9 Small Towns In Minnesota To Visit For A Weekend Getaway

The weather might be cooling down and the days growing shorter, but that is no reason to stay indoors. This season is perfect for exploring nearby towns, when crowds thin out and local spots are especially happy to see visitors. For Minnesota residents, a weekend getaway has never been easier! Towns with European heritage, inns set in historic lighthouses, and longstanding art colonies are just a few of the destinations that await you in the following nine towns.

New Ulm

Settled by German-Bohemian immigrants in the 19th century, New Ulm is rich in German heritage, which visitors can easily explore during a weekend away. All around town, you will spot German-inspired landmarks, including the Glockenspiel, a 45-foot-tall bell tower with 12 rotating figurines that dance and share the town’s story throughout the day. The town’s brewery scene is impressive as well. August Schell’s Brewery is a must-visit, founded in 1860 by a German immigrant, making it the second-oldest, family-owned brewery in the United States. At the end of the day, spend the night at Bingham Hall Bed and Breakfast, which has four uniquely decorated rooms to choose from for your stay.

Two Harbors

Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Two Harbors was built on an iron ore industry, but today it also serves as a beautiful place to spend a few days away. Slightly northeast of downtown, you will reach Gooseberry Falls State Park, known for its river gorge, waterfalls, and beautiful shoreline. The town’s history is presented through landmarks like the Two Harbors Lighthouse, which has been lighting the Agate Bay for ships since 1892, functioning as a museum today. For an even more immersive experience at the lighthouse, consider staying at Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast! Set on the famed lighthouse grounds, travelers will have the chance to be the innkeeper for the night here.

Taylors Falls

Situated atop some cliffs overlooking the St. Croix River, the views in Taylors Falls are hard to beat. Travelers can kick off their weekend in town with an excursion through Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, which offers paddlewheel riverboat tours down the St. Croix River. Interstate State Park is another gorgeous stop for your itinerary, complete with cliff-top overlooks, canoe and kayaking trails, hiking trails, and more. Travelers can unwind for the evening at Wannigan Point Cabins, where each cozy unit includes a fully stocked kitchen and access to charcoal grills.

Lindstrom

If you couldn’t get enough of New Ulm’s European heritage, consider adding Lindstrom to your travel list for another weekend. This town has plenty of Swedish heritage to explore, present in attractions like the town’s famous coffee pot water tower, which features Swedish-inspired designs. Allemansrätt Park is another Swedish-inspired site, a 125-acre area of lakes, wetlands, an island, and a peninsula built around Sweden’s concept of ensuring public access to nature. When the weather is nice, Whispering Bay Resort is an excellent place to camp, home to 63 full-season campers, a swimming beach, docks, and more.

Grand Marais

Home to the oldest art colony in Minnesota, Grand Marais is the perfect destination for those seeking a weekend of art programs and gallery hopping. Travelers can check out the calendar at the Grand Marais Art Colony before their visit, which hosts workshops, seminars, and other art events for the public throughout the week. Make sure to stop by Sivertson Gallery as well, which started in a basement 40 years ago and has since become one of the town’s favorite art spots. The Mangy Moose makes for a comfortable place to spend the night, a local motel with a coffee bar, nightly fire pits, and a convenient location in town.

Fergus Falls

Fergus Falls sits in West Central Minnesota and is absolutely surrounded by natural beauty. There are a couple of state parks in the extended area to check out, including Glendalough State Park. Although this state park is about a half-hour drive away, the trip is well worth it. As the state’s only “heritage fishery,” travelers are welcome to borrow a fishing kit from the park office year-round. Canoeing, kayaking, boating, snowshoeing, and skiing are also popular. Returning to town, you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants to dine at, like The Fabled Farmer, famous for its scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and fresh-pressed juice. For a bit of history, make sure to lodge at The Mill - Historic Boutique Hotel, which is housed in a former flour mill that is more than a century old.

Ely

With nearly 20 access points to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), Ely is a wonderful destination for travelers wanting a weekend immersed in nature. This wilderness area is huge, containing over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 2,000 designated campsites, and 12 hiking trails to explore. And when the weather begins to get chilly and snow begins to fall, you will have plenty of activities in the area to enjoy! If you have ever wanted to go dog sledding, you can do so in Ely, home to agencies like Chilly Dogs Sled Dog Trips, which offer sledding excursions led by hearty Alaskan huskies. Year-round, the Canoe On Inn offers a cozy room to spend the night in, conveniently located near ATV and snowmobile trails and many local shops and restaurants.

Lanesboro

Located in the Root River Valley, Lanesboro’s art and culinary scene is impressively active for a town of under 1,000 residents. Visitors can view work from local artists at Lanesboro Arts, an arts organization that has a gallery and a calendar with a variety of art programming to check out. Along Parkway Avenue, there are several mouthwatering restaurants to try, such as Clara's Eatery, which serves pizzas, paninis, sandwiches, and more. To round out your visit with a bit of history, lodge at the Scanlan House Bed & Breakfast Inn, set in a historic 1889 Queen Anne Victorian home.

Mankato

Mankato lies about an hour and a half southwest of Minneapolis, making it an easy option for a nearby weekend trip. Greater Mankato has roughly 50 miles of paved trails and 60 parks to visit, meaning you won’t have a hard time finding a way to connect with nature. Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, for example, extends from Mankato to Faribault for 41 miles, passing lakes, farmlands, pastures, and Sakatah Lake State Park, with several pit stops along the way. If you are looking for something a little more laid back, consider grabbing a beer at LocAle Brewing Co., which has amber ales, stouts, Hazy IPAs, and more on the menu. Travelers can relax for the evening at Moulin Rouge House Bed and Breakfast, which is set in a charming Queen Anne-style home from 1886.

Experience Something New In Minnesota

If it is not already clear, there is so much to experience across Minnesota, and a weekend getaway is the perfect way to see more of it. Not only can you stay in some iconic inns, but you can also enjoy a mini trip to Sweden or Germany without crossing a single state line! With winter right around the corner, dog sledding excursions, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are on the table as well. So pick the town that has caught your attention and get ready to have a memorable weekend!