Fountain, Minnesota in the state’s magnificent Bluff Country, is a friendly town that also happens to be an awesome destination – thanks to its location and amiable residents – for a summer day trip. Whether you’re searching for historical sites, outdoor adventure or great dining, this friendly town has it all. Let’s find out why Fountain is one of our favorite small towns in Minnesota!

A small town in the state’s Driftless Area, Fountain is a charming community of just over 400 friendly folks.
small towns in Minnesota
Andrew Nyhus/Google
The town has embraced the unique karst geology of its location and is the self-proclaimed “Sink Hole Capital of the U.S.A.”
Although it doesn’t have any of the big, infamous sinkholes that swallow up city blocks or acres of forest, there are seriously A LOT of sinkholes in the Fountain area.
small towns in Minnesota
Wikideas1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some aerial photos of the town will display little, circular copses of trees dotting the farm fields in the area - those are sinkholes.
You can learn more about the sinkholes, the geology of the Driftless Area, and the human heritage of the area at the Fillmore County History Center - which just happens to be in Fountain.
Fillmore County History Center | Museum & Research Library, County Highway 8, Fountain, MN, USA
Myotus/Wikimedia Commons

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Experience the geology for yourself on the Root River State Trail.
Root River State Trail, Fountain, MN, USA
Renner Anderson/AllTrails
It’s a multi-use trail that follows the Root River as it winds through Bluff Country. Fountain enjoys the distinction of being the trail’s western terminus. It’s also the northern terminus of the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail.
After a day of hiking or biking, you may be a little thirsty.
Karst Brewing, LLC, 1st Street, Fountain, MN, USA
Karst Brewing/Facebook
Thankfully, ​​Karst Brewing and its friendly taproom bartenders can help you out with that.
If you also happen to be peckish, mosey on over to the charming Village Square of Fountain family restaurant.
small towns in Minnesota
Village Square of Fountain, Main Street, Fountain, MN, USA
Jonathunder/Wikimedia Commons
There, you’ll find a smiling staff and rib-sticking, down-home comfort food. Beware, though - the restaurant generally closes by 7 p.m., so plan accordingly.

Fountain is the kind of town that will welcome you warmly when you pay a visit this summer. You can even make it part of a Bluff Country road trip, if you like.

The Scenic Bluff Country Route That Leads To 7 Old-Fashioned Breweries and Wineries

Have you visited Fountain, one of the best small towns in Minnesota? What are some other friendly towns that would make awesome day trip destinations this summer?

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More to Explore

Trips In Minnesota

Melanie J. | April 10, 2024

What are some more towns in Minnesota that are great for a day trip?

While Fountain is one of our favorite small towns in Minnesota for a day trip, here are some more friendly towns in Minnesota that we also love: 

  • Ely, St. Louis County
  • Nisswa, Crow Wing County
  • Cambridge, Isanti County
  • Taylors Falls, Chisago County
  • Redwood Falls, Redwood County
  • Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County
  • Lindstrom, Chisago County
  • Pipestone, Pipestone County
  • Stillwater, Washington County
  • Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail County
  • New Ulm, Brown County
  • Osceola, Renville County

Be sure to read our article telling you more about these small towns in Minnesota that are perfect day trip destinations. 

What are some day trip ideas in Minnesota?

Whether you love spending time outdoors or exploring a small town, these are some of the best day trip ideas in Minnesota that we recommend:

  • Take a wine trolley tour
  • Explore the ice cream trail
  • Take a road trip to a hidden restaurant
  • Explore a small town
  • Visit Minnesota's Statue of Liberty
  • Visit a winery
  • Ride the Spirit Mountain Coaster
  • Visit the Minnesota Zoo
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Meander along the North Shore

Don’t forget to read our previous article to discover more about these fun day trip ideas in Minnesota.

What are the best road trips in Minnesota?

Going on a road trip is the best way to see the state, ans here are some of the best road trip ideas in Minnesota that belong on your list. 

Check out this article with more information about these road trips in Minnesota.

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Fountain, MN 55935, USA