Small Towns in Minnesota Worth Visiting For Every Traveler

Minnesota is well known as the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’. But another significant thing about this state is its charming towns. Small towns in Minnesota have no shortage of adventure and amazing attractions. Like Grand Marais is located only four hours away from Minneapolis and it features a mysterious waterfall worth visiting. Nevertheless Ely can be an ideal destination for visitors who love nature, wildlife or outdoor adventures. Well there are so many options when you want to visit the small towns in MN. So follow along as this guide will help you find the best ones and provide detailed information on each of them. 

Best Small Towns in Minnesota to Explore

In this section of our blog let’s discuss the Minnesota small towns that are worth visiting.

Grand Marais

Starting with Grand Marais a charming harbor village in Minnesota. Located along Lake Superior it is about 253 miles away from the city center. This city is mostly famous for its art and outdoor adventures. You should definitely visit this small town in Minnesota if you are seeking an overall unique experience.

Things You Can’t Miss In Grand Marais

Being in this village cum small town you can enjoy the Artist’s Point which is an amazing rocky peninsula about five minutes away from the downtown area. From here you can enjoy the sights of the Grand Marais lighthouse and the stunning harbor. The other exciting thing you can do here is explore art galleries. Now coming to the most attractive thing about this place which is the ‘Devil’s Kettle’ a mystical waterfall based in the Judge C. R. Magney State Park.

However if you love outdoor activities you should definitely try mountain biking or skiing at Pincushion Mountain which is just three miles from the downtown area. Apart from this you can also try hiking in the Superior Hiking Trail or kayaking and canoeing at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply.

Foods You Must Try

• Donuts are a must-try because they are world-famous
• Whitefish and other delicious seafoods
• Lava Mousse
• You should also try smoked fish
• You should not miss the Frybread tacos especially at Hungry Hippie Tacos.
• You can also try massive pizza and beer bread at the famous Sven & Ole’s.

Stillwater

Stillwater is a hugely popular riverfront small town in this state. Known as the ‘Birthplace of Minnesota, ’ this town is located near the St. Croix River. This is one of the small towns near Minneapolis. It is about 25 to 27 miles away from Minneapolis and worth visiting if you are looking for a perfect getaway in this state. With many boutique shops, restaurants and natural beauty this becomes a place loved by tourists.

Things To Do In Stillwater

Being in this small town you can explore and experience many amazing things. You can start by wandering down the historic Main Street. Then for a unique experience you can walk or bike across the well-known Stillwater Lift Bridge that connects Minnesota with Wisconsin. If you are travelling with kids then you should definitely visit Teddy Bear Park. On the other hand if history excites you then you might love exploring Warden’s House Museum, Washington County Historic Courthouse or taking a narrative tour in Stillwater Trolley Company. However you can go through our Things to do in Stillwater blog for more detailed information.

Foods To Try In Stillwater

• Hot Turkey Sandwich known to be one of the popular comfort foods of this state. You can find a good quality Hot Turkey Sandwich in the Oasis Cafe located in the main downtown area.
• Grab the popular Tater Tot Hotdish to experience a unique.
• To have a wholesome experience have a Gourmet Burger.
•  Do not forget to try Warden’s Stout and local sodas at the Lift Bridge Brewing Company.
• Many local shops in here are offering delicious desserts which are worth giving a try.
• Have a unique experience by trying craft beer in places like Thor’s Hard Cider and Aamodt’s Apple Farm.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is another charming small town in Minnesota that is worth visiting. Rich with historic value this small town is only 50 miles away from the city of Rochester. You can easily take a Rochester MN charter bus rental to reach this town. Being called the’ Bed & Breakfast capital of Minnesota,’ this is a hidden gem of this state.

Things To Enjoy In Lanesboro

The things you can try in this town will definitely leave you stunned and help you gain a better experience overall. Starting with a peaceful ride through limestone bluffs for which you can rent a bike at rental shops. This ride can help you witness the beauty of Whalan and Peterson. Then to have an adventurous experience try biking, hiking, kayaking and rollerblading at the Root River State Trail. For that you will find many local outfit rental options for bike, kayak and canoe. If you love art and history you can go to Lanesboro Arts, Commonweal Theatre Company for a better experience. Also if you have children with you do not forget to visit the Sylvan Park.

Must-Have Foods In Lanesboro

• You should definitely try caramel rolls and pastries at the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe.
• Try fresh fruit pies at the Aroma Pie Shoppe located just 5 miles east of the River Root State Trail.
• If you are into a healthy diet then have crispy Brussels sprouts and grain bowls at the Pedal Pushers Cafe.
• You can also give yourself a treat with smash burgers and mushroom soup at the Juniper’s Restaurant while relaxing on the riverside decks.

Red Wing

Red Wing is a river town in Minnesota that can give you a perfect getaway. Located near the Mississippi River and about 55 miles away from Minneapolis. This small town stands out for great pottery work, world-class boats and so on.

Things To Do In Red Wing

In Red Wing you can have a great experience by enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring history. Being in this town you can visit the Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum and view the Guinness-certified World’s Largest Boot. Here you can also stroll down the historic downtown area and visit places like Heimie’s Haberdashery and Fair Trade Books. This town holds a popularity in pottery work so do not miss the famous Pottery Museum of Red Wing. Moreover go to Barn Bluff to enjoy a stunning view of the Mississippi River valley. Therefore if you love birdwatching, biking and hiking then you should explore the Frontenac State Park and Cannon Valley Trail.

Foods You Should Try in Red Wing

• Definitely try crafted beer
• Do not miss the popular overstuffed donuts and scratch-made pastries from Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop.
• If you are a couple visiting this place then do not forget to experience fine dining at Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop. You will find good-quality seafood and cocktail drinks at this place. The speciality of this place is that they serve in the 19th-century tradition.
• The Smokin Oak Rotisserie & Grill can be a really good option as well if you love slow-cooked meat and homestyle sides.

Ely

Ely is not only a small town in Minnesota but it is also the utmost Northwoods getaway. About 245 miles away from Minneapolis this town is known to be the entry point of the popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or BWCAW. It blends wildlife beauty and offers many outdoor adventures.

Things To Experience In Ely

In here you can enjoy many outdoor activities and nature at its best. You will be able to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. From here you will find outfit rentals like Spirit of the Wilderness or Piragis Northwoods Company and secured permit options for your adventurous activities like trekking in the BWCAW. But if you want to enjoy wildlife we have got options such as the International Wolf Center that showcases a huge complex with a native wolf clan. Also you can explore the only black bear educational center in North America which provides an amazing sighting of massive black bears from observation decks.

For hiking and other activities you can visit places like Bear Head Lake State Park, Kawishiwi Falls Trail. Therefore Bass Lake Trail is also a good option to explore rock outcrops, a beautiful waterfall and a sandy beach. Not only does it offer environmental beauty but it also offers an energetic downtown and several good options for shopping.

Foods To Try In Ely

• While being in Minnesota an uncompromising must-try is the walleye fish. The most preferred dishes made from it are Walleye Piccata or the pan-fried walleye. You can grab them in many restaurants such as Insula Restaurant.
• You should grab the Bucky Burgers from the Ely Steak House located on Sheridan Street.
• Before starting your hiking session you should try to get your hands on the traditional breakfast from the well-known Britton’s Cafe on Chapman Street.
• Have a fresh morning start with Crapola Granola from any local shop but better if it is from Brainstorm Bakery
• People who love craft beer should not miss Blue Blueberry Lager. It is a complete local thing with blueberries inside the glass that can make your overall experience better.

Best Time To Visit Small Minnesota Towns

Summer

Summer is the overall peak season for visiting this state. From June to August it is the best time to visit the small towns such as Grand Marais and Ely. In this season it is ideal to experience activities like Kayaking, hiking, swimming. This time you can also explore local farmers’ markets and weekend art fairs.

Fall

Fall in Minnesota will offer you pretty views with foliage. During September to mid October you will find fewer crowds. This is the ideal time to visit towns such as Stillwater and Red Wing. You can gain an amazing experience by doing leaf-peeping, apple picking, visiting pizza farms and hiking.

Spring

During May to early June the late spring time is ideal if you want your experience to be peaceful. This time the temperature starts to rise making it up to the 60s or 70s. In this time the riverfronts stay quiet comparatively.

Winter

During the cold days Minnesota small towns stay snowy and calm. This can be the ideal time to do activities such as Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing. Also ideal for cozying up in a local brewery or bed-and-breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Note

Minnesota has pretty and charming small towns that can enhance your overall travel experience in this state. From Grand Marais to Stillwater each has the ability to give a premier feeling to its visitors. So we hope that coming this far we could have give you the information you were looking for and could help you prepare for your upcoming journey.