Find your new favorite family getaway destination on our list of quaint Minnesota small towns.
We’re all for staycations, but there’s something refreshing about stepping out of your familiar surroundings to explore a new location—even if it’s just a stone’s throw from home. Luckily, Minnesotans don’t have to go far to experience beautiful attractions and untapped gems.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor searching for the most charming places in Minnesota or a lifelong resident seeking a quick weekend getaway, we’ve got you covered. Here are the nine best small towns to visit in Minnesota (in no particular order!) along with a few suggested activities in each locale, from the rustic to the downright adorable.
1. Stillwater
With a population of around 20,000, Stillwater isn’t the smallest town on our list, but it still offers that quaint community feel. Situated along the banks of the St. Croix River, it’s home to everything from historical attractions to modern restaurants and everything in between.
Downtown Stillwater is an artist’s paradise, boasting bright murals and unique sculptures around every bend. To see the town in style, we recommend hopping on a trolley tour or taking a bike ride across the iconic Lift Bridge.
2. Winona
Perhaps best known for its gorgeous Sugar Loaf bluff, Winona is the place to be for history buffs, outdoorspeople, and art enthusiasts of all ages. Scenic views and natural beauty abound throughout the area, including Lake Winona shoreline and trails galore at Garvin Park.
Throughout the year, Winona visitors can enjoy festivals celebrating Shakespeare and classical music, not to mention an abundance of beautiful mansions that date back to the town’s time as a bustling lumber hotspot in the 19th century.
3. Excelsior
If you’re looking for a small town getaway within a stone’s throw of the big city, Excelsior fits the bill. You’ll only have to travel about 15 miles outside of Minneapolis to check out this bona fide tiny town (we’re talking a population of just 2,300 people as of 2020), where a peaceful feeling abounds.
During the warmer months, visitors and locals flock to Excelsior Commons beach or the patios of local breweries—we’re partial to Excelsior Brewing on 3rd Street, which is dog-friendly. Other attractions include boat tours on Lake Minnetonka, a beloved bookstore called Excelsior Bay Books, and plenty of art galleries for that creative touch.
4. Grand Marais
“Quirky” is the word often used to describe Grand Marais, and it certainly lives up to this reputation. Boasting harbor access on beautiful Lake Superior and some seriously incredible views, Grand Marais is overflowing with artists, writers, photographers, and other creative types. In fact, it’s home to one of the oldest art colonies in the state.
During your visit, you can even do some creating yourself at North House Folk School, which offers courses ranging from Anishanaabe beaded earring tutorials to Baltic cooking how-tos. Observe painters depicting the water views at Artist’s Point or dig into a meal at Angry Trout Cafe before calling it a day.
5. Alexandria
Hikers, golfers, shoppers, and foodies alike will quickly fall in love with Alexandria, a Douglas County gem where “lake country” vibes are alive and well. No matter how many times you’ve journeyed here, there’s always something new to explore.
Visitors enjoy calm strolls through downtown Alexandria, days on the course at Alexandria Golf Club, and quirky stops like a massive fiberglass statue of a Viking known as “Big Ole.”
6. Lanesboro
If you’re searching for the dreamiest place for a weekend getaway in Minnesota, Lanesboro deserves serious consideration. With a full-time population of under 1,000, it’s a small town in every sense of the word—but that doesn’t mean you’ll run out of things to do.
Choose from one of the area’s bed and breakfasts (the Root River Inn is especially charming) and head out for a day of canoeing or tubing along the Root River itself. Grab a sweet treat at the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe or simply take a sweet stroll through downtown to round it all out.
7. Fergus Falls
Spending time outside really is excellent for the soul, and Fergus Falls will help you boost your intake of fresh air. This gem of a town along the Otter Tail River is dreamy for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, whether you’re a fan of birding, hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic lunch in the sunshine.
Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to get your bearings, check out the Otter Tail Museum to learn about local history, and finish off a busy day with a pint at Outstate Brewing Company, which boasts river views.
8. Hutchinson
You might be noticing a trend toward towns with waterfrontage, which shouldn’t be much of a surprise in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Hutchinson is no exception, offering beautiful views of the Crow River and a tight-knit feel that will make tourists feel like locals.
The community dates back to the mid-19th century, when a musical group called the Hutchinson Family Singers helped found it. Today, visitors can appreciate everything from an annual Garlic Festival to an abundance of parks to the Wheel and Cog Children’s Museum, which is perfect for a trip with little ones.
9. Red Wing
Pottery, scenic overlooks, winter sports, and a walkable downtown: These are only a few of Red Wing’s many appeals. Make sure to make the hike to Barn Bluff if you’re an active type, as the views are second to none in the area.
The local clay industry is another fascinating facet of Red Wing, so carve out some time to visit the Pottery Museum and learn more (you can even pick up a piece to take home as a reminder of your time in town).
Of course, Red Wing is also home to traditional small-town attractions like downtown bookstores, historical markers, charming cafes, and more—and because of its proximity to the Welch Village Ski Resort, it’s worth exploring in any season.
