The perfect getaway is never too far away in Minnesota. With one adorable town after the next, it’s easy to B&B hop through the best small towns in Minnesota, especially if you start with these perfect spots! Here’s a handful of our favorite small towns in MN, all of which are worth a visit:

1. Red Wing
Red Wing, MN, USA
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Red Wing is one of the most charming towns in Minnesota. It's right alongside the Mississippi River and offers plenty of fun outings. Find out more at the Red Wing Visitor and Convention Center.
2. Grand Marais
Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Flickr/Pete Markham
Grand Marais is the gem of the north shore. It has a thriving arts community and has been named America's Coolest Small Town. Find out more at Visit Cook County.
3. Pipestone
Pipestone, MN 56164, USA
Flickr/Melissa Kaercher
Beautiful rock formations and the world's largest Peace Pipe make Pipestone one of the best places to visit in Minnesota. You can view a calendar of upcoming events on the city's website.
4. Stillwater
Stillwater, MN 55082, USA
Flickr/Kaya
Stillwater makes for a perfect riverside escape while still being near the cities. The Discover Stillwater website boasts plenty of attractions.

There is a LOT to do and see in Stillwater! Check out this delightful overview to learn more:
5. Ely
Ely, MN 55731, USA
Flickr/ajburcar
If you love the outdoors head north to Ely! The little town has some of the most beautiful scenery in Minnesota. Find out more at the Ely, MN website.
6. Taylors Falls
Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Flickr/Smitty 54017's Photos
Taylors Falls is one of the best places to visit in Minnesota, so it's no wonder that the town receives over 1,000,000 visitors passing through it each year! You can find out more information about this charming town along the St. Croix on the city website.
7. New Ulm
New Ulm, MN 56073, USA
Flickr/Michael Hicks
New Ulm is a charming little town known for being the locale of the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.
8. Fergus Falls
Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA
Flickr/USFWS Midwest Region
Fergus Falls has beautiful scenery like the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center.
9. Walker
Walker, MN, USA
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
Walker is Minnesota's "City By The Bay" on Leech Lake. There's so much to discover in the Leech Lake area.

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10. Wabasha
Wabasha, MN 55981, USA
Flickr/Joe Passe
Wabasha is perhaps best known as the setting of the 1993 classic film Grumpy Old Men, but there's so much to discover here in Wabasha!
11. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
Flickr/ShaLynn Wren
Grand Rapids is full of beautiful rivers and lakes. It's also home to the Judy Garland Museum. Find out more at Visit Grand Rapids.

Check out some of Grand Rapids' most interesting historical sites:
12. Hastings
Hastings, MN 55033, USA
Flickr/Greg Gjerdingen
Hastings is a beautiful town with access to both the Vermillion River and the Mississippi River. The Visit Hastings website has lots more information.
13. Lanesboro
Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA
Flickr/Michael Hicks
Lanesboro is a quaint little town located on the Root River. It's known as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota! Find out more information at the Visit Lanesboro website.
14. Lake City
Lake City, MN 55041, USA
Flickr/Jerry Huddleston
Lake City is the location of Lake Pepin, the birthplace of waterskiing. Many water sports are still enjoyed there today. The Explore Minnesota website has additional information.
15. Biwabik
Biwabik, MN, USA
Skvader/Wikimedia Commons
Biwabik is a charming little European-inspired town that will have you thinking you ended up in Germany!
16. Lindstrom
Lindstrom, MN, USA
Flickr/christine
Lindstrom is populated by many Swedish immigrants, and the culture shows it! Its nickname is "America's Little Sweden."
17. Winona
Winona, MN 55987, USA
Flickr/cursedthing
Winona is the stained glass capital of the United States. There is lots to do there - you can find out more information on the Visit Winona page.

If this incredible birds-eye view of Winona doesn't make you want to move here, we don't know what will:
18. Northfield
Northfield, MN 55057, USA
Flickr/Wisconsin Denizen
We feel like the city sign pretty much sums it up. Northfield is a quintessential small town with so much charm. Visit Northfield proclaims it's "Minnesota at its best!" and we are inclined to agree.
19. Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501, USA
Flickr/Holly Hayes
Detroit Lakes is perfect for those looking to enjoy music and festivals. There's always something going on. You can see a calendar of events at Visit Detroit Lakes.

Minnesotans never have to travel too long for more small-town charm. The state is absolutely full of it! What would you call the best small towns in Minnesota? Let us know!

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Best Small Towns In Minnesota

Lisa Sammons | May 18, 2021

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