7 Standout Main Streets In Minnesota

With nearly 12,000 lakes, 64 state parks, and a third of the land covered in forest, main streets probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when people ponder a visit to Minnesota. However, amid all these forests and lakes, you will find some lively downtowns lined with grilled cheese restaurants, shoe museums, Sicilian bakeries, and breweries that make exploring the towns just as tempting as the outdoors around them. If you are looking to experience a different side of Minnesota, one filled with entertainment venues and culinary hotspots, these seven towns should be on your list.

Red Wing

Located in the Mississippi River Valley, Red Wing’s Main Street sits near some of the town’s most renowned hotels, shops, and bars. Levee Park is just a block away from Main Street, containing walking trails, historical monuments, and shady trees where visitors can enjoy views of the Mississippi before heading back to the action. One of the oldest established bars in Minnesota is also located here: The Barrel House, which was founded in 1886 and is famous for its whiskey, handcrafted pizzas, paninis, and more.

Those familiar with the Red Wing Shoe Company can also swing by the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, which is inside the company’s flagship store, home to a giant boot, a wall of honor, and a history exhibit. There is no better place to stay on Main Street than at the St. James Hotel, which was established in 1875, offering 68 Victorian-style rooms, onsite dining and bike rentals.

Ely

Ely’s activity is largely concentrated on Sheridan Street, which not only has some great places to eat but also serves as a wonderful starting point for your outdoor adventures. Travelers seeking a bit of inspiration can begin at the Ely Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, which is located in a historic log building and provides great information on the area’s local attractions, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

Some of the town’s most beloved outfitters are on this street as well, like the Ely Outfitting Company, where you can arrange canoe rentals or guided excursions to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). Once you have made plans for your visit, head over to Gator's Grilled Cheese Emporium, where you can enjoy some mouthwatering grilled cheese, mac n cheese, and sandwiches, among other dishes.

Stillwater

Known as the birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater hosted the first territorial convention in 1848, which led to the establishment of the state. As a result, the town is filled with lots of history. Just a two-minute walk from Main Street, travelers will reach the Stillwater Lift Bridge, an iconic and historic bridge that was constructed in 1931, one of only six vertical-lift highway bridges to be built in Wisconsin and Minnesota before World War II. Establishments like the Hotel Crosby aim to reflect the town’s rich history as well, located in a brown brick building that has a cozy and familiar aesthetic.

While in town, check out the calendar at the Zephyr Theatre, which holds a variety of live theatrical events. The Wild Hare should also be on your radar, a dive bar focused on sustainably sourced and organic foods that result in some of the best smashburgers you’ll find in the area.

Winona

While Winona’s river bluffs are what generally attract visitors, they will definitely want to stick around to check out the town’s Main Street for a while. The street stays lively in large part because Winona State University’s Main Campus sits nearby, home to facilities like the Robert DuFresne Performing Arts Center, which hosts more than 20 music performances each year.

You’ll also find culinary gems like the Cafe Sapori di Sicilia on Winona's Main Street, a Sicilian-style bakery-café that serves dreamworthy breads, pastas, pastries, and gelatos. Travelers can stay close to the action at the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, which has been operating in the community since 1986, featuring both a 19th-century carriage house and the master home where visitors can lodge.

Excelsior

Travelers can easily spend a day exploring the local businesses along Water Street, an active street that ends at the Port of Excelsior. Visitors can begin their day with a pastry from Red Bench Bakery, a family-owned cafe that offers both American and French-style baked goods. Once you are fueled up for the day, head down to the port for a boat charter or cruise, with local companies like Paradise Charter Cruises offering excursions on the lake.

To conclude the day, travelers can pick one of the many restaurants along Water Street for dinner. If you like sushi, consider a meal at Yumi’s Sushi Bar, which was founded by Myoung Kim in 1999, serving a variety of high-quality sushi dishes. For something a bit more casual, check out Lago Tacos, where you can enjoy specialty tacos, burritos, bowls, and salads.

Fergus Falls

After travelers spend the day exploring some of the many lakes that surround Fergus Falls, they can head back in town for an entertaining afternoon on Lincoln Avenue, the town’s commercial hub. Families will love spending a few hours at the Otter Cove Children’s Museum, which has all sorts of kid-friendly interactive exhibits, including a lake resort, a service food market, a dental office, and an animal hospital that lets them try out different roles.

Visitors can also attend a show at the Fergus Falls Center for Arts, which has film screenings and orchestra, piano, and dance performances, along with other live events. For a delicious meal, grab a bite at the Viking Cafe, which serves American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

Grand Rapids

While Grand Rapids doesn’t necessarily have one particular area where businesses are concentrated, it is safe to say that 3rd Street is a hub, with many restaurants and attractions either on or near this area. Right on 3rd, you’ll find highlights like The Pines Restaurant, an upscale, from-scratch spot set in a historic building that serves a locally-inspired menu. Rapids Brewing is just around the corner on Pokegama Avenue, serving 16 house taps.

Walking about a block up, you will also hit the MacRostie Art Center, a community art center that hosts rotating exhibits, children and adult art classes, performances, workshops, and an artisan gift shop. Returning to 3rd, visitors can search for a new book at the Wildflower Bookshop, which sells all kinds of new releases, as well as books from Minnesota authors.

As you begin planning your Minnesota trip for the coming year, don’t forget to check out some of the Main Street attractions in these seven towns, as well. Not only do they offer some truly fantastic restaurants and bakeries, but many are also home to some exceptional museums and art galleries. As you wander down these Main Streets, you will likely come across a few impressive attractions of your own!