Category: Minnesota Top List USA
Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-small-towns-in-minnesota-v8369.html
Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a charming small town surrounded by Minnesota’s natural beauty. For over 100 years, this rural up north destination has been a favorite of those planning MN family vacations, fishing trips, couple’s getaways, and family reunions. This small town of just over 10,000 people serves as a gateway to Minnesota’s Northwoods. Grand Rapids is an ideal basecamp and cultural center for exploring the surrounding area. For over a century, the town has been a popular destination for Minnesota vacationers.
Grand Rapids is about three hours north of Minneapolis. This distance provides the closest destination that feels far away from the city. The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, which begins in Grand Rapids and travels deep into the Northwoods, adds to the sense of escape. The Mesabi Trail also begins in Grand Rapids for pedal-powered escapes. This paved bike trail connects with other scenic communities in the region for approximately 150 miles. Other popular Grand Rapids attractions include golf courses, performing arts centers, and public parks. Grand Rapids also has a plethora of cultural opportunities to explore. Judy Garland, best known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, was born in the small town. The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids honors the city’s most famous movie star.
Photo by Jonathan Mast on Unsplash
Photo by Cody Otto on Unsplash
Excelsior
Excelsior is perhaps the best town in Minnesota for having a merry little old-fashioned Christmas, nestled on the curve of a Lake Minnetonka Bay. Excelsior celebrates the holidays in a way that few other towns do, with a calendar of events and activities that is out of proportion to the town’s size. The Excelsior – Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce, of course, promotes local businesses through its annual “Christmas in Excelsior” event. Excelsior is a waterfront destination on Lake Minnetonka’s southeast shore, 20 miles west of the Twin Cities. This charming small town has a long history of attracting tourists and is now one of the few places on the lake with public shoreline.
The Excelsior Commons also serves as the hub for annual events such as the Fourth of July Celebration and “Art on the Lake” in June. The Steamboat Minnehaha, which departs from the Port of Excelsior, allows visitors to participate in the region’s history. This historic “streetcar boat” lay on the lake’s bottom for 50 years before being raised and restored in 1980. The boat is now a living history museum that offers weekend guided cruises.
Excelsior is a popular weekend destination for residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Victorian downtown district is filled with unique shops and restaurants. And the surrounding lakeside scenery is postcard worthy. Walking around town guided by your senses is a fun way to spend many afternoons. Local ice cream shops, cafés, and boutique storefronts are frequently visited while strolling through Excelsior. The Excelsior Commons and Port of Excelsior are both excellent places to enjoy the water. These historic waterfront areas provide a variety of lake activities, including swimming beaches and picnic areas.
Photo by Tony L on Unsplash
Ely
Ely is a lovely northern Minnesota town. It is approximately 100 miles north of Duluth and 250 miles north of the Twin Cities. Though it is a small town with a population of just under 3,500 people, it is quite popular. It’s easy to see why when you visit. There’s a lot to do! Many interesting shops line the downtown streets in town. They’re enjoyable to look at at any time of year. Ely, Minnesota, is a gateway community to the vast Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This proximity brings several guiding and adventure companies to the small town’s streets. Ely’s basecamp status also provides the town with additional vacation amenities such as local eateries and lodging.
The Boundary Waters from Ely offers an abundance of exciting activities. From day trips in a canoe to multiple nights admiring the Aurora Borealis, this water-bound region offers some of the best wilderness in the country. Ely also provides access to a number of other nearby attractions. The International Wolf Center in Ely is a non-profit educational organization that provides up-close encounters with wolves. Other aquatic landscapes are worth exploring south of town at Bear Head Lake State Park. Further south, the Soudan Underground Mine offers a one-of-a-kind subterranean state park experience.
Photo by Ralph Katieb on Unsplash
Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash
Red Wing
Red Wing is home to many historic Victorian homes and farmhouses, including the 1880s-era St. James Hotel. It is located near the 1904 Amtrak Depot, which houses an art gallery and a visitor center. Much of Red Wing is defined by its abundant bluffs. An hour southeast of Minneapolis, these natural vantage points overlook the Mississippi River. Red Wing is a popular weekend destination due to its lush landscape and proximity to the Twin Cities. This charming riverfront city of less than 17,000 people provides several opportunities to explore the elevated environment. Trails within the town lead up to Barn Bluff for a spectacular view.
Within Memorial Park, the nearby Sorin’s Bluff provides an excellent vantage point that is also accessible by vehicle. Memorial Park also has some of Minnesota’s best mountain biking trails. The Canyon Valley Trail offers yet another exciting adventure in Red Wing. This 20-mile “rail-to-trail” conversion provides a paved route from Red Wing to Welch and Cannon Falls. Frontenac State Park, which is also within driving distance of Red Wing, is a camping and hiking trail haven. Along with plenty of outdoor activities, there are plenty of in-town attractions to keep tourists entertained. The Red Wing Museum and the flagship store on Main Street are both worthwhile stops. A record-breaking size 638.5 boot is on display at the museum.
Photo by Tony L on Unsplash
Photo by britt gaiser on Unsplash
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is hard to beat when it comes to the ultimate lake town experience in Minnesota. Grand Marais, located on one of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, is an utterly charming, gorgeous town filled with unique shops, good eats, scenic lake views, and thrilling outdoor adventures. The small town is stunning regardless of the season (it’s popular in the winter because of the skiing options in the Sawtooth Mountains and popular in the summer because of that lake), and it also has a thriving local art community, so you can soak up some culture and see one-of-a-kind artwork on your trip. Grand Marais is one of Minnesota’s most photogenic towns.
Of course, because the town is located on Lake Superior, boating, swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the water are all options. Visit the Grand Marais Art Colony, which attracts artists from all over the world. You can even learn from the artisans! Look at Drury Lane Books for an example of a charming store. Even though Grand Marais is on the smaller side, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained in this charming town. Grand Marais is postcard-perfect in any season. It’s the ultimate small-town adventure. Minnesota is famous for its lakes and lake towns, but it’s difficult to imagine one more charming than Grand Marais. The town has something for everyone, with its artsy vibes, delicious restaurants and bars, lake views, and nearby mountains.
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
New Ulm
There are few places as charming as a small town, and Minnesota certainly has its fair share. How many small towns have you been to? New Ulm, Minnesota, is a charming small-town worth visiting. New Ulm’s roots are deeply rooted in German heritage, as is its namesake in Germany. New Ulm, more of a small city than a small town, is as charming as they come. It’s easy to see why it’s home to over 13,000 people. New Ulm has German ancestors and is named after the city of Ulm in southern Germany. There are several attractions in town that highlight the German culture.
The Hermann Monument in Hermann Heights Park is a fun place to learn about the town’s history. This 102-foot monument honors an ancient German independence leader. The park has a lovely green space where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy the weather. Near Johnson Park, New Ulm also has an authentic Glockenspiel that plays three times a day. The Brown County Historical Society Museum is another great place to learn about the history of this German city. Annual festivals are another excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture, and New Ulm is known as the “City of Festivals”. Annual events include everything from classic car shows to admission-free fairs. New Ulm also goes all out for the holidays, with a variety of holiday events lighting up the dark winter nights.
Photo by Documerica on Unsplash
Lanesboro
Minnesota is brimming with charming small towns. These communities attract visitors from all over the state because of their scenery, charm, and activities. It is impossible to pick a favorite, but there are a few strong contenders. Lanesboro is a lovely town in southeastern Minnesota. It’s nestled in rolling hills near the scenic Root River, and there’s plenty to see and do there. Plan a trip to Lanesboro, one of Minnesota’s best small towns, the next time you’re looking for a fun Minnesota day trip. Lanesboro is a charming small town of about 700 people in southeastern Minnesota’s rolling hills. The town is approximately 130 miles south of the Twin Cities and makes an excellent day trip destination.
Not only is the town surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills. It’s also right on the banks of the beautiful Root River. A dam on the river creates a beautiful waterfall that you must see. The Root River Trail is also popular for hiking and biking. In Lanesboro, there are outfitters who will provide you with everything you need for a bike trip along the trail. To float down the river, you can even rent tubes or canoes. There is plenty to do in town if you prefer to stay. The downtown area of Lanesboro is walkable, so you can spend an afternoon browsing the shops and restaurants. When it comes to eating, there are several excellent options. Many people enjoy the popular Pedal Pushers Cafe, which serves fresh, flavorful farm-to-table food. Head to the eye-catching Another Time Ice Cream Parlor for ice cream. Order a scoop or two of your favorite flavor before continuing your exploration of this lovely town.
Photo by Josh Hild on Unsplash
Photo by Garrett Cumber on Unsplash
Henderson
Minnesota’s teeny-tiny towns make for some of the best day trips! This is especially true if you enjoy searching for hidden treasures. Sleepy downtowns frequently give way to small shops selling locally made goods, rare antiques, and other items. If you’re looking for a day trip that doesn’t involve going to the city, head to Henderson, Minnesota. This small village is teeming with interesting shops. Henderson, Minnesota is a small town in southern Minnesota about 60 miles south of the Twin Cities. It has a population of just under 900 people. The historic downtown, which is lined with century-old buildings, contributes significantly to the city’s charm.
Many of these structures house interesting shops that are just waiting for you to browse. Henderson Classical Glass, for example, is stocked with glass bowls, ornaments, and vases. Stained glass panels are also available here. Heart of Henderson is located just down the road from the glass store. This shop is a mishmash of vintage finds, handmade art, and home décor. You’ll love it whether you’re looking for gifts or a new home decoration. There are even craft classes available. Henderson Antiques and Uniques is another excellent antique store. The store itself is an antique, housed in an 1894 building! Everything from antique décor to vintage collectibles can be found here.
Photo by Ryne Anderson on Unsplash
Photo by Karla Paola on Unsplash
Biwabik
Its name is derived from the Ojibwe word for Iron: Biwabiko-nabik-wan. On the Mesabi Iron Range, Biwabik serves as the entry point to the East Range. Biwabik, a Bavarian-style town, welcomes visitors to Giants Ridge Resort with two award-winning golf courses and an acclaimed ski area, as well as trails, lakes, lodging, and dining. With the Mesabi Trail connecting the community to Giants Ridge and the Vermilion Trail Campground on Embarrass Lake, this picturesque city is a year-round destination. Visit on the Fourth of July for the popular California Parade, in September for Honktoberfest, an Oktoberfest honoring Honk the Moose, and on the first Saturday in December for Weihnachtsfest, which includes fireworks, delightful music and food, and lights.
In addition, the town serves as a major trailhead for the paved Mesabi Trail. Throughout the summer, these stunning outdoor attractions draw a steady stream of visitors to Biwabik. Winter is also a popular season for visitors. Biwabik is only a 10-minute drive from Giants Ridge ski resort, one of Minnesota’s best. And for cross-country skiing, the area around Biwabik has enough trails to create new tracks every day of the long season. Biwabik also has a certain allure that keeps visitors returning year after year. The downtown area exudes a distinct Bavarian flavor. Throughout the year, the town hosts several annual events, including one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the region.
Photo by Ralph Katieb on Unsplash
Pipestone
Northern Minnesota is widely regarded as the most beautiful region of the state. There is a lot of beauty to be found there, from the North Shore to the Boundary Waters. But it’s time to appreciate the distinct beauty of another part of Minnesota. Southwestern Minnesota may not have vast forests or rocky river bluffs, but it does have scenery that is unique to the state. To take it all in, the small town of Pipestone is the ideal stopping point. Pipestone, with a population of just over 4,000 people, is a small but thriving town. It has a charming downtown with many local shops.
This part of the state has several scenic environments, and Pipestone takes advantage of them. Tallgrass prairie hiking trails and picturesque settings at Split Rock Creek State Park are nearby outdoor attractions. The nearby Pipestone National Monument is one of the best places to visit in this town of about 4,000 people. This national monument is home to sacred Pipestone quarries as well as a stunning waterfall and an engaging cultural center. This red rock is still significant to the region’s indigenous people. Pipestone is also well-known for its numerous annual events. Normal weekends, classic car shows, and a city-wide rummage sale are just a few of the events on the schedule. Pipestone Civil War Days is a must-see event that takes place every August and features over 300 costumed characters on the battlefield.
Photo by Aubree Herrick on Unsplash
