the harbor the next day. In New Ulm, the oompah bands of Oktoberfest bring neighbors together rain or shine. Up north in Ely, the glow of a winter bonfire at the Ely Winter Festival feels like community in its purest form. Each town offers something timeless: local pride, genuine friendliness, and the simple joy of gathering, whether for music, art, or a cup of coffee. If you’re ever curious what makes Minnesotans love where they live, just spend a weekend in one of these seven small towns, and you may find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.
