Minnesota’s large cities are great, but sometimes it’s nice to get out there and explore the rural areas in Minnesota. There are hundreds of them all across the Minnesota countryside, and each has its own unique charm that makes it a great place to explore. These 13 small towns are just a few examples of rural towns in Minnesota that are delightful to visit.

1. Askov
Askov, MN 55704, USA
Kurt Haubrich/Flickr
Askov is a tiny town in Pine County with a population of less than 500. But that doesn't make this rural area in Minnesota uninteresting. To honor the town's early heritage, most of the street names in Askov are Danish with the English translations written below. The town is also the former Rutabaga Capital of the World, and it holds a rutabaga festival every summer. Learn more about the lovely town of Askov.
2. Cosmos
Cosmos, MN 56228, USA
Myotus, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
With a name like Cosmos, you've got to wonder what this town has in store. From the rocket ship water tower to the annual Cosmos Space Festival, this rural town in Minnesota lives up to its name. Read more about the water tower and other quirky water towers in Minnesota.
3. Mantorville
Mantorville, MN, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Mantorville - population: 1,100 - has plenty to offer day trippers out to experience the Minnesota countryside. Plenty of cute shops and restaurants line its downtown, and the Hubbell House is one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. Get some details on dining at Hubbell House.
4. Blue Earth
Blue Earth, MN 56013, USA
rayb777/Flickr
Way down in southern Minnesota, Blue Earth has one attraction that draws in 10,000 people per year - about three times its resident population. The 55-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant statue presides over this rural area in Minnesota, and a Jolly Green Giant museum is in the works. Learn more about Blue Earth's Jolly Green Giant Statue.
5. Windom
Windom, MN 56101, USA
Jenni Konrad/Flickr
Windom is one of the larger towns on this list with around 4,500 people. But as a farming community in southern Minnesota, it doesn't really get much more rural than this. The Des Moines River runs through town, a popular canoeing spot. The town is also home to the historic Windom State Theater. It's one of the best rural places to live in Minnesota. Grab a bite to eat at the Bergen Bar & Grill while you're in the area.
6. Pine City
Pine City, MN 55063, USA
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
From the Snake River to Pokegama Lake to Chengwatana State Forest, Pine City has a whole lot of nature to explore. But it also has a charming downtown full of shops and restaurants. Really, there is so much to do that it's a wonder only about 3,000 people live in this rural town in Minnesota. Get some inspiration to help plan your day trip to Pine City.

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7. Baudette
Baudette, MN 56623, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Baudette is located along the Rainy River on Minnesota's border with Canada. Its northern latitude makes it a prime spot in the Minnesota countryside for enjoying nature and taking a step back from the stresses of life. Read more about Baudette and other Minnesota towns near Canada.
8. Ada
Ada, MN 56510, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Northwestern Minnesota doesn't get a whole lot of attention, and that's a real shame. Ada is just the kind of rural town in Minnesota that should make a big splash. It's usually a quiet place, but the town does hold several festivals throughout the year to liven things up. Find out more about Ada and other underrated Minnesota towns.
9. Luverne
Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Josh/Flickr
Luverne is home to Blue Mounds State Park, which holds some of Minnesota's most unique landscape. If you want to see pink cliffs rising over buffalo-dotted grasslands, Luverne's Blue Mounds State Park is the place to go. Discover more about Luverne and what it has in store for you in a visit.
10. Mahnomen
Mahnomen, MN 56557, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
With a population of around 1,200, there isn't a ton to do in Mahnomen. But it's a great place to take a drive along the Minnesota countryside to see what life is like in the Red River Valley. What you will find here are some restaurants. Check out the Red Apple Cafe and other great Minnesota restaurants.
11. Long Prairie
Long Prairie, MN 56347, USA
Tim Kiser/Wikimedia Commons
Long Prairie is another town with a nice downtown filled with shops and restaurants. Like most rural areas in Minnesota, it's surrounded by lush farmland that is perfect for a day of drive-by sightseeing. Consider staying in this unique cabin in Long Prairie if you ever visit.
12. Wabasha
Wabasha, MN, USA
John W. Iwanski/Flickr
Wabasha is located on the western banks of the Mississippi River. Despite its rural location, the town has a lot to do, like visiting the National Eagle Center or attending the annual Grumpy Old Men Festival. Get more reasons for why you should definitely visit Wabasha.
13. Lanesboro
Lanesboro, MN 55949, USA
bdunnette/Flickr
In southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro quietly holds the title of Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota. Many historic hotels serve this rural town in Minnesota, which draws in thousands of visitors - especially in warmer months. In the surrounding community, rolling hills and river views make Minnesota's Amish country unforgettable. Read up on some of these Lanesboro B&Bs.

What do you think are the best rural areas in Minnesota? Tell us in the comments!

If you love small-town life, check out this list of 11 of the prettiest small towns in Minnesota.

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More to Explore

Fall in Minnesota

Rachel Raimondi | September 27, 2022

Where can I go apple picking in Minnesota?

When the leaves start to turn and the air starts to get crisp, it’s time to go apple picking in Minnesota. There are lots of places to choose from across the state. In Delano, there is Apple Jack Orchards. Established in 1983 as just a small cart, it has evolved into a 90-acre orchard with several varieties of apples, such as Honeycrisp, SweeTango, and Chestnut Crabapple. There are also plenty of other fun things to take in here, such as live music, pony rides, and ziplining. Aamodt’s Apple Farm is over in Stillwater. Here, you are welcome to pick your own apples, like delicious McIntosh, Cortland, and First Kiss. Or you can head inside the barn and purchase your own. There’s also a goat farm, winery, cider shop, and gift store on-site to take in.

What are the scariest haunted attractions in Minnesota?

Looking for some frights in the North Star State? There are several haunted houses in Minnesota. In Chaska, there’s Scream Town. Here, there are seven attractions to choose from, including a corn maze. And if you are into hayrides, their sister property has one right next door. If you are in or around Zumbrota, head to Fright at the Farm. Located on Willow’s Keep Farm, this is a live-action outdoor haunted attraction maze with the option to add on a blackout event.

What is Minnesota known for?

There are quite a few things that Minnesota is known for. First off, they have more lakes than any other state, hence its other nickname of Land of 10,000 lakes. Some of the most notable are Lake Superior and Big Sand Lake. If you love to shop, Minnesota is also known for the Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the U.S. And then there’s the Mayo Clinic, the world-famous medical center known for excellent care and treatment in such areas as cancer and cardiology.

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