7 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Minnesota

Minnesota is an 86,000 square mile state in the Midwestern region, where thousands of lakes meet dense forests and rugged coastlines. Known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the state offers more than scenic appeal and is also a practical place to settle. Minnesota boasts a high quality of life, with strong healthcare systems, abundant outdoor recreation, and a relatively low cost of living. The state is also home to several small communities with some of the country’s lowest crime rates, according to the FBI Data Explorer.

For those seeking a quieter lifestyle, these Minnesota towns stand out, with most having populations under 20,000, resulting in fewer crowds and less traffic. Despite their size, these communities offer a range of attractions and access to nature, including proximity to one of the most visited wilderness areas in the United States and a well-known destination for canoeing.

New Ulm

This scenic small town, founded by German immigrants in the 1850s, is one of the more distinctive places to settle in Minnesota. Residents enjoy some of the lowest crime rates in the country alongside notable natural scenery, due to the town’s location in a valley where the Minnesota and Cottonwood rivers meet. New Ulm also offers a wide range of attractions, including Flandrau State Park, located just outside town along the Cottonwood River. The park features eight miles of trails, multiple campsites, fishing opportunities, and a swimming pond.

History is a central part of life in New Ulm. The Hermann Heights Monument, a 102-foot statue of Hermann the Cherusci, reflects the town’s German heritage and offers elevated views of the surrounding valley for those who climb its staircase. Beer culture also plays a role in the community, with the August Schell Brewing Company standing out as one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the United States. Founded in 1860, the brewery offers tours and a variety of craft beers.

Big Lake

Big Lake is a small town on the Big and Mitchel lakes that offers a quieter lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation. The town is known for having some of the lowest crime rates in the United States and regularly ranks among the safest places to live in Minnesota. It is also located about a 40-minute drive from Minneapolis, placing several major attractions within easy reach, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, one of the largest art museums in the country, with more than 100,000 works spanning 5,000 years.

Within the town and nearby areas, residents have access to a variety of amenities. Willy’s on the Water offers lakeside dining, while the Monticello Community Center provides facilities for all ages, including a pool, waterslide, gymnasium, climbing wall, and hot tubs. Big Lake also features several parks, such as Lakeside Park, which includes a fishing pier, boat launch, swimming beach, playground equipment, and picnic areas. Nearby Woodlands Trails Regional Park in Elk River offers around 10 miles of hiking trails through oak-maple woodlands.

Ely

Ely is a small Minnesota town with a low crime rate and access to a wide range of outdoor and cultural attractions. Located near the Boundary Waters, the area provides easy access to well-known sites such as Bear Head Lake State Park, where the 670-acre Bear Head Lake supports fishing, canoeing, and other water activities. The park also offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, a swimming beach, picnic areas, additional fishing lakes, and equipped campsites.

Nearby is the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness, which covers more than one million acres and includes over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and more than 2,000 designated campsites. From Ely, residents can access features such as the Kekekabic Trail, a 40-mile backpacking route through remote areas home to moose, beaver, wolf, and bears. In town, the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center provide educational exhibits focused on wildlife, while the Ely Folk School offers arts classes and community events that reflect the region’s heritage.

Winona

Winona is a small Minnesota town with a crime rate generally below both state and national averages, according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer. The town offers a variety of outdoor and cultural attractions, including Garvin Heights City Park. This park features a 0.4-mile trail with built steps leading to the top of a bluff, where visitors can view the town and the Mississippi River valley.

Winona is also home to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, located along the Mississippi River and known for its collection of water-inspired artwork displayed across six galleries. Local businesses add to the town’s appeal, including Bloedow Bakery, which has served the community since 1924 with a range of baked goods such as doughnuts, breads, rolls, and cookies. A short drive from town, Great River Bluffs State Park offers hiking and skiing trails, scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, and a campground with multiple campsites.

Little Falls

Little Falls combines safe neighborhoods with natural scenery and a range of local attractions. Life here is generally quiet while still offering year-round activities. Great River Arts hosts live performances and art exhibits throughout the year, while Bennington’s Entertainment Center offers options such as bowling and volleyball. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Pine Grove Zoo, which features a mix of exotic and native animals, including zebras, bobcats, and kangaroos.

Local dining and entertainment options also contribute to daily life. Johnny C’s Sports Bar, a locally owned establishment in the downtown area, serves familiar fare such as burgers, chicken, and pizza, along with a broad beer selection and multiple televisions. Just outside town along the Mississippi River, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park provides access to hiking trails through forested areas, campsites, picnic facilities, boating opportunities, and the historic home of Charles A. Lindbergh.

Northfield

Located about 40 miles from Minneapolis and St. Paul, Northfield is a small town that offers a stable and well-established community environment. The town is considered one of the safer places in Minnesota and is shaped in part by its college presence, which contributes to a strong sense of local engagement and an active downtown area. Local dining options include Reunion, a restaurant known for wood-fired cooking, a bar, and a diverse American menu.

Agricultural attractions are also part of the area, including Lawrence Berry Farms, which offers seasonal fruit picking for strawberries, raspberries, and asparagus. The Cowling Arboretum at Carleton College provides walking paths, views of native plants and ponds, and opportunities for birdwatching, as well as winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Riverside Lions Park offers space for walking, picnicking, and views of the surrounding area.

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a Minnesota town known for both seasonal recreation and year-round living. Its low crime rates contribute to its reputation as a safe place for residents, while local attractions support daily life. One of the town’s notable historic sites is the Forest History Center, which features exhibits in a visitor center and guided tours of a recreated 1900s logging camp. Visitors can also walk self-guided trails that pass through old-growth forest, hardwood stands, red pine, and wetland areas.

Another historic attraction is the Judy Garland Museum, which preserves the legacy of the American singer and actress. The museum includes her restored 1920s childhood home, personal items, and a large Wizard of Oz collection. Cultural offerings extend beyond history through the MacRostie Art Center, which hosts rotating exhibits, art classes, and community events. Outdoor recreation is also available at the 18-hole Pokegama Golf Course, while Forest Lake Restaurant provides a local dining option with a varied menu.

Why Safety and Livability Define These Minnesota Towns

Minnesota is among the safest states in the United States, and these small communities contribute to that reputation. Towns such as Little Falls and Winona offer low crime rates along with steady, community-oriented lifestyles. In addition to safety, these locations provide access to outdoor recreation and natural scenery, which remain central to daily life.

Whether someone is looking to retire, raise a family, or work remotely, these Minnesota towns present practical options for settlement based on safety, amenities, and overall quality of life.