8 Underrated Minnesota Towns Worth the Drive in 2026

Beyond Minnesota's well-known lakes and metropolitan attractions, some of its most rewarding stops are small towns with stories you won't find on a typical road-trip itinerary. In New Ulm, a 45-foot clock tower with animated figures celebrates the town's German roots. Red Wing pairs Mississippi River bluffs with a giant boot that towers over visitors. Wabasha draws bald eagles to the river in winter, and Taylors Falls hides enormous potholes in rock shaped by ancient geological forces. Each town has its own tale, whether told through an old mill, a historic bridge, or a working harbor. All eight are within a two-hour drive of a major city or airport, making them well worth adding to a Minnesota road trip.

New Ulm

Located about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis, New Ulm is a charming town known for its deep German heritage, historic architecture, and delightfully quirky landmarks. Start your visit at the Glockenspiel, a 45-foot clock tower featuring animated figures that perform throughout the day during scheduled shows. Then, head to the towering Hermann Heights Monument, where you can admire a statue honoring Hermann the Cheruscan and take in sweeping views of the surrounding Minnesota countryside. History buffs can spend an afternoon at the Brown County Historical Society Museum, while anyone with a sweet tooth or a love of German culture can explore local bakeries, traditional food, and seasonal festivals. With its blend of Old World charm and small-town Midwestern warmth, New Ulm offers a refreshingly unexpected escape that feels a world away from the everyday.

Red Wing

Nestled along the Mississippi River about an hour southeast of Minneapolis, Red Wing is a charming river town where scenic bluffs meet a rich history of American craftsmanship. Start your visit with a hike up Barn Bluff, a striking natural landmark with panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding countryside. Back downtown, stop at the Red Wing Shoe Company flagship store, where you can explore the company's history and see the world’s largest boot, standing more than 20 feet tall. For another glimpse into the town’s industrial past, head to the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, home to thousands of pieces of historic stoneware, art pottery, and vintage dinnerware. When you’re ready to slow down, spend some time wandering the historic downtown streets, browsing independent shops, and taking in the peaceful riverfront scenery. With its unusual landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating manufacturing heritage, Red Wing makes for a memorable Minnesota day trip.

Wabasha

Tucked along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, and approximately two hours away from the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Wabasha is a peaceful river town with a wild side, and a particularly good destination for anyone who loves nature. The town's biggest draw is the National Eagle Center, where visitors can meet live eagle ambassadors, explore interactive exhibits, and learn about the bald eagles that soar above the Mississippi River. For an especially memorable experience, visit during winter, when large numbers of bald eagles gather along open stretches of the river in search of food. Afterward, take a stroll along the riverfront to enjoy the views and watch for wildlife, or head to nearby Reads Landing, a historic river community known for its opportunities to spot eagles and other birds. Movie fans can also seek out local landmarks associated with Grumpy Old Men, the comedy filmed in part around Wabasha. With its remarkable wildlife, scenic river views, and quirky film history, Wabasha offers a slower-paced getaway with plenty of character.

Lanesboro

Found in the rolling limestone bluffs of southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro is a picturesque small town where scenic outdoor adventures meet a thriving arts scene. Located about 40 miles southeast of Rochester, this charming destination is perfect for travelers looking to slow down and enjoy a different side of Minnesota. Start your visit on the Root River State Trail, a paved route that winds through the countryside along the Root River, passing towering bluffs, wooded stretches, and historic communities along the way. If you'd rather experience the scenery from the water, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along the river for a peaceful afternoon surrounded by the region's natural beauty. Back in town, catch a live performance at the Commonweal Theatre, a professional theater known for its engaging productions, or browse the galleries and locally made artwork at Lanesboro Arts. With its walkable historic downtown, creative spirit, and beautiful Bluff Country landscape, Lanesboro is a refreshing getaway for anyone craving a little adventure and small-town charm.

Taylors Falls

Just an hour northeast of Minneapolis, Taylors Falls is a small riverside town with a dramatic landscape. Sitting along the St. Croix River, this charming destination is best known for Interstate State Park, where visitors can explore unusual glacial potholes carved into ancient volcanic rock thousands of years ago. Follow the park's trails to discover these fascinating geological formations and take in sweeping views of the river gorge from the surrounding cliffs. For a different perspective, hop aboard a narrated excursion with Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours, a family-operated business that has been guiding visitors through the river gorge since 1906. If you're craving a little more adventure, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle along the St. Croix, enjoying the rocky shoreline and peaceful stretches of water. Before heading home, spend some time wandering the town's historic streets and stopping at its local shops. With its remarkable geology, scenic river excursions, and easy access to outdoor adventure, Taylors Falls is an ideal day trip for anyone looking to discover a wilder side of Minnesota.

Stillwater

Located just 30 minutes east of Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Stillwater is a picturesque river town known for its historic downtown, scenic waterfront, and fascinating ties to Minnesota's lumber industry. Begin your visit at the Stillwater Lift Bridge, a historic 1931 bridge that now welcomes pedestrians and cyclists crossing the St. Croix River into Wisconsin. Then, spend some time wandering Main Street, where independent boutiques, antique shops, and historic buildings give the downtown its distinctive character. To learn more about the town's past, follow Stillwater's self-guided historic walking tour, which highlights landmarks connected to its lumber boom and early development. For a relaxing finish, stroll through Lowell Park along the riverfront or take a seasonal sightseeing cruise to admire the wooded bluffs from the water. With its blend of river views, preserved history, and charming local shops, Stillwater makes an easy and rewarding escape from the Twin Cities.

Faribault

Located about an hour south of Minneapolis, Faribault is a historic Minnesota town where architectural treasures and generations-old craftsmanship offer plenty to discover. Start your visit at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour, a striking Gothic Revival landmark completed in 1869 and recognized as the first Episcopal church in the United States designed to serve as a cathedral. Next, head to Faribault Mill, where you can learn how wool is transformed into the company's signature blankets and throws during a behind-the-scenes factory tour. Established in 1865, the mill continues a local textile tradition that has lasted for more than 160 years. For a deeper look into the area's past, explore the Rice County Historical Museum, which features exhibits on local history, or visit the Alexander Faribault House to learn about the fur trader who founded the town. Before leaving, take a stroll through the historic downtown, where preserved buildings and independent shops add to the town's old-fashioned charm.

Two Harbors

Situated along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, Two Harbors is a scenic harbor town where maritime history meets some of Minnesota's most beautiful shoreline. Located about 30 minutes northeast of Duluth, this small community is an excellent starting point for exploring the region's natural wonders. Begin at the Two Harbors Lighthouse, Minnesota's oldest operating lighthouse, which has guided ships into Agate Bay since 1892. Then, head to Agate Bay Beach, where you can search the rocky shoreline for Lake Superior agates while watching massive iron ore freighters navigate the working harbor. For a closer look at the town's industrial past, visit the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Depot Museum, where exhibits explore the railroad's role in transporting iron ore from Minnesota's Iron Range to the lake. If you have extra time, take a short drive to Gooseberry Falls State Park, where a series of waterfalls, wooded hiking trails, and rocky Lake Superior overlooks make for a memorable outdoor adventure. With its historic lighthouse, working harbor, and dramatic North Shore scenery, Two Harbors is a rewarding stop for anyone looking to experience a wilder side of Minnesota.

Whether you're watching bald eagles soar above the Mississippi River in Wabasha, exploring the ancient rock formations of Taylors Falls, or taking in the rugged beauty of Lake Superior in Two Harbors, these towns worth the drive offer their own distinctive slice of Minnesota life. These towns are reminders that some of the best travel experiences come from exploring at a slower pace, discovering local history, and taking the time to appreciate places you might otherwise pass by. So, the next time you're planning a Minnesota getaway, consider skipping the usual itinerary and taking a drive to one of these underrated gems.