This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town In Minnesota Is So Worth Exploring
By Trent Jonas|Published May 17, 2024
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
You’ll find hundreds of charming small towns in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Some are thriving communities with thousands of citizens, while others tend to be… a little smaller. As in, if you blink, you may miss them, like charming Dorset or beautiful Fountain. Along the lines of these latter villages is Marcell, a Northwoods Minnesota town of fewer than 400 people that’s tucked into the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. It’s a little, Up North community that’s definitely worth spending some time exploring.
You'll find Marcell along MN Hwy 38, about half an hour north of Grand Rapids on the way to Bigfork.
Although it's small, Marcell has a post office, a town hall, a community center, and several thriving businesses. It serves as the hub for area residents, several local resorts, and vacation property owners.
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One place that I was tickled to find is The Pine Cone.
Pine Cone Soup & Sandwich Cafe, 49407 MN-38, Marcell, MN 56657, USA
Not only will you find information and interpretive exhibits in the center, itself, you can explore old CCC cabins, take a short nature hike, or simply enjoy some time on the Ranier Lake shoreline.
Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, 49554 MN-38, Marcell, MN 56657, USA
I really like the Timberwolf Inn. Not only is it a great place to stay - and it's open year-round! - it's one of my favorite places to grab dinner. The steaks and drinks are absolutely on point, and on nice nights when the mosquitos are at bay, the patio is fantastic.
With Marcell's location in the Chippewa National Forest, you'll also find several camping options in the vicinity.
One of my favorite campgrounds in the state, Clubhouse Lake, is just down the road from Timberwolf Lodge, and about 20 minutes from Marcell proper.
Next time you’re looking for an Up North destination, be sure to check out the Northwoods Minnesota town of Marcell – you’ll find a lot to love about this little community.
Have you visited Marcell? What are some of your favorite small towns to visit in Minnesota? Be sure to let us know in the comments!
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