Small Town Beauty in Minnesota

The beautiful small town of Ely sits in northeastern Minnesota, surrounded by pristine wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Visitors enjoy the Boundary Waters Canoe Area with lakes, rivers, forests, and abundant wildlife.

Located at the tip of northern Minnesota on Lake Superior is the town of Grand Marais. The town offers a thriving arts and culture scene with many galleries.

For the performing arts, visit the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, showcasing theater, dance, and musical performances.

Since Grand Marais is located on Lake Superior, you can enjoy outdoor activities and hike along the scenic Gunflint Trail.

Grand Marais Lighthouse, Lake Superior.

In southeastern Minnesota, scenic rolling hills surround the picturesque small town of Lanesboro, which lies just about 130 miles south of the Twin Cities. It is a place to visit for outdoor lovers.

Take a hike along the Root River State Trail, which is also popular for biking and runs through the heart of the town. You can also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.

The small town of Nisswa offers a unique shopping experience with artisan shops and boutiques. You can find various products like handmade crafts and local specialties. Downtown is inviting with old-fashioned hometown charm. Enjoy the quaint cafes and local eateries with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

For outdoor lovers, the town offers green forests and lakes for hiking, bird-watching, boating, and fishing.

With a 150-year history that combines art, culture, and education, Northfield is home to two colleges.

You can visit the Carleton College and

St. Olaf College.

The Jesse James-themed Bank Museum commemorates the infamous bank raid that Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang carried out on September 7, 1876. The main exhibit recounts how local citizens bravely thwarted the robbery, marking a significant event in the history of the American West.

The small town of Pipestone in southwest Minnesota is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and is rich in Native American history. The town is home to unique shops and restaurants.

Among the highlights is the national monument to the Native American culture.

Enjoy hiking along the Pipestone Creek and Winnewissa Falls.

You can go hiking through tallgrass prairie at the Split Rock Creek State Park. It features beautiful landscapes along the banks of Split Rock Creek, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.

The breathtaking landscapes surround the town of Red Wing, which is located along the Mississippi River. The downtown has well-preserved buildings and landmarks.

The town is surrounded by lovely bluffs, and you can go hiking and enjoy water recreation on the river.

A town known as the Birthplace of Minnesota, Stillwater sits along the Wisconsin border. The town has a historic downtown district with preserved 19th-century architecture. Along the streets you’ll discover antique shops, boutiques, and galleries.

For a sense of history, visit the Warden’s House Museum. It is a 14-room house constructed for the Wardens of the Minnesota Territorial Prison in 1853. Today, the museum houses artifacts from the lumbering industry, early Washington County pioneers, and, of course, the Old Stillwater Territorial/State Prison, including items made and used by the infamous Younger Brothers of the Frank and Jesse James Gang. It is the only museum in Stillwater that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Stillwater is surrounded by the St. Croix River Valley, where you can go hiking, cruise along the riverfront, enjoy boating and fishing, and look for wildlife.