7 Most Charming Town Squares In Minnesota

Minnesota is well-known for its lakes, woods, and Twin Cities, but many of the state's most memorable experiences take place in its small-town town squares. These town squares are populated by history, culture, and local character. In Stillwater, you can stroll past the Lift Bridge and enjoy a treat at Candyland. Red Wing features its St. James Hotel and Red Wing Shoe Museum. Faribault, Northfield, and New Ulm each possess their unique set of landmarks, eateries, and sights that make the discovery of the squares feel like stepping into the heart of Minnesota.

Stillwater

Stillwater's downtown is so welcoming that it draws you in the second you lay eyes on it. The Stillwater Lift Bridge, restored handsomely for pedestrians and cyclists, welcomes the St. Croix River and connects the town to Wisconsin. Lowell Park is situated right on the river, where people can enjoy the views. Main Street features brick buildings from the past, like Valley Bookseller, where bookshelves are stocked with regional and national books, and Candyland, a candy landmark since 1932, where hand-pulled caramels and popcorn are available. When the pangs of hunger hit, try out LoLo American Kitchen, which is renowned for craft cocktails and creative tacos. With the river, historic buildings, and ever-enduring local favorites, Stillwater is a talebook brought to life.

Red Wing

Red Wing's downtown revolves around the St. James Hotel, a 1875 Victorian landmark and ornately decorated building featuring views of the river. Scarlets Kitchen & Bar, located inside the hotel, is a great spot to grab breakfast before continuing on to the balance of the square. Directly across the street, the Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum keeps pace with the city's mythical footwear and features the world's largest boot. Just a short walk away is the Sheldon Theatre, opened in 1904, still featuring plays, concerts, and lectures. Red Wing Arts, in the historic Depot, houses work from local artists, and nearby Colvill Park offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River. All together, these sites make Red Wing's square unforgettable.

Faribault

Faribault's Central Avenue Historic District is made up of 1800s limestone and brick structures. Foodies proceed straight to Caves of Faribault, where artisanal blue cheeses are aged in sandstone caves close by and tastings are available. Just a block from downtown, 10,000 Drops Craft Distillers produces small-batch spirits in a restored warehouse and offers tours and tastings. The Paradise Center for the Arts, in a 1889 structure, stages plays, concerts, and rotating art exhibits. History enthusiasts can stroll a few blocks off the central square to see the Alexander Faribault House, Minnesota's first preserved home. From cuisine to culture to history, Faribault's square offers an upbeat experience that is still imbued with small-town charm.

Northfield

Bridge Square is the pulse of Northfield, where history and community converge. The Northfield Historical Society, housed in the original First National Bank building, tells the gripping 1876 Jesse James Gang raid. Hogan Brothers Sandwich Shop, boasting toasted subs and homemade frozen yogurt since 1979, is just down the street for a casual meal. Content Bookstore on Division Street has readings and a well-curated list of books, and Northfield Olive Oils & Vinegars has international oil and vinegar tastings. Just off the square in its back, visitors can view river vistas of the Ames Mill dam and small footbridges crossing the river. History, nature, and food all meet here, so downtown Northfield is lively and uniquely memorable.

New Ulm

New Ulm's city center square openly celebrates its German heritage. The 45-foot Glockenspiel clock tower tolls three times daily, with figurines executing scenes from legend. Domeier's German Store, a fixture since 1934, sells imported chocolates, beer steins, and holiday cookies. A few blocks away, the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame boasts memorabilia for Judy Garland, Prince, and Bob Dylan, and the Brown County Historical Society Museum features displays of the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 and pioneer history. Beer lovers can go to August Schell Brewing Company, founded in 1860, and taste premium beers amidst beer gardens scattered with deer and peacocks. With folklore, music history, and traditional German tastes all within walking distance, New Ulm's town square is particularly memorable.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro's downtown town square is tiny but vibrant. The Commonweal Theatre Company offers professional plays year-round in an intimate setting along Parkway Avenue. Across the avenue, Lanesboro Arts Gallery features changing exhibits by Minnesota artists and is a regional draw. Outdoor lovers can rent bikes or kayaks at Little River General Store to bike the Root River State Trail and the Root River itself, one block from the square. Pedal Pushers Café serves farm-to-table fare with local trout and seasonal vegetables in a vintage setting. Nearby, the St. Mane Theatre shows movies and live theater in its turn-of-the-century building. This mix of food, culture, and exposure to the outdoors makes Lanesboro's square a treasure of southeastern Minnesota.

Winona

Winona's downtown on 3rd Street is a blend of history, culture, and community. The Winona County Historical Society, which occupies the old National Guard Armory building, features exhibits on steamboat history, river culture, and Native American culture. Across town, Two Fathoms Brewing Company dispenses craft beers in a riverfront taproom, and sandwiches are served and folk music staged at Acoustic Café in a cozy downtown space. The 1909 Masonic Temple is still the Historic Masonic Theatre, presenting concerts and lectures. Bloedow's Bakery, started in 1924, draws locals and visitors with glazed donuts and cream-filled long johns. On the backdrop of the Mississippi River, historic facades, and a fusion of food, performance, and exhibits, Winona's square represents the best of small-town Minnesota.

Minnesota small-town squares show that the charm of the state is not just in its lakes or cities. Each of them—whether Stillwater's riverfront Lift Bridge, New Ulm's Glockenspiel, or Northfield's Bridge Square—is a story of history, culture, and community to be told. From taste-testing artisanal cheese in Faribault to seeing a performance in Lanesboro or taking a walk along river vistas in Winona, these squares shine a spotlight on local culture. Visiting them is an authentic way of coming face-to-face with Minnesota's personality beyond the usual tourist spots.