7 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Minnesota
The diverse Midwestern state of Minnesota is shaped by water, from Great Lakes shorelines to the winding Mississippi. In Stillwater, the St. Croix River frames a historic downtown where visitors can paddle the waterway or bike the Browns Creek State Trail through rolling countryside. Red Wing blends Mississippi River views with outdoor adventure, with hikes up Barn Bluff for sweeping valley scenery. Farther north, Grand Marais charms travelers with its quiet harbor on Lake Superior and easy access to places like the Chik-Wauk Museum and the dramatic landscapes along the Gunflint Trail.
Stillwater
Situated in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, lovely stillwater still retains a small town feel. Named the "Birthplace of Minnesota" as it's the location of the state's first territorial convention in 1848, Stillwater has rich history and more than its fair share of natural beauty. The charming town is nestled on the scenic St. Croix River, which beckons people from all over to visit. Explore the river by renting a boat from a local outfitter, such as Riverwood Canoe and Kayak Rental.
Nature enthusiasts should not miss the Browns Creek State Trail, a 6.4-mile paved route perfect for hiking and biking. It stretches through downtown Stillwater and the countryside, following an old railroad track. For more wildlife, flora, and fauna, visit Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Pine Point Regional Park. Art lovers can explore Art Reach St. Croix, home to ceramics, glass art, printmaking, and various galleries.
Red Wing
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, eye-catching Red Wing offers everything from outdoor recreational opportunities to unique cultural experiences. The town has many of the same amenities as big cities, but is blessed with a quaint hometown vibe. Whether you want to hike, bike, or go boating on the river, or explore a local museum or historic site, you'll find it all in Red Wing.
Water enthusiasts can rent canoes or kayaks from Broken Paddle Guiding to explore where the Mississippi, Chippewa, and Zumbro Rivers meet. The company offers specialized tours based on your interests, like the Raptor and Flooded Forests Tours. Golf lovers will enjoy several scenic courses in town, such as Mount Frontenac Golf Course and Red Wing Golf Course.
Ely
Located just 16 miles from the Canadian border, enchanting Ely is the gateway to the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Area, which offers a million acres of protected wilderness, wooded islands, towering cliffs, and much more. No matter what time of year you visit Ely, you'll be surrounded by natural beauty, such as sandy beaches in the summer and colorful ATV trails in the fall.
Traveling with children in Ely offers numerous family-friendly attractions. Visit the North American Bear Center, a nonprofit museum featuring indoor and outdoor black bear viewing areas. Enjoy a hike on the scenic 1.5-mile Kawisihki Falls Trail, which offers views of the 70-foot Kawishiki Falls and Fall Lake Dam. Additionally, spend some time at the Ely Folk School to explore your artistic talents.
Little Falls
Another charming Mississippi River town, the town of Little Falls is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Little Falls is surrounded by green forests, waterways including soothing creeks and lakes, and trails where you can explore local wilderness. When you're in town, make one of your first stops the Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, where you can can view colorful fields of wildflowers in the spring, have a picnic in the summer, and spend the night in a cozy historic cabin all year long.
Little Falls has a rich history that visitors can explore through attractions like the Minnesota Military Museum, Linden Hill Historic Estate, and the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame. The town also features the Charles A. Weyerhaeuser Museum and the Camp Ripley Environmental Center, where you can learn about hundreds of local wildlife and plant species.
Grand Marais
Scenic Grand Marais is a quaint harbor town situated on Lake Superior's North Shore, and has a population of just under 2000. What Grand Marais lack in crowds and square footage, it makes up for in interesting attractions, and a plethora of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. When you arrive in town, check out the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, which is located on breathtaking Saganaga Lake, to learn all about the area's history and geography.
The Grand Portage National Monument is a must-see, highlighting the history of the North American fur trade at its reconstructed historic depot. Additionally, the Gunflint Hills Golf Course and the Gunflint Riding Stables provide enjoyable options for outdoor activities during spring, summer, or fall.
Winona
The thriving college town of Winona truly does offer it all, from world-class live entertainment venues, restaurants and attractions, to stunning Mississippi River and Lake Winona views. The welcoming town also offers unique special events all year long, such as the Great River Shakespeare Festival every July. Winona is also home to a growing list of arts, theater and history opportunties, including the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
The Rollingstone Luxembourg Heritage Museum is a unique local attraction, similar to Pickwick Mill, an historic Civil War-era gristmill and sawmill that offers tours. Nearby, Niagara Cave is another popular destination. Visitors descend 275 stairs to see intricate cave formations, fossils, and a waterfall located 200 feet underground.
Lanesboro
Finally, on the list of charming towns is Lanesboro, a hidden treasure set amidst Minnesota's stunning Root River Valley bluffs. This picturesque town provides a range of activities, from golfing atop a bluff to attending local theater performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, rental options such as tubes, canoes, or kayaks are available at Cedar Valley Outfitters or Root River Outfitters. Art and culture lovers will enjoy performances at the Commonweal Theatre Company or the Lanesboro Community Theater. To delve into local history, visit the Lanesboro History Museum, which features historic business memorabilia, arts and crafts exhibits, and narrated stories in phone booths.
If you're traveling through Minnesota on your next family vacation or weekend getaway, you're in luck. The main challenge will be choosing which charming small town to visit, as the state is filled with many options. Most of these quaint towns are located on lakes and rivers, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
