9 Best Lakeside Towns In Minnesota

Minnesota is synonymous with lakes. There are so many, their sheer number can feel almost unimaginable. They offer everything from soft, dreamlike vistas to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, along with abundant outdoor recreation. Better still, many of the state’s most charming towns sit directly on these waters, providing effortless access to the sandy beaches that line their shores. Yet their lakeside settings are only part of the appeal. Each town carries its own distinct character and atmosphere. For example, Lindström, located amid a network of many lakes, is often called America’s Little Sweden and has stores offering Scandinavian goods. Two Harbors has a 19th-century lighthouse that history lovers can visit and admire. Nisswa offers excellent golf courses with spectacular scenery, making it a perfect destination for golf enthusiasts. So, read on to discover nine of Minnesota’s top lakeside towns and what makes each one so enticing.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a stunning harbor village perched on the rocky, rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. The glimmering beauty is known to feature crashing waves one day and stunning silence the next. Expect to enjoy an ever-changing play of light and color, an epic outdoor scene featuring water-based recreational activities, and a mist of rustic beauty typical of waterfront settings. Also, with the backdrop of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and the Superior National Forest, it's no surprise that this area boasts some of the finest hiking, canoeing, and skiing in the nation. Oversized omelets await at Blue Water Cafe, a breakfast-all-day eatery on Wisconsin Street. A hearty meal here should pave the way for Sivertson Gallery, which features incredible artwork in different mediums, with a selection of originals and prints offering a wide range of price points. There's the 57-mile Gunflint Trail, a scenic byway with incredible views, Artist's Point, which features cool rock formations and a fun walk out to a gorgeous lighthouse, and Harbor Park, an idyllic place to watch the boats come and go.

Walker

An ideal combination of pioneer spirit and lakeside serenity, Walker sits on the shores of Leech Lake, one of Minnesota’s largest lakes and a centerpiece of the region’s landscape and local life. The town lies on the southwest corner of the lake, offering direct access to expansive water and scenic northern Minnesota woods, all within the broader Chippewa National Forest region, which is known for plenty of fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and skiing. Start the day at Jimmy's Family Restaurant, where homemade flavor accompanies everything, from crispy hash browns to pancakes and waffles. Stroll down to Walker City Park, which features waterfront views, a pavilion, benches to sit on, and an awesome beach to get your toes wet. Northern Lights Casino has perfectly working slot machines and many games to choose from, and is an enjoyable place to win or lose money. Remember to spend some time at the Walker Ranger Station of Chippewa National Forest, a serene place with fabulous views.

Nisswa

Nisswa is derived from an Ojibwa word "nessawae," which means 'in the middle', or 'three'. True to this description, Nisswa and Nisswa Lake are surrounded by three interconnected lakes. One of the most sought-after destinations in the north country, Nisswa is surrounded by the Gull Lake Chain, Cullen Lakes, Clark Lake, Lake Hubert, and more. From fishing to cruising the lakes and dabbling in some water skiing, there's just no end to fun in this corner of the Midwest. Furthermore, the infamous Paul Bunyan Trail runs right through Nisswa, offering biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and walking opportunities. Golf enthusiasts can take their pick from top-tier courses like Cragun’s Legacy Courses and The Pines at Grand View Lodge, both of which offer top-tier amenities and heart-stirring views. In terms of food, specifically fried chicken gizzards, sit on Ye Old Pickle Factory’s outside patio, and enjoy small-town charm and an upbeat service.

Excelsior

Excelsior is a charming small city located on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka, one of Minnesota’s largest and most popular lakes. Its downtown, with its vintage buildings and cozy cafes, sits right along the waterfront, with public docks, marinas, sandy swimming beaches, and scenic views across the lake’s open water. The town offers water-oriented recreation, dreamy views, and a restored streetcar operated by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum that runs during warmer months. Lake Minnetonka, the town's defining landmark, is the largest lake in the Minneapolis metro area at over 14,000 acres. Excelsior Public Beach is a breathtaking lakefront park with eye-catching sunsets, while the adjacent Excelsior Commons, with its peaceful ambiance and lush greenery, is a cool place to relax and drift into bliss. 318 Cafe on Water Street, known for live music on weekends, whips up a variety of delicacies in a classy, cozy atmosphere.

Brainerd

Brainerd gives easy public access to several lakes, both smaller ones right in town, like Rice Lake and Boom Lake, and big recreational lakes nearby, like Gull, Pelican, and North Long Lakes. Lum Park, which one can easily reach from Washington Street, is a beautiful space with a decent 9-hole disc golf course, convenient shade structures, and a lake with a fishing pier. It is directly on Rice Lake. On the flip side, Kiwanis Park is a 37-acre oasis between the Mississippi River and Boom Lake. It has a wonderful walking trail along the lake's shore. On a different note, Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts features top-notch acoustics and is a wonderful place to see and experience a concert. To get the kick you need for the day, Slice On Oak is widely known for its New York-style, delicious, thin-crust pizzas with minimal cheese and sauce. Crow Wing County Historical Society has an intimate museum that provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s history and culture, with exhibits showcasing the region’s rich lumberjack heritage.

Lindström

Lindström, affectionately called America’s Little Sweden, is a small city in east‑central Minnesota, surrounded by glimmering beauty, giving it a distinct lakeside and water‑oriented character. The downtown area itself feels almost like an island, especially with the many nearby waterways, including North and South Lindström Lakes, North and South Center Lakes, and Chisago Lake. This network of lakes is part of the broader Chicago Lakes region, a chain of connected lakes formed by glacial landscapes and natural channels. From the aroma of locally roasted coffee as you walk near the cute cafes on Main Street to gift shops and specialty stores offering Scandinavian goods, Lindström is always a delight to explore. The newly renovated Lindström Bakery, known for its large windows overlooking the steaming water tower, is the go-to place for delicious donuts and Fika coffee. There's Allemansrätt Park, a hidden gem with trails that run through the woods and meadows around the lake, and Beach Park, a perfect little park to stop over on your lunch break. Finally, Ghosts in the Attic is a kitschy store with candles, signs, tea towels, candy, and several other trinkets.

Two Harbors

With its giveaway name, you don't need much convincing to know that this Minnesota gem boasts a prominent water element. The town’s name comes from its setting between two natural bays: Agate Bay and Burlington Bay, which form sheltered harbors on the lakeshore. Lake Superior is a defining feature of the community’s geography, history, and recreation, with the deep blue often clearly visible from parks, trails, and the downtown area. The Two Harbors Light Station, which dates back to 1892, remains the longest operating lighthouse in Minnesota. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to explore attractions like Sonju Trail, which begins at the lighthouse and runs to Burlington Bay, or the Erkki Harju Ski Trail, which begins at the edge of town and features beautiful scenery and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Agate Bay Beach is a rocky, lakeside attraction with a long pier, while the Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum is a nostalgic spot to soak up the area’s railroad history.

Park Rapids

The area around Park Rapids includes over 70 lakes within a short distance of town, offering scenic shorelines, water access, and abundant recreation opportunities. Two of the most prominent nearby lakes are Long Lake and Fish Hook Lake, both just a few miles from the main drag. They offer boating, swimming, and fishing opportunities, and imbue the entire area with a nice, countryside atmosphere. The Hubbard County Historical Museum, with its great exhibits on pioneer life, offers a glimpse into the town's childhood years. Looking for delicious Italian food? Necces Italiano Restaurante is a hidden gem known for authentic cuisine and generous portions. Meanwhile, Park Theater presents mainstream movies with standard concessions, while Red Bridge Park is a nice, peaceful space at the beginning of the Heartland Bicycle Trail. Itasca State Park, just 30 minutes from Park Rapids, is home to over 100 lakes and holds the distinction of being Minnesota's oldest park.

Albert Lea

The fact that Albert Lea is known as the “Land Between the Lakes” says everything you need to know about it. Built around a chain of lakes with Fountain Lake at the center, this picturesque city in the heart of south-central Minnesota offers a vibrant downtown, more than 40 park and recreation areas, and soothing waterfront views. Nancy's Cafe, which offers a great hometown feel in a clean, comfortable environment, can act as a fantastic starting point. Check if there's a show at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, an iconic venue with comfortable seats providing a good view of the stage. There's Adams Originals, too, which boasts a wide selection of dolls, collectibles, and a variety of reasonably priced antiques. Fountain Lake Park, right next to the water, is a beautiful place to rest, enjoy music (especially in summer), and people-watch. Alternatively, sit back and relax on a 60-foot paddle-wheel replica boat offered by the Pelican Breeze II, a touring company that has been in business since 1997.

So, if you dream of strolling a main street that leads straight to the water, or catching glimpses of gently swaying blue from a side-street patio or a rooftop restaurant, Minnesota offers an abundance of choices. Across the state, several towns provide direct access to these shimmering lakes, many boasting waterfronts so beautiful they feel worthy of a painting.