7 Small Towns In Minnesota With The Best Downtowns
Minnesota is known for the friendliness of its locals, and you will get an extra dose of their characteristic Midwest warmth by visiting the state’s small town downtowns. From the artistic hub of Grand Marais on the shores of Lake Superior to the historic town of Bemidji near the headwaters of the Mississippi River, these small towns offer quaint and engaging respites in some of Minnesota's most beautiful sections. For a classic two-stop escape, follow the Cannon River through Northfield, then swap inland scenery for the Lake Minnetonka shoreline in Excelsior. If you're getting ready for your next Minnesota trip, these downtowns are the best the state has to offer!
Northfield
Straddling the Cannon River in Rice County, about 45 miles south of Minneapolis, Northfield is a small college town with 150 years of rich history to explore. The town’s most famous historic event occurred in 1876, when the infamous James-Younger Gang attempted, unsuccessfully, to rob the First National Bank. The original bank building, now home to the Northfield Historical Society, is a great place to learn about the events of that fateful day and the town's broader history. Every September, Northfield honors the townspeople who defended the town against the gang during their Defeat of Jesse James Days festival, which features a reenactment of the failed raid, as well as a rodeo, a fine arts festival, and a grand parade.
The center of town lies along the banks of the river, and the Riverwalk Market Fair cultivates a vibrant community experience combining local farmers, artists, and craftspeople as well as live music and other events, all while taking in gorgeous views of the Cannon River. For nature lovers, the Cowling Arboretum is a great destination for viewing native plants and animals. With 800 acres of prairie, river, and forest habitat, as well as fifteen miles of trails, the conservation area is one of the town’s most popular outdoor attractions.
Grand Marais
Located along Highway 6 on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais is an adorable harbor town with an amazing art scene, unique shops and galleries, and breathtaking natural beauty. Just a quick walk away from the downtown area at Artist’s Point, you can catch a breathtaking sunrise over the lake and walk along the breakwater to the Grand Marais Lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1922. The town is also home to the longest continually running art colony in Minnesota, which hosts the Grand Marais Arts Festival every July.
Lake Superior isn’t the only lake body of water worth exploring in Grand Marais. The town serves as a gateway to the gorgeous Boundary Waters Canoe Area, one of the country’s most remote stretches of wilderness. Several of its 1,100 lakes can be accessed along the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway, a 57-mile paved road that begins in Grand Marais. The road winds through the Superior National Forest to Saganaga Lake near the Canadian border, with miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails to explore along the way. Drive with caution as there’s a chance of spotting moose deer emerging from the North Woods.
Excelsior
This small lakeside town is about sixteen miles southwest of Minneapolis on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka. Founded in 1853 by settlers from New York, Excelsior serves as the commercial and cultural hub of the area and showcases a unique blend of modern and historic attractions. The Excelsior Commercial Historic District, which comprises most of the downtown area, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features 37 beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings, as well as ample shopping and dining opportunities.
Excelsior is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lake Minnetonka Regional Trail runs right through the heart of downtown, offering miles of hiking and biking trails. At the north end of town, along the shore of the lake, Commons Park features a swimming beach and several picnic areas, which make it an excellent place to relax in warm weather and enjoy scenic views. Several local outfitters provide kayak and paddleboard rentals for visitors looking to get out on the lake itself.
Red Wing
Just across the Mississippi River from Wisconsin, Red Wing is a charming, unique Midwest town with a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, vibrant culture, and historic landmarks. Spacious parks like Baypoint Park and He Mni Can-Barn Bluff Regional Park, on the banks of the Mississippi River, offer gorgeous views of the river and downtown, as well as ample opportunities for hiking and sport climbing.
The historic St. James Hotel in the heart of downtown has been in operation since the 1800s and combines historic charm with modern amenities. No two guestrooms are exactly alike, which provides a unique lodging experience for each visitor. The train depot, just a short walk away, houses a gallery curated by Red Wing Arts, which has been supporting local and regional artists for 65 years. The town’s clay industry is showcased at the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, which features over 6,000 pieces of stoneware, art pottery, and folk art. If you are looking for a memorable photo opportunity, the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum is the home of the World’s Largest Boot, as well as exhibits detailing the history and heritage of Red Wing Shoes and original Norman Rockwell illustrations used in advertisements for the famous shoes.
Bemidji
In the heart of the North Woods on the southwestern shore of Lake Bemidji, this charming town is known as The First Town on the Mississippi, as the glacially formed lake for which it is named is the northernmost body of water that feeds the 2,340-mile-long Mississippi River. Bemidji is the central city for three Indian reservations and served as an important logging town in the 19th century, giving it a rich and diverse cultural history, which you can explore at the Beltrami County History Center. Located in the restored Great Northern Depot downtown, the museum features exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of the town’s development.
A great way to explore the walkable downtown area is by following the Bemidji Sculpture Walk, a collection of dozens of artworks located in front of local boutiques and antique stores. Bemidji is also the alleged birthplace of the American folklore hero Paul Bunyan, and a statue of the iconic lumberjack and his blue ox, Babe, has welcomed visitors to the town since 1937.
Little Falls
Smack dab in the center of Minnesota, Little Falls is one of the state’s oldest towns. The walkable, historic downtown lies along the banks of the Mississippi River and features dozens of stunningly preserved houses, hotels, and theaters that represent the town’s development since its founding in 1848. The Heritage Preservation Commission produces a self-guided walking and driving tour that highlights several of these important buildings, including the Burton-Rosenmeier House and the former offices of the Pine Tree Lumber Company.
Little Falls was the childhood home of the famous aviator Charles Lindbergh, the first man to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, and the house where he grew up is now home to the Charles Lindbergh House and Museum. The visitor center contains a replica of “The Spirit of St. Louis,” the plane in which Lindbergh made his transatlantic flight, where visitors can operate a full-scale flight simulator and experience what this landmark in aviation was like for the pilot. Fishing enthusiasts will want to visit the Minnesota Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of freshwater fishing in the state.
International Falls
International Falls is located on the Rainy River in northern Minnesota, just across the Canadian border from Fort Frances, Ontario. The town is a popular starting point for trips to nearby Voyageurs National Park, and the Rainy Lake Bike Trail takes cyclists on a gorgeous 10-mile route from the heart of town to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
For those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors without the exertion, Smokey Bear Park offers open green space, picnic areas, and a 26-foot-tall statue of Smokey the Bear. The park is also home to the Koochiching County Historical Museum, which features exhibits and artifacts from the region’s history from pre-settlement to the present day. The town is affectionately known as The Icebox of the Nation, and it pays homage to this frosty moniker every January with the wacky winter festival, Icebox Days. The event features several zany events, including frozen turkey bowling, moonlight skiing, and the infamous Freeze Your Gizzard 5K and 10K runs.
Take A Break From The Outdoors In These Charming Downtowns
The northernmost state in the Great Lakes Region of the US is defined both geographically and culturally by its waters. Minnesota’s landscape is renowned for its natural beauty, boasting close to 12,000 lakes and nearly 92,000 miles of freshwater rivers and streams, and popular destination for fishing and boating. But tucked away in between the vast expanses of water and dense forest, Minnesota is also home to some of the most charming small towns in the country that feature thriving downtown areas. So, in between enjoying the state’s pristine natural beauty, be sure to check out its charming downtowns to experience all that Minnesota has to offer.
