7 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Minnesota

Northern Minnesota, known for its rocky terrains and deep glacial lakes, is a haven for tiny off-grid towns. This region of the state sits at the northernmost point of the contiguous US and is well known for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest, one of the largest federal forests in the country. With historic and remote communities like Ely and the wonders of Grand Marais, on the north shore of Lake Superior, Northern Minnesota is a secluded, geologically rich region that offers visitors an escape.

Ely

Ely is a remote location with limited road access and close proximity to the vast Boundary Waters. Visitors can start their visit at Sheridan Street, where they can find gear for multi-day canoeing expeditions. Given its roots in nature, wildlife research is a major part of life in Ely. The International Wolf Center gives visitors the chance to learn about the region's wolves and watch them while at work. The wildlife journey continues at the North American Bear Center, which will open soon for spring tours. It is the only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind and allows visitors to observe bears rescued from the wild. For a historic twist, you can visit the Dorothy Molter Museum to see the Boundary Waters’ famous ‘Root Beer Lady’. The ‘Root Beer Lady’ had lived in the Boundary Waters Wilderness for decades before it was ever protected by federal law.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais sits on the north shore of Lake Superior and is known as the oldest place-name on the Great Lakes. It is known as a key point on the Gunflint Trail and home to the North House Folk School, where visitors are invited to learn traditional northern crafts. The Grand Marais Lighthouse was constructed in the 19th century to guide boats through the unpredictable weather of Lake Superior, and now serves as a historic reminder to its community. Just beyond that, Artist’s Point is a volcanic point that extends out into Lake Superior. Here, you will see waves crash against the shore, and photographers take pictures of the changing light over the lake. A short drive into the surrounding area leads to the Superior National Forest, where hiking trails pass through inland lakes and forest overlooks.

Lutsen

Lutsen is mostly known for the Lutsen Mountains, where a gondola ride takes visitors above the tree line and offers a view of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. It is the epitome of an off-grid town, filled with parks and mountain peaks that you have to see to believe. The Cascade River State Park follows a powerful river as it tumbles through a series of rapids and waterfalls before it reaches Lake Superior. Hiking trails at the park give visitors a chance to see the water current up close and personal. And if you are interested in seeing the surrounding area from a higher vantage point, Carlton Peak is a rocky peak that offers one of the clearest views of the surrounding North Shore landscape.

Two Harbors

Two Harbors was established as a shipping port for iron from the Mesabi Range. This history is preserved at the Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum, which is deemed the oldest lighthouse in Minnesota. Two Harbors is a walking history lesson that invites visitors to appreciate the town's off-grid nature. For instance, the Lake County Historical Depot Museum is a restored train depot showcasing the railroad and lumber industry history in the region. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can access the Superior Hiking Trail, which begins just outside the community and runs along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior, connecting several waterfalls, forest vistas, and streams flowing toward the Lake.

Grand Portage

Grand Portage is situated along one of the most historic travel routes in the region. At the Grand Portage National Monument, visitors will find an eight-mile trail that was once used by the Voyageurs, who were travelers in the 18th to 19th century of French-Canadian, Metis, and Indigenous descent. They used this trail to transport furs and supplies for the North American fur trade on the Pigeon River. You can journey the same off-beaten path that they did. Just a short distance away, at Grand Portage State Park, you will find High Falls, which is known as the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, dropping 120 feet near the Canadian border. Make sure to bring your camera for proof of your visit! Visitors also have access to a shoreline view of Lake Superior and to the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center, which features several running exhibits on Anishinaabe culture and the fur trade.

Silver Bay

Silver Bay was constructed during the 20th-century expansion of iron mining in Minnesota. The town is the primary entrance point for Tettegouche State Park, where hiking trails pass through inland lakes, cliffs, and rocky shores, providing an off-grid experience that you can only experience here. If you head just outside of town, you will find Palisade Head, a rock face that rises almost 300 feet above Lake Superior and is considered one of the most photographed spots in the region. Inside the park, the hiking trail to Shovel Point takes hikers across a rocky point where waves crash against volcanic rock formations that lie just beneath it. Considering all of the cliffs, hiking trails, and scenic views along the shores of Lake Superior, Silver Bay is probably one of the most visually pleasing off-grid towns along the North Shore of Minnesota.

Walker

Walker sits along the edge of the Chippewa National Forest, a massive forest of pine trees, marshes, and a lake that is home to many types of wildlife. There is no place that exudes an off-grid experience quite like it. For both hikers and bicyclists, many start their routes along the Heartland State Trail, a converted rail trail that passes through Walker and connects the town with surrounding lake communities. Along the shores of Leech Lake, Walker City Park is a local favorite with places to fish and views across Walker Bay. While your visit here will likely be nature-filled, consider visiting Portage Brewing Company after a long day of exploring to wind down before retreating to sleep.

Northern Minnesota's small towns aren't well known, and that is what makes them special. The towns epitomize an off-grid experience that is sure to relieve your mind of the business of larger cities. Each of Northern Minnesota's towns is uniquely tied to its surrounding environment, whether through the wilds of the Lutsen Mountains or the historical routes of Grand Portage. For those willing to venture beyond the state's larger cities, it is possible to see a side of Minnesota dominated by endless forests and lakes.