20 Best Towns In Minnesota For Lakes, Fall Colors, And Weekend Getaways

Are you looking for small towns in Minnesota to visit? Then look no further, I’ve got you!

Minnesota is often known for its lakes and outdoor adventures, but some of the best places in the state are its small towns.

From charming lakeside communities to artsy hidden gems and historic downtowns, these towns in Minnesota offer the perfect mix of scenery, local culture, cosy cafes, and weekend getaway vibes.

Whether you want to explore the childhood home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, visit towns full of German charm, or explore Lake Superior, there’s something on this list for you.

20 Best Towns In Minnesota For Lakes, Fall Colors, And Weekend Getaways

Grand Marais Is One Of The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Minnesota

Best for: Lake Superior views, artists, and cosy cabin weekends.

Grand Marais is a cute trading town on Lake Superior.

When it was first settled, it was used as a main trading route that connected fur traders from inland lakes to Lake Superior.

The trail, known as the Gunflint Trail, was just a footpath that has now been turned into a maintained and paved National Scenic Byway.

Now, visitors can drive along the National Scenic Byway or enjoy the small town.

The town has grown over the years, but still maintains its small-town charm.

Visitors will find that it is almost like a small resort town.

There are so many things to do in Grand Marais MN, including amazing restaurants, unique shops, and outdoor activities at the Superior National Forest.

Two Harbors Is Perfect For A North Shore Road Trip

Best for: Scenic drives, waterfalls, and outdoor adventures.

Two Harbors is another town perched on the shores of Lake Superior.

It is actually the largest town on Lake Superior in Minnesota, but it’s still very much a small town.

Two Harbors is known for its two shipping harbors and the two lighthouses that helped large lake ships navigate around the ore docks in Agate Bay.

Today, Two Harbors is a charming small town full of history.

You can explore the Uptown area, full of restaurants, shops, and the headquarters for the Superior Hiking Trail.

The small town is also the birthplace of 3M – Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing.

You can explore the early history of the company at the 3M Birthplace Museum.

In the Summer, you can enjoy Minnesota’s oldest continually operating band in the town bandshell.

Two Harbors is a town bursting with fun activities for visitors.

Silver Bay Is A Hidden Gem On Minnesota’s North Shore

Best for: Hiking, dramatic lake scenery, and quieter escapes.

If you are looking for outdoor adventures, then Silver Bay, Minnesota, is the small town for you.

Silver Bay is surrounded by beautiful state parks and Lake Superior.

Just outside of Silver Bay is Tettegouche State Park, which is at the mouth of the beautiful Baptism River.

The state park has plenty of hiking trails that offer breathtaking views, like Shovel Point.

South of Silver Bay, there is Gooseberry Falls State Park.

There, you’ll find more hiking trails that lead to stunning Minnesota waterfalls.

Nearby, you can also explore the Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior.

If you drive up the shore of Lake Superior, outside of Silver Bay, for about 30 minutes, you’ll find yourself at Temperance State Park.

Temperance State Park is full of local wildlife and has miles of hiking trails to enjoy near Lake Superior.

Silver Bay is an outdoor lover’s dream vacation home base, an adorable small town, and full of things to do.

Grand Portage Offers One Of The Most Remote Escapes In Minnesota

Best for: Wilderness, history, and feeling completely off-grid.

It is home to the Chippewa Tribal Nation’s Reservation and the Grand Portage National Monument, among other things.

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa was one of the earliest Ojibwa settlements in Minnesota.

Visitors can respectfully visit the Tribal Nation’s Reservation and enjoy the newly built Lodge and Casino, Tribal trails along the lake, and beautiful lake views.

The Grand Portage National Monument gives you the perfect opportunity to learn about the native Ojibwa Tribal Nation and its culture and traditions.

During winter in Minnesota, travel along the snowmobile trail and get glimpses of the local wildlife.

From moose, packs of wolves, and even lynx, there is always some wildlife exploring the trail with you.

Bigfork Feels Like Minnesota’s Ultimate Cabin Town

Best for: Lakes, fishing, and peaceful woodland getaways.

Known as the ‘Edge of the Wilderness’, Bigfork, Minnesota, is a truly tiny town.

With a population of just over 400 people, it is one of the smallest towns on this list.

The town itself is located in what is known as “lake country”, which is an area of Minnesota that is known for its Lake Superior beaches.

Bigfork has its own beautiful sandy beach on Lake Superior and tons and tons of acres of forest land.

The people of Bigfork are very welcoming, and they are very proud of their small town.

You’ll soon find that you will be treated like a local as you walk around and explore this small Minnesota town.

Beaver Bay Is Tiny But Absolutely Worth Visiting

Best for: State parks, waterfalls, and Lake Superior views.

Beaver Bay is home to one of the most visited spots on the shore of Lake Superior – the Split Rock Lighthouse.

The village of Beaver Bay was also the first spot along the shore to have an organized European settler community in Minnesota.

The town itself is full of cute shops and restaurants, and is the final resting place for the legendary North Shore mail carrier, John Beargrease.

If you travel just outside of town limits, you’ll get to explore some great outdoor activities as well.

Stroll along the Pink Beach, hike along the Split Rock River, or take a short walk to admire the Beaver Falls and Beaver River.

With its mix of cute small-town charm and unique outdoor activities, Beaver Bay is one of the best small towns in Minnesota.

Lindström Brings Scandinavian Charm To Minnesota

Best for: Swedish heritage, cute shops, and relaxed weekends.

Lindstrom is a Minnesota small town bursting with Swedish charm.

That’s because Lindstrom’s first European settlers left Sweden in 1854 and found themselves in Minnesota.

One of the Swedish emigrants, Erik Norelius, documented his journey to America and then to Lindstrom in his personal journals.

Those personal journals were later published and are considered a valuable resource in understanding the journey of Swedish emigrants at the time.

Lindstrom is proud of this Swedish emigrant past, and you can find nods to Sweden throughout the town.

From the charming buildings painted with old-world designs and the eclectic shops and restaurants, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

Even their water tower, which is shaped like a tea kettle and is ornately painted, exudes Swedish charm. It is definitely one of the most charming towns in Minnesota for a romantic weekend getaway.

Bovey Is One Of Minnesota’s Quirkiest Small Towns

Best for: Small-town nostalgia and unusual roadside attractions.

Bovey, Minnesota, looks like time has stood still in the small town.

Just 6 miles from Grand Rapids, Bovey is a charming town with a quiet Main Street that includes a few shops and restaurants.

A local favorite is Nana Chelle’s Cafe, which is decorated with antiques and serves a delicious menu of coffee, salads, and sandwiches.

Bovey is often a pit stop along the Mesabi Trail, a premier cycling trail that winds through scenic parts of Minnesota.

Just outside of Bovey, in Grand Rapids, you can explore the Gilbert Mansion.

The Gilbert Mansion is an iconic mansion turned Museum that offers visitors a look at the lives of a once-prominent Minnesota family.

There are 17 rooms and a garden area that you can explore, and the Mansion is close to other museums, shops, and restaurants.

Pipestone Combines History, Culture, And Natural Beauty

Best for: Native American history and unique rock formations.

Pipestone is a small town in Minnesota that is bursting with awesome activities.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Pipestone National Quarries.

It showcases the quarries that Native Americans held sacred for thousands of years.

There you can see artisans practice the tradition of hand-carving pipestone.

You can also walk the scenic paved Circle Trail along the pink Sioux Quartzite ridgeline

Or you can stand on the spot where the first European explorers stopped to map out the area.

There are also plenty of hiking trails where you can view waterfalls and fascinating rock faces.

If you love the charming Main streets of a small town, Pipestone has that too.

Explore the quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and the Pipestone County Museum.

No matter what your interests are, Pipestone is a small town in Minnesota that you’ll love to visit.

There are so many fun events in Minnesota happening all over the state!

Towns in Minnesota: Scandia Feels Straight Out Of Scandinavia

Best for: Rural charm, history, and autumn drives.

The small town of Scandia, Minnesota, is full of nods to its Swedish emigrants.

As you explore the town and the nearby farming area, you’ll see barns with quilts painted on them and Dala horse statues scattered around.

Scandia is the home of the first Swedish emigrants in Minnesota.

Now, you can explore the history of these settlers at various places throughout town.

There is the Swedish Settler’s Monument, the Hay Lake School Museum, and the Gammelgården Museum.

All of these historical sites focus on life when the town was first settled by the Swedish emigrants. They all played an important role in the town’s growth.

It is a very unique small town in Minnesota and perfect for history lovers.

Stillwater Is One Of The Best Weekend Getaways In Minnesota

Best for: Romantic weekends, river views, and historic downtown charm.

Stillwater is a small town in Minnesota that is so perfectly charming that it’s won awards.

The town has been frequently voted as one of America’s Most Picturesque Small Towns, Most Romantic Cities, Best US Towns for Antiquing, and so much more.

Explore the Historic Main Street, where you’ll find endless options for dining, charming shops, and cozy lodging.

The Historic Main Street’s restaurants recently won Stillwater an award for one of the Best Small Town Food Scenes by USA Today!

For those who like outdoor adventures, you can enjoy skiing, spring gardens, outdoor festivals in the Summer, and beautiful changing leaves in the Fall.

You can also enjoy paddle boating, kayaking, fishing or even taking a ride on a steamboat on the River.

If you run out of things to do in Stillwater, which is unlikely, you’ll also be close to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Wisconsin border.

Red Wing Is Famous For Its River Views And Historic Charm

Best for: Bluff views, antique shopping, and fall foliage.

Often called the most unique place to visit along the Mississippi River, Red Wing is one of the most unique towns in Minnesota.

It is one of the bigger towns on this list, but it is full of small-town appeal.

For outdoor adventurers, Red Wing is full of activities to enjoy year-round.

You can hike Barn Bluff, the Cannon Valley Trail, or explore Levee Park.

Enjoy a picnic from one of the amazing local restaurants on Sorin’s Bluff in Memorial Park.

Red Wing also has a ton of shops, from the famous Red Wing Shoe Store or the Duluth Trading Co.

Foodies will enjoy the cool Red Wing Brewery, a unique brewing house in the town’s downtown area.

This is one of the coolest towns in Minnesota, which is just full of fun activities and experiences.

Towns in Minnesota: Austin Offers More Than Just The Spam Museum

Best for: Quirky attractions and family-friendly stops.

Austin is home to a bustling art scene, and you can view the works of local artists at the Austin Artworks Center.

The town also has a historic Paramount Theater that visitors love to visit.

For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of activities to do in Austin as well.

There are 13 miles of hiking trails, 28 town parks, 2 golf courses, and sporting events every season.

Austin is also a town that likes a full calendar of events. So no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something to do.

With almost 60 unique restaurants, foodies will also love trying something new in Austin.

This is one of the cutest towns in Minnesota to visit, no matter the season!

Taylors Falls Is One Of Minnesota’s Most Scenic River Towns

The village on the river, Taylors Falls, is a charming small town in Minnesota.

The town is located on the St. Croix River in the rolling hills of Minnesota.

It is a town full of beautiful scenic views and that wonderful small-town charm.

The area is surrounded by rolling hills and the river, which makes it feel very peaceful.

Because of its location, there are plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.

You can go hiking, fishing, and boating in addition to exploring the town.

In the fall, the town hosts Wannigan Days, which is a weekend-long Fall Festival.

Bemidji Is A Fun And Outdoorsy Minnesota Getaway

Best for: Lakes, Paul Bunyan history, and outdoor adventures.

Many, many years ago, Paul Bunyan and his big blue ox, Babe, called Bemidji, this small town in Minnesota, home.

Now, you can visit the town and walk in the footsteps of the famous Mid-Westerner and his trusty ox.

The town takes its history very seriously, and that makes it a really fun stop for visitors.

There is a ‘life-size’ statue in the center of the town of Paul and Babe that was erected in 1937.

It’s a fun photo opportunity for those who make the trip out to Bemidji.

The town also boasts a popular Main Street that has a plethora of dining and shopping options.

If you like outdoor activities, Bemidji has those too!

In the winter, you can enjoy riding snowmobiles, skiing, and snowboarding.

In the Spring, Summer, and Fall, the town is host to a bunch of different fun Festivals.

And some of the most scenic trails for hiking in Minnesota!

No matter what time of year you visit Bemidji you’re bound to have a good time at this historic Minnesota small town!

Towns in Minnesota: Mankato Mixes Nature, History, And A Lively Downtown

Best for: Waterfalls, breweries, and weekend city breaks.

Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a small town on the rise.

The Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center almost always has something going on.

You can also take several walking tours through town.

There is a walking tour of the city’s art scene, one that is about the history of the City Center, and one that discusses the city’s many sculptures.

Mahkato also has a claim to The Little House on the Prairie.

Fans of the Laura Ingalls Wilder novel series will recognize that it is the town where Charles Ingalls often made deliveries.

Because Mahkato is growing, it is also experiencing a surge in the opening of unique shops, restaurants, bars, and even breweries.

Brainerd Is One Of Minnesota’s Best Lake Destinations

Best for: Family holidays, boating, and summer cabins.

With its many resorts, Brainerd is known as one of the best small towns in Minnesota to enjoy outdoor family time.

Brainerd has over 20 resorts and lodges, each with something unique to offer.

Whether you want four-star lodging or a simple campsite, there is something for everyone.

This is one of the best places for camping in Minnesota!

Because there are so many lodges and resorts, there are also a ton of outdoor activities.

In the winter, you can enjoy snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and even sledding.

Brainerd is also right by Lake Superior, so in the spring, summer, and fall, you can relax by the lake.

In this cool town in Minnesota, there is something fun for you and your family to enjoy, no matter the weather.

Towns in Minnesota: New Ulm Brings A Slice Of Germany To Minnesota

Best for: German heritage, beer culture, and festivals.

New Ulm is a small town in Minnesota that was settled by Bavarian Germans in 1854.

Because of this European influence, the town today resembles a small Bavarian town.

Music enthusiasts will love exploring the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame.

If you are interested in history, then you can learn about the town and area at the Brown County Historical Museum.

There is also the Hermann Monument, which celebrates the German defeat of the Romans.

Brew lovers will want to check out America’s second-oldest family brewery, the August Schell Brewing Company.

Visiting New Ulm is one of the fun things to do in Minnesota.

Walnut Grove Is A Must-Visit For Little House On The Prairie Fans

Best for: Literary history and nostalgic road trips.

Walnut Grove Minnesota is very proud to be the childhood home of the famous prairie author, Laura Ingalls Wilder.

As a child, Wilder lived in a dugout home along Plum Creek in Walnut Grove.

This popular town in Minnesota is almost entirely dedicated to the life of Wilder and her popular novels.

There is a Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum where you can learn about the family and how they lived.

You can also walk along Plum Creek in the footsteps of Wilder and visit a recreated Wilder’s Family Dug Out.

Walnut Grove even hosts a yearly pageant about the family’s life on Plum Creek in the Summer.

If you are a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder, then you’ll definitely want to check out Walnut Grove.

Add this Minnesota attraction to your Midwest bucket list!

Winona Is One Of Minnesota’s Most Underrated River Towns

Best for: Arts, river scenery, and historic architecture.

Winona is a small town in Minnesota on the Mississippi River, nestled between picturesque bluffs.

The town is probably most known for its many original and unique festivals.

Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy a film festival, music festival, dance festival, food festival, and so much more.

Winona is also home to some wonderful restaurants, shops, and breweries.

When you visit, you can also enjoy some really great outdoor activities.

From hiking, ice rock climbing, cross-country skiing, and plenty of water sports, there is something in Winona for everyone.

Towns In Minnesota: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle. 

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or beaches you happen to visit along the way.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.