8 Most Welcoming Towns In Minnesota's Countryside

Minnesota, known as the "Land of Ten Thousand Lakes," shares its border with Canada to the north and enjoys a key spot in the broader region of the American Midwest. The state's Lake Itasca is noted as the source of the Mississippi River. Minnesota joined the Union in 1858, and ever since, it has made lasting contributions to the character of the region and the nation. Many of those elements, from Native American heritage to the mix of French, Scandinavian, and other European influences, live on today, often in Minnesota's expansive countryside. Beyond larger cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, which form the Twin Cities metro area, some of Minnesota's most welcoming places await the visitor willing to go the extra mile.

Bemidji

Billing itself as the 'first city on the Mississippi,' Bemidji, a town in northwest Minnesota, derives its name from the language of the Ojibwe Native American tribe. The word 'bemidji' is said to mean "lake with crossing waters." The town operates the Beltrami County History Center, whose exhibits include artifacts and other objects from the Native and European periods of settlement in the region.

Formerly a timber-producing area, the town now offers outstanding outdoor adventure options, including fishing, camping, and ice skating in wintertime. Indeed, the town seems to pride itself on cold-weather fun, telling visitors it is the Snowmobiling Capital of the World. Other activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even a polar plunge, held annually, in which brave locals and visitors swim in a cut-out part of Lake Bemidji.

Brainerd

In the state's northern reaches, the town of Brainerd has a name as unusual as Bemidji. The onetime mill town, which later became a rail junction, has evolved into a hub for tourism of various kinds. Most of Brainerd lies on the east bank of the Mississippi. The town's surrounding region is home to Brainerd Lakes, a beloved vacation area popular with locals and out-of-state tourists for generations.

In downtown Brainerd, a well-kept historic district features the Northern Pacific Railroad Shops, a converted industrial zone. The neighborhood now offers beer breweries, coffee shops, and diverse restaurants. The arts come alive during the town's Lakes Area Music Festival, organized every summer, with programming that emphasizes classical styles and performances of masterpieces from the world's legendary composers.

Ely

Ely, pronounced "Ee-lee," sits in northeast Minnesota, in rural Saint Louis County, not far south of the Canadian border. In the past, the town drew miners and entrepreneurs chasing riches in extracting copper and other raw materials from the ground. These days, Ely is one of the state's foremost centers for campers, fishermen, and canoeists looking for relaxation in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which makes up more than one million acres of forests and lakes.

Ely's local, tourism-focused businesses include adventure outfitters on Sheridan Street, the town's main thoroughfare. The street is also home to the historic Pioneer Hotel, first opened in 1887. Nature lovers will appreciate Ely's International Wolf Center, which has been open since 1993, and the North American Bear Center, a new site in operation since 2007.

Owatonna

In southeast Minnesota, the small town of Owatonna honors its Native American history. The legend of Owatonna, explained through signboards in the town's Mineral Springs Park, holds that a Native American princess of the same name once took the waters here, recovering from illness and bringing good fortune to her community.

Owatonna operates the Steele County Historical Society, first established in 1949. The organization runs an immersive site called the Village of Yesteryear, a reconstructed pioneer town that illustrates lifestyles of bygone times. For architecture fans, Owatonna's National Farmer's Bank is a must-see. The building, designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan, has the nickname the "Jewel Box of the Prairie," and has kept Owatonna beautiful for a century.

Pipestone

The southwest town of Pipestone is a quiet destination not far from neighboring South Dakota. The town derives its name from a local stone, which Native Americans once quarried for pipes and other common implements. Travelers can learn this history and more at the Pipestone National Monument. The Pipestone County Museum illuminates the town's history, and its 19 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The town also boasts an abundance of outdoor spaces: local parks include Leon H. Moore Park, Westview Park, and the Pipestone Family Campground. Golfers might prefer the Pipestone Country Club, a nine-hole course.

Red Wing

The small town of Red Wing, south of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River, lies opposite Wisconsin and just below the Mississippi's intersection with the Minnesota River. Settled in 1858, Red Wing is famous for its walkable bluff that overlooks the Mississippi. The town's name comes from a Dakota Sioux chief of the early 19th century. The Red Wing Shoe Company, a longtime brand in boots, heavy-duty shoes, and other workwear, is headquartered right here.

Red Wing, as a town, maintains an active schedule of cultural events. The River City Days festival, held each August, draws crowds, as do an annual children's book festival and other seasonal gatherings. The town's numerous museums address diverse themes, from military history and pottery to ski jumping. The Red Wing Shoe corporation has its own museum, complete with a humongous, one-story work boot meant to illustrate the company's products and its place in America's working history.

Walker

The north-central town of Walker, set beside Leech Lake, is a favorite among water-sports fans and other adventure types. Leech Lake, considered one of Minnesota's most beautiful bodies of water, offers boating, fishing, swimming, and other kinds of fun. Downtown Walker features unique shops, art galleries, and dining options with a lake view. Live entertainment also contributes to Walker's going-out options, from Walker Bay Live, a music-focused event series, to the Walker Bay Theater, which produces dramatic productions.

Walker hosts events like the Eelpout Festival in wintertime, an eccentric celebration featuring ice fishing and other festivities. The Chippewa National Forest surrounds the Walker area, offering great options for hiking, bird-watching, and nature photography.

Winona

Named after a Native American princess and local legend, Winona was first established in 1851. The Mississippi River town describes itself as "the Midwest's best autumn playground," with ample leaf-peeping and autumn attractions. A quintessential college town, Winona hosts Winona State University and St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

For outdoors fans and those need fresh air, Winona's choices include the Prairie Island Campground set along the Mississippi's banks, as well as workout options like canoeing, yoga, and rock climbing. Fun fact: this town is the inspiration for the first name of actress Winona Ryder. A Minnesota native, she was born in Winona County in 1971.

Some Of Minnesota's Finest Towns Are In Its Countryside

These Minnesota towns show just how many points of interest lie beyond the state's larger, better-known destinations. A warm welcome awaits the traveler, whether in Bemidji, Brainerd, or Ely, where engaging with out-of-town visitors is a longtime tradition. History buffs will find much to ponder, like the Native American legacies of Owatonna and Pipestone, or the museums of Red Wing. Nature fans will have plenty to explore and enjoy in Walker and Winona, which suggests that Minnesota really is the "Land of Ten Thousand Lakes." For all these reasons, a trip through small-town Minnesota makes a great choice for an upcoming vacation.