8 Best Places To Call Home In Minnesota In 2026
No two people value the same things when choosing a place to move to. Luckily a state as diverse as Minnesota has no shortage of options to meet your needs. Take Wabasha as an example. The town is home to the National Eagle Center where you can see beautiful bald eagles year-round. If you prefer having access to an arts scene, follow the Mississippi River down to Winona and its galleries and museums. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in one of these eight best places to call home in Minnesota in 2026.
Little Falls
Little Falls is famous for being the childhood home of Charles Lindbergh, one of the most famous aviators in history. The town embraces that history at the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum, where you can see artifacts and exhibits about the first man to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. The family name is also attached to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park right outside of town. The park is one of the finest in Minnesota, with places to camp or picnic and excellent spring wildflowers.
Of course, there's more than just a connection with one of America's most famous aviators that makes Little Falls one of the best places to call home in Minnesota. The Pine Grove Zoo in town is the perfect place to take your kids or head out on a date, with several exotic animals and a petting area. And if you're an angler, you'll love the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, with several trophy fish on display and history exhibits that detail the development of fishing in the area.
Red Wing
Not to be confused with the NHL team of the same name, Red Wing is an excellent place to call home in Minnesota due to its proximity to Minneapolis and St. Paul and its lively downtown. The town comes alive in the summer for River City Days, its biggest community event. All across the banks of the Mississippi River, you'll find live music, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment for children.
Colvill Park in town is an excellent place for a relaxing day out with the family and a picnic. It also has a boat launch, so you can set sail on the Mississippi River for some fishing or to visit nearby Wisconsin. And the arts scene in Red Wing is thriving thanks to the Sheldon Theatre. There, you'll find plays, concerts, and more live performances in a beautiful venue that's perfect for a night out on the town.
Wabasha
Head down the Mississippi, and you'll find the tiny town of Wabasha. The downtown area is one of the oldest and most walkable in all of Minnesota, making it an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys traveling to their destinations on foot. Many choose to move to Wabasha for the National Eagle Center in town, an aviary where you can see bald eagles and golden eagles. It's a rewarding experience to see the majestic birds in action, especially if you bring your children along.
When you're not looking at eagles, there's still plenty to do in Wabasha. Coffee Mill Golf Course in town offers 18 challenging holes and a driving range to help you lock in your swing to leap to the top of the scorecard for your foursome. And though the Minnesota winters can be tough, the annual Grumpy Old Men Festival helps warm you up. The festival takes place throughout town, with concerts, events at the National Eagle Center, and snowboarding.
Winona
Continuing down the Mississippi is Winona, a hip and artistic town that understands how to find the beauty in anything. The town is home to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, where you can see marine-themed artwork by some of Minnesota's best painters, past and present. And the arts come alive in August during the annual Winona Jazz Festival. The weekend event gives you a chance to hear some of the best jazz musicians in Minnesota live and in person.
And of course, in the heart of bluff country, there is plenty of natural beauty to explore. Sugar Loaf Bluff is a beautiful rock formation well worth the hike out for some pictures and time in nature. And Garvin Heights City Park will give you a beautiful view of Lake Winona and the town for impressive photographs.
Mankato
Heading inland, you'll find Mankato on the banks of the Minnesota River. The town attracts many residents because it is home to the Mayo Clinic and Minnesota State University. It is also a perfect place to start a family, with several attractions that are ideal for kids and parents. Sibley Park in town has plenty of space and equipment for children to play on, and it even includes a petting zoo that is sure to bring a smile to their faces. The Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota has interactive exhibits that make learning fun for your kids and give their imagination a good workout.
The town also pays respect to its history and the indigenous people who call it home during the annual Mahkato Wacipi. The event is open to the public and showcases traditional Native American culture and honors the 38 Dakota men who were executed in 1862 after the Dakota War.
Faribault
Faribault is an ideal place to put down roots if you love spending time outside. The River Bend Nature Center, right outside of town, offers 743 acres for hiking. Bring the family and your dog and spend the day exploring the area, enjoying the beautiful trees and hopefully catching a glimpse of animals as well. If the greens of the golf course are more to your liking than the forests, look no further than Legacy Golf. The course has been challenging golfers since 1998, with 18 holes and a course rating of 71.5. Grab a membership if you plan to frequent the club to save money and get all the golf you can handle during the warm months.
And many choose to make their home in Faribault to enjoy its Heritage Days event every June. The weekend event features a parade, BBQ competition, car cruise, and more that make it the highlight of the year for residents and visitors.
Austin
A few miles from the Iowa border is Austin, an excellent place to move to in Minnesota. The town is popular with seniors and young people alike thanks to its affordability and lively cultural center. Local history comes alive at several of the town's prominent museums, the most famous of which is the SPAM Museum. The museum tells the story of how the company rose to prominence while never forgetting its roots in Austin. For more SPAM-related history, visit the Hormel Historic Home to see the residence of the Hormel family that took SPAM to a household name.
The arts are also alive and well in Austin. The Austin ArtWorks Center hosts an extensive collection of artwork from Austinites and other Minnesota artists. They offer classes to help you improve your skills and maybe one day wind up featured in the gallery. And the historic Paramount Theatre features live shows and concerts that are sure to be unforgettable.
Albert Lea
Albert Lea lies about 20 miles away from Austin via Interstate 90. The town is a popular place to call home for many people due to the many outdoor activities available to residents. You'll have two golf courses to choose from when you put down roots in Albert Lea: Wedgewood Cove Golf Course and Green Lea Golf Course. Wedgewood Cove was named one of Minnesota's best public courses and has an attached dining room and sports bar to make for an excellent day out on the links. Green Lea offers a challenge to golfers, no matter their skill level, and is the host of one of the longest-running and biggest tournaments in Minnesota: The Shortstop.
If you need a break from golf and prefer to get out in nature, the Myre-Big Island State Park has you covered. The park is home to beautiful oak trees, with hiking trails and camping areas for a weekend excursion. You'll also find wetlands that are perfect for bird viewing.
Make These Minnesota Towns Your New Home This Year
Minnesota is famed for its endless outdoor attractions, but it also has a very vibrant arts and culture scene if you know where to look. So no matter if you value heading to museums, visiting state parks, or enjoying community festivals, these eight towns in Minnesota are sure to be the perfect places to call home.
