Minnesota’s Seven Cutest Small Towns

Enjoy the Quaint Charm of these MN Towns

Minnesota is a wonderful place that has many incredible towns. From the rugged untouched nature you’ll find in the Boundary Waters and State Parks, to the incredible food, music, and arts you’ll find in the Twin Cities and Rochester, there’s no shortage of things to do. There are seven towns, however, that stand out to me as being exceptionally quaint and charming. You’ll find a theme throughout that includes bookstores, boutiques, water, such as a river or lake, great walking and biking trails, and plenty of spots to enjoy a meal and a drink. Read on for Minnesota’s seven cutest small towns and the best things to eat, drink and do!

1. Excelsior

Excelsior, Minnesota is an excellent place for a relaxing day trip. It’s just over 30 minutes from the Twin Cities and is located on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. It’s an upscale, yet relaxed town with many boutiques, restaurants, ice cream shops, a bookstore, and a brewery. Read on for the best things to do in Excelsior, Minnesota.

2. Stillwater

Stillwater is one of my favorite places in Minnesota. This picturesque town is nestled along the St. Croix River and offers a nice selection of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and ice cream shops. The waterfront park is a beautiful spot to sit and relax or set up a picnic. There are also a lot of parks and places to hike, a waterfall, a trolley, and even a gondola! Click here for more things to do in Stillwater!

3. Wayzata

Wayzata, Minnesota, is a charming town on the shores of Lake Minnetonka that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and upscale amenities. Stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants, or rent paddle boards and get out on the lake. With its scenic views, boutique shopping, and a wide array of dining options, Wayzata is a year-round destination for those seeking a tranquil yet vibrant escape.

4. Northfield

Northfield, Minnesota is the perfect place for your next-day trip. It’s a quaint town located about 40 miles south of the Twin Cities. Around 1914, Northfield declared its official town slogan “Cows, Colleges and Contentment.” In 2014, Northfield ranked number two for the best small town in the country. This charming river town has beautiful parks, a pizza barn, great restaurants with outdoor patios, farmer’s markets, and a handful of very trendy shops. I spent three years living just outside downtown Northfield, and I love this town. Learn more about Northfield here.

5. Grand Marais

Grand Marais, Minnesota is an adorable harbor town with a plethora of options for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Grand Marais itself offers stunning views of Lake Superior and has many hikes to choose from, like Pincushion Mountain. It also has easy access to the Boundary Water Canoe Area, state parks, and the Superior Hiking Trail. I highly suggest you stay in Grand Marais for at least three nights in the summer or fall. Note that many businesses close for the winter. Click here for more things to do in Grand Marais.

6. Victoria

Just 30 minutes west of downtown Minneapolis is the charming town of Victoria, Minnesota. This town is filled with scenic views, boutiques, a bookstore, a brewery, and great restaurants. Named after the St. Victoria Church, which was built in the heart of town in 1857, Victoria is a great escape for a relaxing weekend. Click here to read more about Victoria.

7. Red Wing

Red Wing, Minnesota is about one hour Southeast of downtown Minneapolis. Known for its beautiful bluffs, historic sites, and world-famous boots, it’s a great spot for a day trip. It’s an especially beautiful place in the fall when the bluffs along the Mississippi River are bursting with vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. The Red Wing Shoe Company was founded here in 1905, and you may notice the red-colored wing logo used all around town. Click here to read more about Red Wing.

Where Will You Go Next?

Looking for more travel ideas? Check out my blog posts on St. Paul, Rochester, The Boundary Waters and 8 Best Destinations in Wisconsin. Happy adventuring!