9 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Minnesota

Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but some of its best experiences are tucked into smaller, slower-paced towns that don’t always make the headlines. Take Ely, for example—a well-loved gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where more than a million acres of forest and water create a true four-season playground. In town, places like the International Wolf Center offer a fascinating look at the region’s native wildlife. Farther south, Red Wing blends river views with a strong working heritage: it’s home to the iconic Red Wing Shoes, and it’s long been a pottery town too, with local clay turned into well-known stoneware for more than a century.

From the arts community in Grand Marais to the historic river-town feel of Wabasha, these destinations invite you to slow down, step outside, and enjoy classic Midwestern hospitality.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais sits between the rugged Sawtooth Mountains and the wide-open shoreline of Lake Superior. From the Grand Marais Lighthouse to the sweeping views at Artist’s Point and the Grand Marais Marina Vista Point, the scenery here is a big part of the draw. The town’s creative side is just as strong. The Grand Marais Art Colony—considered the oldest art colony in Minnesota—offers workshops and classes that make it easy to spend a day learning something new in a beautiful setting.

Grand Marais is easy to explore on foot, and nearby paths like the Gitchi Gami State Trail add even more reasons to get outside. Along the way, you can stop at local favorites such as the Fish House Historic Landmark Museum or spend time at North House Folk School, known for preserving traditional northern crafts like boat building and woodworking. Seasonal events—including the Grand Marais Arts Festival and Fisherman’s Picnic—round out the experience with live music, parades, and community-friendly fun.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is often called the Bed-and-Breakfast Capital of Minnesota, and it’s easy to see why. The town is built for a restful getaway, with inviting inns and a walkable downtown full of galleries, shops, and cozy cafés. If you enjoy the performing arts, the Commonweal Theatre Company offers professional productions year-round in an intimate setting, and the St. Mane Theatre adds concerts, films, and community events to the calendar.

For time outdoors, the Root River and the paved Root River State Trail are the main attractions, drawing visitors who want to bike, walk, or spend time on the water. You can also book Bluffscape Amish Tours for a closer look at Amish craftsmanship and daily life in the surrounding bluff country—often with the chance to shop for handmade goods like quilts and baked treats. Back in town, places like Sylvan Brewing and the High Court Pub make it easy to settle in after a day out.

Nisswa

Set along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, which stretches more than 120 miles, Nisswa is a strong pick for anyone who likes to be outdoors in every season. Warm months bring biking and hiking, while winter opens the door to snowmobiling and other cold-weather fun. Gull Lake adds another layer of appeal, with plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxed days by the water. In summer, the Nisswa Turtle Races offer a longtime local tradition that’s lighthearted and family-friendly.

To learn more about the area, the Nisswa Area Historical Society covers everything from local Ojibwe traditions to logging history and early settlement. Around town, you’ll also find popular stops like a well-known gift shop and a local chocolate store that visitors seek out year after year. Events such as Scandinavian music celebrations highlight regional heritage, and nearby Brainerd adds a fun pop-culture note for film fans thanks to its connection to the Coen brothers’ movie Fargo.

Ely

Ely sits on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), surrounded by more than a million acres of forests and lakes. It’s the kind of place that naturally pulls you outdoors—whether that means kayaking, fishing, swimming, or simply enjoying the quiet. Trails like the Kawishiwi Falls Trail offer rewarding hikes, while Shagawa Lake is a local favorite for calmer waterside time. Ely also has a strong sense of place, reflected in stops like the Bois Forte Heritage Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum, which share stories tied to the region’s people and history.

Two of Ely’s standout attractions are the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center, both of which offer engaging education on wildlife behavior, conservation, and the North Woods ecosystem. With the BWCAW and Superior National Forest so close, it’s easy to build a trip around the outdoors—then come back into town for a warm meal and a comfortable place to stay.

Stillwater

Stillwater, often described as Minnesota’s birthplace, sits along the St. Croix River and makes an easy escape from the Twin Cities. Much of the appeal comes from its beautifully preserved downtown in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District, where 11 walkable blocks include dozens of historic properties dating from the 1860s through the 1940s. The Washington County Historic Courthouse is a highlight, with tours that offer a closer look at the area’s past.

Time on the water is a big part of a Stillwater visit, from boating and paddleboarding to classic paddlewheel riverboat rides. The historic Lift Bridge—linking Minnesota and Wisconsin—adds a signature view, and the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail is a favorite for cyclists who want scenery without a complicated route. For a more relaxed afternoon, tastings at Saint Croix Vineyards are a popular option, and the town’s hot air balloon events add a memorable splash of color over the river valley.

Red Wing

Founded in 1858 on the Mississippi River, Red Wing pairs natural beauty with a proud tradition of making things well. The town is best known as the headquarters of the Red Wing Shoe Company—an enduring piece of Americana—and it also has deep roots in pottery, with local clay shaped into well-regarded stoneware for generations. Community events like River City Days bring people together with food, music, and a friendly hometown atmosphere.

Outdoor time is easy to come by here. The Cannon Valley Trail offers more than 19 miles of paved paths for biking and walking, with scenic stops along the way. The area also includes destinations such as Welch Village Ski Resort for winter outings and options like Welch Mill for canoeing and tubing when the weather warms up. And if you like to plan a snack stop into your day, Hanisch Bakery is a popular local favorite.

Park Rapids

Park Rapids is a natural fit for travelers who like lakes, forests, and an easygoing pace. With more than 70 lakes nearby, it’s a strong base for boating, fishing, and relaxed days by the water. It’s also a convenient gateway to Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest state park, where over 32,000 acres of forest and more than 100 lakes create a classic North Woods setting. The park is especially well known as the headwaters of the Mississippi River—an iconic stop for first-timers and longtime fans alike.

For a deeper look at the area, Lake Itasca Tours Inc. offers guided outings that add context and help with wildlife spotting. You might see bald eagles overhead, alo