Best Small Towns in Minnesota
The best small towns in Minnesota are Lanesboro for biking the Root River valley, Grand Marais for the North Shore, Stillwater for river-town history, Red Wing for Mississippi bluffs and Ely for the Boundary Waters. Lanesboro has about 720 people and its own professional stage theater. Here are 12 worth the trip, grouped by region.
- Best season: June–September and late September–October
- Regions: North Shore & Arrowhead, Lakes Country, Bluff Country, St. Croix Valley, Southern Minnesota
- Closest big cities: Minneapolis–St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester
| Town | Region | Best for | Nearest airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanesboro | Bluff Country | biking, paddling, live theater, trout fishing, Amish country, weekend getaways from Rochester and the Twin Cities | Rochester International (RST), about 1 hr |
| Grand Marais | North Shore & Arrowhead | Lake Superior views, craft classes, art galleries, hiking, Boundary Waters trips | Duluth International (DLH), about 2 hr 15 min |
| Stillwater | St. Croix Valley | river cruises, history, walking and biking, day trips from the Twin Cities | Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), about 40 min |
| Red Wing | Bluff Country | bluff hiking, history, antiques and pottery, live shows, train trips from the Twin Cities | Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), about 1 hr |
| Ely | North Shore & Arrowhead | canoe trips, wildlife viewing, hiking, dog sledding, mining history | Duluth (DLH), about 2 hr |
| Two Harbors | North Shore & Arrowhead | lighthouses, waterfalls, North Shore road trips, railroad history | Duluth (DLH), about 40 min |
| New Ulm | Southern Minnesota | German heritage, breweries, history, festivals, state parks | Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 1 hr 45 min |
| Wabasha | Bluff Country | eagle watching, river trips, fall color, winter festivals, families | Rochester (RST), about 1 hr |
| Taylors Falls | St. Croix Valley | geology, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, rock climbing, family day trips from the Twin Cities | Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 1 hr 15 min |
| Walker | Lakes Country | fishing, boating, biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, family lake vacations | Bemidji (BJI), about 50 min |
| Nisswa | Lakes Country | biking, shopping, family lake vacations, golf, ice fishing | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD), about 25 min |
| Northfield | Southern Minnesota | history, college towns, hiking, breweries, day trips from the Twin Cities | Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 45 min |
Bluff Country
1. Lanesboro
Lanesboro sits in the limestone bluffs of southeast Minnesota, near the middle of the 42-mile Root River State Trail. The professional Commonweal Theatre, an 1868 stone dam and a river made for paddling round it out.
Pop. 724 (2020 Census) Fillmore County Founded 1868 (platted) Nearest airport: Rochester International (RST), about 1 hr Known for: Root River State Trail, Commonweal Theatre, 1868 stone dam, Amish country, Rhubarb Festival
- Best for: biking, paddling, live theater, trout fishing, Amish country, weekend getaways from Rochester and the Twin Cities
- Don't miss: Root River State Trail; Commonweal Theatre; The Stone Dam and Sylvan Park
- Heads up: Mystery Cave tours are seasonal and Minnesota state parks need a vehicle permit; check the DNR first.
2. Red Wing
Red Wing is the Goodhue County seat on the upper Mississippi, home of Red Wing Shoes and a long pottery history. Hike He Mni Can-Barn Bluff, see the world's largest boot and catch a show at the 1904 Sheldon Theatre.
Pop. 16,547 (2020 Census) Goodhue County Nearest airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), about 1 hr Known for: He Mni Can-Barn Bluff, Red Wing Shoes and the world's largest boot, Red Wing pottery, Sheldon Theatre, St. James Hotel
- Best for: bluff hiking, history, antiques and pottery, live shows, train trips from the Twin Cities
- Don't miss: He Mni Can-Barn Bluff; Red Wing Shoe Co. Museum and the World's Largest Boot; Sheldon Theatre
- Heads up: Barn Bluff's North Trail closes November through April, and all its trails have steep drop-offs.
3. Wabasha
Wabasha is the Wabasha County seat, on the Mississippi at the foot of Lake Pepin. The National Eagle Center has resident bald eagles and decks for watching wild ones on the river. A historic brick Main Street and the Grumpy Old Men Festival round it out.
Pop. 2,559 (2020 Census) Wabasha County Founded 1854 (platted) Nearest airport: Rochester (RST), about 1 hr Known for: National Eagle Center, bald eagles, Grumpy Old Men, Mississippi River
- Best for: eagle watching, river trips, fall color, winter festivals, families
- Don't miss: National Eagle Center; Main Street and the Wabasha Commercial Historic District; Boating and paddling on the Mississippi
- Heads up: Check the National Eagle Center's program schedule before you go.
North Shore & Arrowhead
4. Grand Marais
Grand Marais is the Cook County seat, a harbor town on Lake Superior's North Shore. Artist's Point, North House Folk School and a string of galleries anchor the town, and the Gunflint Trail starts here for the Boundary Waters.
Pop. 1,337 (2020 Census) Cook County Nearest airport: Duluth International (DLH), about 2 hr 15 min Known for: Artist's Point, North House Folk School, Grand Marais Art Colony, Gunflint Trail, World's Best Donuts
- Best for: Lake Superior views, craft classes, art galleries, hiking, Boundary Waters trips
- Don't miss: Artist's Point and the Grand Marais Light; North House Folk School; Cascade River State Park
- Heads up: It's 110 miles from Duluth and services are spread out, so plan fuel and meals up the shore.
5. Ely
Ely is an old iron mining town in the Superior National Forest and the largest jumping-off point for the Boundary Waters. Outfitters line its main street, and the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center sit on Highway 169. The Dorothy Molter Museum and Pioneer Mine tell the area's backstory.
Pop. 3,268 (2020 Census) St. Louis County Founded 1888 (as Florence; mining began that year) Nearest airport: Duluth (DLH), about 2 hr Known for: Boundary Waters gateway, International Wolf Center, North American Bear Center, Root Beer Lady, iron mining
- Best for: canoe trips, wildlife viewing, hiking, dog sledding, mining history
- Don't miss: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; International Wolf Center; North American Bear Center
- Heads up: Summer wildfires can close Boundary Waters entry points; check Superior National Forest alerts first.
6. Two Harbors
Two Harbors is the Lake County seat on Lake Superior, built around iron ore docks that have loaded ships since 1884. Its 1892 lighthouse is the oldest working light in Minnesota. Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse are just up Highway 61.
Pop. 3,633 (2020 Census) Lake County Founded 1885 (platted); incorporated 1888 Nearest airport: Duluth (DLH), about 40 min Known for: Two Harbors Light, iron ore docks, gateway to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, birthplace of 3M
- Best for: lighthouses, waterfalls, North Shore road trips, railroad history
- Don't miss: Two Harbors Light Station; Gooseberry Falls State Park; Split Rock Lighthouse
- Heads up: Gooseberry Falls' lots fill fast on summer and fall weekends; go early.
St. Croix Valley
7. Stillwater
Stillwater is the Washington County seat on the St. Croix River, often called the birthplace of Minnesota. Its 1931 lift bridge is now a walking and biking loop, and paddlewheel boats cruise from Main Street.
Pop. 19,394 (2020 Census) Washington County Founded 1843 (settled); incorporated 1854 Nearest airport: Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), about 40 min Known for: Stillwater Lift Bridge, birthplace of Minnesota, St. Croix riverboats, Warden's House Museum
- Best for: river cruises, history, walking and biking, day trips from the Twin Cities
- Don't miss: Stillwater Lift Bridge and the Loop Trail; A paddlewheel cruise on the St. Croix; Warden's House Museum
- Heads up: Riverboat cruises need advance reservations; downtown parking fills on summer weekends.
8. Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls sits on the Dalles of the St. Croix, a basalt gorge shared with St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. Interstate State Park's glacial potholes are the main draw, and a family-run boat tour has cruised the gorge since 1906. The Folsom House and Angel's Hill add 1850s history.
Pop. 1,055 (2020 Census) Chisago County Founded 1858 (incorporated) Nearest airport: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 1 hr 15 min Known for: Interstate State Park's glacial potholes, the Dalles of the St. Croix, river boat tours since 1906
- Best for: geology, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, boat tours, rock climbing, family day trips from the Twin Cities
- Don't miss: Interstate State Park; Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours; Folsom House and Angel's Hill
- Heads up: The Minnesota and Wisconsin halves of Interstate Park need separate vehicle permits.
Southern Minnesota
9. New Ulm
New Ulm is the Brown County seat, founded by German settlers in 1854 where the Cottonwood meets the Minnesota River. You can climb the Hermann Monument, tour Minnesota's oldest brewery at Schell's and watch the downtown Glockenspiel. Flandrau State Park and US-Dakota War history round it out.
Pop. 14,120 (2020 Census) Brown County Founded 1854 Nearest airport: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 1 hr 45 min Known for: German heritage, Hermann Monument, Schell's Brewery, Glockenspiel, 1862 US-Dakota War
- Best for: German heritage, breweries, history, festivals, state parks
- Don't miss: Hermann Monument; August Schell Brewing Company; Glockenspiel and downtown
- Heads up: Many attractions are seasonal or open only a few days a week; check hours before you go.
10. Northfield
Northfield is a Rice County college town on the Cannon River, home to Carleton and St. Olaf. Its History Center fills the building where townspeople foiled the James-Younger Gang's 1876 bank raid. Carleton's 800-acre Arboretum, Division Street breweries and nearby Nerstrand Big Woods round it out.
Pop. 20,790 (2020 Census) Rice County Founded 1855 (platted) Nearest airport: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), about 45 min Known for: 1876 James-Younger Gang bank raid, Carleton and St. Olaf colleges, Defeat of Jesse James Days
- Best for: history, college towns, hiking, breweries, day trips from the Twin Cities
- Don't miss: Northfield History Center and the 1876 bank; Carleton College Cowling Arboretum; Division Street and Bridge Square
- Heads up: Defeat of Jesse James Days weekend fills rooms fast; book early.
Lakes Country
11. Walker
Walker is the Cass County seat on the southwest corner of Leech Lake, Minnesota's third-largest lake, inside the Chippewa National Forest. It's a fishing and resort town, and the Paul Bunyan and Heartland state trails meet here. The Cass County Museum and a small brewery scene fill the rest of a weekend.
Pop. 966 (2020 Census) Cass County Founded 1896 Nearest airport: Bemidji (BJI), about 50 min Known for: Leech Lake walleye and muskie fishing, Paul Bunyan and Heartland state trails, Chippewa National Forest
- Best for: fishing, boating, biking, snowmobiling, ice fishing, family lake vacations
- Don't miss: Leech Lake; Paul Bunyan State Trail; Cass County Museum and Pioneer School
- Heads up: Leech Lake can get rough fast; check wind before heading out in a small boat.
12. Nisswa
Nisswa is a Brainerd Lakes resort town between Gull Lake and a string of smaller lakes. The Paul Bunyan State Trail runs down Main Street, and summer Wednesdays bring turtle races that date to 1963. Grand View Lodge, from 1916, anchors the lakeshore.
Pop. 1,967 (2020 Census) Crow Wing County Founded 1908 (incorporated as a village) Nearest airport: Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD), about 25 min Known for: Wednesday turtle races, Paul Bunyan State Trail, Main Street shopping, Gull Lake resorts
- Best for: biking, shopping, family lake vacations, golf, ice fishing
- Don't miss: Nisswa Turtle Races; Paul Bunyan State Trail; Downtown Nisswa shops
- Heads up: Turtle races run Wednesdays in summer only; registration opens at 1 p.m.
- June–August: Lake season in Walker and Nisswa, and biking weather on the Root River State Trail through Lanesboro. It’s also the busy stretch for Boundary Waters trips out of Ely, so book outfitters early.
- Late September–October: Fall color on the North Shore around Grand Marais and Two Harbors, and in the Mississippi and St. Croix river valleys. Weekends fill up, so midweek is easier.
- Winter: Quiet and cold. The International Wolf Center in Ely and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha keep indoor exhibits, and the rail trails turn into cross-country ski routes.
These didn’t make the list, but each has its own guide: Alexandria (west-central lakes city) · Brainerd (Brainerd lakes hub) · Chatfield (Bluff Country town) · Grand Rapids (northern Mississippi town) · Hastings (Mississippi river city) · Lindstrom (Chisago Lakes town) · Rushford (Root River town) · St. Francis (Rum River town) · Waseca (southern lake town) · Winona (bigger Mississippi river city)
What is the prettiest small town in Minnesota?
Grand Marais sits on Lake Superior at the start of the Gunflint Trail. Lanesboro has a river waterfall right by Sylvan Park. Taylors Falls is next to the basalt gorge of Interstate State Park.
What small towns in Minnesota are best for a weekend?
From the Twin Cities, pair Stillwater with Taylors Falls up the St. Croix. Along the Mississippi, combine Red Wing and Wabasha. For the North Shore, base in Two Harbors and drive up to Grand Marais.
What is the smallest town in Minnesota worth visiting?
Lanesboro has about 720 people, a professional theater and a paved rail trail. Walker, with fewer than 1,000, sits on Leech Lake, the state’s third-largest lake.
What are the best small towns on Minnesota’s North Shore?
Two Harbors is closest to Duluth, with Gooseberry Falls State Park 13 miles up the shore. Split Rock Lighthouse, completed in 1910, is farther along Highway 61. Grand Marais is the end of the classic drive, and Ely is the inland Boundary Waters town.