Small Towns in Minnesota Worth Visiting For Every Traveler

Beyond popular lakes and cities, there are so many places to visit in Minnesota (MN). Among Minnesota’s vacation destinations, the charming small towns are often unexplored by visitors. Minnesota small towns have no shortage of rich cultures, tourist spots, and adventures to do. Every type of traveler can explore the towns’ amazing attractions. Starting from the Grand Marais town, a hidden gem in Minnesota, to Ely town, an ideal destination for nature, and adventure lovers, you can explore so many things. Read this article as a Minnesota travel guide to find the best charming small towns in Minnesota. This will help you to plan your upcoming journey in MN.

Small Towns in Minnesota: Side-by-Side Comparison

List Of Minnesota Small Towns to Explore

The following small towns are the best places to visit in Minnesota with family or for group travel.

Grand Marais

Starting with Grand Marias, a charming harbor village in Minnesota. There you can enjoy the lakeside view of Lake Superior, one of the popular lakes in Minnesota. This city is mostly famous for its lakeside views, art, and outdoor adventures. Grand Marais Minnesota, is even well-known as America’s best small lake town for featuring amazing lookouts on Lake Superior. As a small town, the population of Grand Marais is about 1800. You should definitely visit this small town in Minnesota if you are seeking a unique experience.

Things To Do In Grand Marais

Although there are so many things to do in Minnesota, in this specific town you will find 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. Another exciting thing you can do here is explore the 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 Grand Marais downtown area. Apart from this, you can also try hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail or kayaking and canoeing at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. But remember that Grand Marais weather changes rapidly, so carrying dependable gear while on adventure activities is important.

Grand Marais Dining Options

• Donuts are a must-try here because restaurants in Grand Marais serve world-famous donuts.
• 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 in Minnesota is a hugely popular riverfront small town. Known as the ‘Birthplace of Minnesota, ’ this town is located near the St. Croix River. This one 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. The population of Stillwater is not too high; it is approx 19,400 residents, which is why it stays calm and peaceful. However, with many boutique shops, restaurants, and natural beauty, this becomes a place loved by tourists.

Things To Do In Stillwater

In this small town, there are so many things to do in Stillwater. You can start exploring 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 in Stillwater, one of the best parks in Minnesota. 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.

Nearby Attractions:

• Afton State Park: A great place to enjoy camping, swimming, trail running, and birdwatching. One can also enjoy winter activities here.
• William O’Brien State Park: This is only 13.3 miles away from Stillwater. It offers opportunities for paddling, boating, and canoeing.

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 at the Oasis Cafe in the main downtown area.
• Grab the popular Tater Tot Hotdish to experience a unique.
• Have a wholesome experience with a Gourmet Burger. You can easily find them in downtown Stillwater.
• Do not forget to try Warden’s Stout and local sodas at the Lift Bridge Brewing Company.
• Many local shops here are offering delicious desserts worth trying.
• Have a unique experience by trying craft beer in places like Thor’s Hard Cider and Aamodt’s Apple Farm.

Lanesboro

Lanesboro is considered a cute town in Minnesota filled with rich and historic value. This small town is only 50 miles away from the city of Rochester. This place is called the Bed & Breakfast capital of Minnesota.

Things to do 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 bikes, kayaks, and canoes.

If you love art and history, you can go to Lanesboro Arts or Commonweal Theatre Company for a better experience. Also, if you have children with you, do not forget to visit the Sylvan Park. In addition, many hotels in Lanesboro will help you have a perfect getaway in the town.

Nearby Attractions

• Preston/ Minnesota’s Trout Capital: A perfect place for outdoor activities such as fishing, biking, and exploring nature.
• Whalan: A small town about five miles east of Lanesboro with about 60 residents. It is popular for cycling and pie shops. Visitors can also enjoy river activities such as kayaking, canoeing, or fishing.
• Niagara Cave: It is only 19 miles south of Lanesboro. It offers golf courses, underground waterfalls, fossils, and limestone discovery opportunities.

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. This one is known as one of the best restaurants in Lanesboro MN.

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 reputation 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.

Nearby Attractions

• Wabasha: Perfect place for an amazing riverfront experience. Here you can also visit the National Eagle Center.
• Lake Pepin: To the north of Red Wing, Lake Pepin is a 21-mile-long beautiful lake. It offers boating, fishing, and lakeside dining facilities to visitors.
• Frontenac State Park: It is only about 10 miles southeast of Red Wing. It is a prime spot to experience hiking, birdwatching, and camping with perfect views of the Mississippi River.

Dining in Red Wing, MN

• Definitely try crafted beer, which you will find in many Red Wing restaurants.
• 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.

Nearby Attractions

• Bear Head Lake State Park: A perfect place for hiking, fishing, and camping. It is located 15-20 minutes south of Ely.
• Kawishiwi Falls Trail: It is only 5 miles outside of Ely. This place offers hiking opportunities and waterfall views.
• Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park: This place provides facilities like hiking, biking, and historical mining structures about 20 miles west of Ely.
• Superior National Forest: An ideal place for paddling, biking, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

TIP: The weather in Ely changes frequently so it is better to carry layered clothes for cold days and sun protection, hat, bug spray for sunny days. Check the weather on the official website of the ELY MN page.

Food 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.
• For breakfast in Ely, 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, and 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

From May to early June, the late springtime 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. At this time, the riverfronts stay quiet comparatively.

Winter

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

How To Get To The Small Towns In Minnesota

Transportation in Minnesota is very easily accessible. Well, if you are flying to this state from your country, then you can easily take a private rented cab or shared taxis from the airport to any town you want to reach. However, many visitors prefer to take a Minnesota charter bus rental to reach their destinations since these bus rides are comparatively affordable, more fun, and also comfortable. Plus, these are a great option when you are travelling with a group.

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 can give a premier feeling to its visitors. So we hope that coming this far, we could have given you the information you were looking for and could help you prepare for your upcoming journey.