10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Minnesota

The town of Biwabik in Saint Louis County is known for the nearby Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort and is a travel destination for thousands of holidaymakers every year. Beyond the resort and golf course, this small village offers a wealth of attractions, points of interest, and outdoor adventures. History buffs will want to visit the Iron Range Historical Society, while those looking to get back to nature will enjoy hiking at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area or taking a long walk along the serene shores of Wynne Lake.

The town of Grand Marais is the seat of Cook County and offers a quaint and charming waterfront experience where you can climb historic lighthouses on the shores of Grand Marais Harbour for panoramic views of the surrounding lake and area. A visit to the Grand Marais Art Colony allows you to see modern art from up-and-coming artists producing quirky and unusual sculptures and some of the most important works of our generation. The Cook County History Museum allows you to learn about the history of the region while exploring a 19th-century home. You can also visit the Sivertson Gallery to view and buy some art for your home.

The village of Lanesboro is named for one of its earliest settlers hundreds of years ago and is a picturesque small town that is bisected by the Root River. It's also the heart of local Amish country, and you can learn all about the life and culture of these people at Bluffscape Amish Tours. You can also take in the storey of the region by visiting the Lanesboro Museum. The Lanesboro Dam is a historic landmark that offers stunning natural beauty and the chance to recharge your batteries amongst the peace and brilliant colours of the natural surroundings.

Lindstrom calls itself "America's Little Sweden" and is served by US Highway 8, which is the main route in the community. A lot of adventures can be had here related to the outdoors, the town's culture, and the area's history. A trip to Allemansratt Wilderness Park, Town and Country Park, or South Centre Lake offers all the hiking, biking, and fishing you could want. The Chisago County History Centre and the Karl Oskar and Kristina monument offer information about the history of the region. You can also enjoy shopping at Gustaf's Up North Gallery, Rose's Collectibles, and the Lindstrom Antique Mall.

The city of Red Wing is situated on the shores of the Mississippi River and offers a wealth of adventure outdoors. You can go hiking or biking along the trails that lead to Barn Bluff, where you can get outstanding photo opportunities. The city is rooted in the history of the clay industry, and you can learn all about it by visiting the Pottery Museum of Red Wing. If you want to take a longer sojourn, the Cannon Valley Trail will take you to the city of Cannon Falls, and through the Welch Village resort. For bird-watching, check out nearby Frontenac State Park.

The town of Stillwater in Washington County is one of the bigger small towns on our list. Still, it offers a lot of fun, quirky, and unusual things to do as well as a wealth of great historic sites. The kids will love to visit Teddy Bear Park, a public park with a playground area and a large teddy bear sculpture. The Homestead Parklands and Sunfish Lake Park offer natural areas, green space, and even a freshwater lake with a sandy beach to enjoy. Historic landmarks to explore include Staples Saw Mill, the Stillwater Lift Bridge, the Historic Courthouse, and the Warden's House Museum where you can view sites, exhibits, and artefacts from the past.

Henderson is famous for being the home of the musical icon Prince, and the Prince statue at the Prince Garden in town is a major draw. The park also offers a special Prince Memorial Bench, Prince Mural, and the Purple Rain Route that was featured in the film "Purple Rain." About 45 minutes away from town you can visit Paisley Park, the musician's former home. Of course, there are also plenty of historic and natural attractions to visit as well like the Joseph R. Brown Minnesota River Centre, the Ney Nature Centre, and Rush River Park.

New Ulm offers a wide range of attractions that are fun and interesting for just about everyone. It's the home of Schell's Brewery and Starkeller Brewery & Taproom as well as the Morgan Creek Vineyards, so you can head to a local tasting room and have a brew or local vintage with your friends. The Glockenspiel Clock is a fun and quirky exhibit that towers 45 feet into the air and is fitted with animated figurines that perform twice a day. You can visit a genuine country general store at the Harkin Store, or view and buy some artwork at the Grand Centre for Arts & Culture.

Nisswa is located in Crow Wing County and is a great destination for a variety of fun, unusual, and quirky adventures that are great for the entire family. Every year, visitors are drawn to the town centre for the Nisswa Turtle Races. Many visitors travel to Gull Lake and Nisswa Lake for boating, fishing, and watersports. If you're looking for a fun family day out, you'll love the waterslides and splash rides at the Nisswa Family Fun Waterpark. History buffs will enjoy learning about the history of the town at the Nisswa Area Historical Society.

Lake City is situated on the shores of Lake Pepin, which is a swell in the Mississippi River. It's a scenic town that allows a wide range of viewpoints, photo opportunities, and outdoor relaxation and activities. You can visit places like Ohuta Park, Frontenac State Park, and Maiden Rock Bluff to experience all of the serene wilderness, wildlife viewing, and waterfront romance the area has to offer. Along with relaxing outdoors, there are plenty of quaint, independent shops and local restaurants to enjoy as you get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.