Minnesota is known for its beautiful scenery, friendly community, and rich culture, and its towns are no exception. In 2024, twelve municipalities across the state received national recognition as some of the best locations to visit or reside in the United States.
These towns have the ideal combination of natural beauty, local charm, and vibrant attractions, making them popular with both visitors and inhabitants. Whether you like charming lakeside retreats or vibrant hubs of art and culture, these Minnesota cities have something for everyone.
Explore the top Seven Minnesota communities that have won a spot among America’s favorites this year, from outdoor adventures to historic attractions and delicious food options.
1. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, located along the Mississippi River, is one of the grandest sites you may travel to when fleeing the chaos of big towns and seeking sanctuary in Minnesota’s vast wilderness.
Whether you’re taking perilous boat rides down the three-and-a-half-mile stretch of the Grand Rapids River impasse or leisurely fishing and kayaking on one of the thousands of lakes that surround Grand Rapids, you’ll be astounded by all the scenery and rural regions devoid of human-made-concrete structures.
Before walking through the Chippewa National Forest near Lake Winnibigoshish and the Golden Anniversary State Forest, visit the Forest History Center to learn everything you need to know and prepare. Or learn about Judy Garland, the actress who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, at her former home, which has been turned into the Judy Garland Museum. If you become tired of exploring, relax at the Hotel Rapids or the Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Restaurant.
2. Ely
It can be difficult to visit all of Minnesota’s thousand lakes, which number over 11,842 and still have a few unknown. Fortunately for tourists, the small town of Ely serves as a convenient rest stop and entrance to some of Minnesota’s nearby lakes, as well as those bordering Canada. If you grow tired in the middle of a forest, you may always retreat to one of the Turkish yurts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) at Shagawa Lake for refuge, warmth, and dryness.
However, you should be aware of the mythological “Root Beer Lady,” a lady who previously served homemade root beer to visitors to the BWCAW; much of her traditional traditions, real-world inspirations, and beginnings can be explored at the Dorothy Molter Museum, which was named after her. For further investigation, head to the Superior National Forest or the Kawishiwi Falls Trail.
If you wish to be polite and cautious of wolves and bears, try attending lectures at the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. Finally, if darkness falls, get comfy and safe at the Grand Ely Lodge Resort & Event Center, Adventure Inn, or Northwoods Inn & Suites.
3. Red Wing
When travelers experience all of the wonders that the small village of Red Wing has to offer, they will blush with delight and tiredness. With its proximity to Wisconsin’s state boundary, as delineated by the Mississippi River, you can stand atop Barn Bluff and observe the varied lands and places of two separate states. If you’re leaving Cannon Falls, take the Cannon Valley Trail.
If you enjoy hunting, check out the Pierce County Islands State Public Hunting Grounds. If you enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll adore the Spring Creek Prairie Scientific & Natural Area (SNA) and Anderson Center Sculpture Garden at Tower View, as well as the many wildlife at the Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area.
If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, head to the Welch Village Ski & Snowboard Area for your recreational requirements. Red Wing will keep you warm with its numerous superb hotels, including the Moondance Inn.
4. Grand Marais
Visit Great Marais, a little village on Lake Superior, for a great and happy experience. With the Sawtooth Mountains ever-present on your tours around Grand Marais, you can experience everything Minnesota’s oldest art colony has to offer.
From inspiring views of Lake Superior from Artist’s Point to several more scenic vantage points such as the Grand Marais Marina Vista Point and Grand Marais Lighthouse, the small town of Grand Marais never disappoints with its dynamic and ever-changing features that have inspired many artists, young and old. Angelic destinations include Devil’s Kettle, Devil’s Track Lake, and Cascade River State Park, all located inside the Sawtooth Mountains.
Other outstanding landmarks surrounding Grand Marais include the Fall River Waterfall, George Washington Pines, Five Mile Rock, and Minnesota’s highest point. There’s no need to worry about accommodations because Timberlund’s Resort and other options have you covered.
5. New Ulm
The small town of New Ulm, named after a city in the European nation of Bavaria, reinforces its links to Germany by presenting the Hermann Monument. This monument honors Arminius, an ancient Germanic chief who unified feuding Germanic tribes against the Roman Empire.
Aside from the Hermann Monument, visitors will come across Schell’s Brewery, which still uses America’s oldest brewing processes. There’s also the Glockenspiel, a 45-foot-tall clocktower that everyone can see. For outdoor activities, travel the Cottonwood River or Minnesota River to breathtaking destinations such as Flandrau State Park and Swan Lake.
You could also wish to go to one of New Ulm’s many festivals. For example, the Bavarian Blast (July 18-21), the Bacchus Fest (May), the HermannFest (September 7), or Oktoberfest. For those looking for lodging, consider the Innis House Bed & Breakfast.
6. Lanesboro
Lanesboro, roughly 40 miles from Rochester, will have you exploring for historical artifacts. Quite literally, there are over 20 or more medallions strewn throughout Lanesboro, each representing a distinct period and epoch in Lanesboro’s and the Root River Valley’s history, which you may find on the Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro Medallion Walking Tour.
Travelers may be interested in the fact that Lanesboro is Minnesota’s Rhubarb Capital, with the popular Rhubarb Festival held every June. Other notable sites in the Root River Valley include Mill Pond Overlook, the South Branch of the Root River, and Sylvan Park.
More surprises and delights await you in Lanesboro, so book a room at one of the many exquisite places, such as the Historic Scanlan House B&B, the Stone Mill Hotel and Suites, or the Root River Inn & Suites.
7. Lindström
Want to enjoy all of the comforts of a Scandinavian country? Then drive to Lindström, “America’s Little Sweden,” which is only 35 miles from the Twin Cities. This small village is famous for inspiring a local writer named Vilhelm Moberg, whose landmark work The Emigrants was based on the personal journals of Erik Norelius, one of Lindström’s founding members.
In a poetic turn of events, Lindström’s most remarkable July festival, The Karl Oskar Days, was named after Karl Oskar, the novel’s protagonist. If you want to see more of what the town has to offer, visit one or all of the numerous lakes, which account for less than ten percent of all lakes in Minnesota. For example, South Center Lake, North Center Lake, South Lindstrom Lake, North Lindstrom Lake, Chisago Lake, Sunrise Lake, and many others.
Conclusion
Minnesota’s communities have a mesmerizing combination of natural beauty, rich culture, and a strong community spirit. Each of the seven selected municipalities has its own set of attractions, ranging from breathtaking scenery to fascinating history and local traditions. These locations make Minnesota a favorite among visitors and residents alike, delivering unforgettable experiences for everybody.