7 Charming Minnesota Towns Named America’s Favorites for 2025

Thedailymiaminews– Minnesota is famous for its stunning landscapes, welcoming residents, and diverse culture, and its towns are no different. In 2025, twelve municipalities from around the state were recognized nationally as some of the greatest places to visit or live in the United States.

These towns are popular with both visitors and residents because they feature the perfect mix of natural beauty, local character, and lively attractions. These Minnesota communities have something for everyone, whether you like beautiful lakeside retreats or dynamic centers of art and culture.

Discover the seven best villages in Minnesota that have made it onto the list of America’s favorites this year. These areas offer a range of attractions, including outdoor activities, historical sites, and tasty dining options.

1. Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, which is situated along the Mississippi River, is one of the most magnificent places you can visit if you want to escape the disorder of large cities and find refuge in the expansive wilderness of Minnesota.

You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery and the rural areas that do not have any concrete structures built by humans, whether you are taking a dangerous boat ride down the three-and-a-half-mile stretch of the Grand Rapids River impasse or you are fishing and kayaking at a leisurely pace on one of the thousands of lakes that surround Grand Rapids.

Before you go for a walk through the Chippewa National Forest, which is located near Lake Winnibigoshish and the Golden Anniversary State Forest, make sure to visit the Forest History Center to learn everything you need to know and get ready. You may also learn about Judy Garland, the actress who played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, in her old house, which has been converted into the Judy Garland Museum. If you become tired of wandering, you can take a break at the Hotel Rapids or the Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Restaurant.

2. Ely

Visiting all of Minnesota’s thousand lakes might be a challenge, especially because there are more than 11,842 of them and others are yet not discovered. Ely, a little town, is a convenient place for tourists to stop and rest. It is also a good starting point for visiting some of Minnesota’s adjacent lakes and those that are located on the border with Canada. If you find yourself feeling exhausted while you are in the middle of a forest, you may always go to one of the Turkish yurts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) at Shagawa Lake to get some rest, warmth, and dryness.

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However, you should know about the fabled “Root Beer Lady,” who used to give homemade root beer to visitors of the BWCAW. You may learn more about her traditional customs, real-life inspirations, and beginnings at the Dorothy Molter Museum, which is named after her. If you want to investigate further, go to the Superior National Forest or the Kawishiwi Falls Trail.

If you want to be respectful and cautious around wolves and bears, consider attending lectures at the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. Lastly, if it gets dark, you can relax and be 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 community of Red Wing has to offer, they will flush with delight and exhaustion. Barn Bluff is located close to the border of Wisconsin, which is marked by the Mississippi River. From the top of Barn Bluff, you can see the different landscapes and locations of two different states. Take the Cannon Valley Trail if you are leaving Cannon Falls.

The Pierce County Islands State Public Hunting Grounds are worth a visit if you like to hunt. If you love being outside, you will really like the Spring Creek Prairie Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) and the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden at Tower View. You will also enjoy the Cannon River Turtle Preserve Scientific and Natural Area, where you can see a lot of animals.

If you like skiing and snowboarding, go to the Welch Village Ski & Snowboard Area for your recreational needs. Red Wing has many excellent motels, like the Moondance Inn, which will keep you toasty.

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4. Grand Marais

For a wonderful and enjoyable experience, go to Great Marais, a small community located on Lake Superior. As you explore Grand Marais, you will have the opportunity to enjoy everything that Minnesota’s oldest art colony has to offer, with the Sawtooth Mountains always in view.

The small town of Grand Marais has inspired many artists, both young and old, with its dynamic and ever-changing features. From the breathtaking views of Lake Superior from Artist’s Point to the scenic vistas at Grand Marais Marina Vista Point and Grand Marais Lighthouse, the town never fails to impress. Devil’s Kettle, Devil’s Track Lake, and Cascade River State Park are all located inside the Sawtooth Mountains and are considered angelic locations.

The Fall River Waterfall, George Washington Pines, Five Mile Rock, and the highest point in Minnesota are some of the other notable landmarks in the Grand Marais area. Timberlund’s Resort and other alternatives have you covered, so you don’t need to bother about accommodations.

5. New ULM

The Hermann Monument, which is located in the little town of New Ulm, highlights the town’s ties to Germany. New Ulm is named after a city in the European nation of Bavaria. This monument is a tribute to Arminius, a chief from ancient Germanic times who brought together Germanic tribes that were fighting against one another in order to oppose the Roman Empire.

In addition to the Hermann Monument, visitors will also find Schell’s Brewery, which is still using the oldest brewing methods in America. The Glockenspiel is a clock tower that stands 45 feet tall and can be seen by everyone. Travel the Cottonwood River or the Minnesota River to reach beautiful locations like Flandrau State Park and Swan Lake for outdoor activities.

You could also like to attend one of the many festivals that take place in New Ulm. For instance, the Bacchus Fest (May), the HermannFest (September 7), the Bavarian Blast (July 18-21), or Oktoberfest. If you are searching for a place to stay, you might want to check out the Innis House Bed & Breakfast.

6. Lanesboro

You will be searching for historical items in Lanesboro, which is around 40 miles away from Rochester. There are more than 20 medallions scattered throughout Lanesboro, each one reflecting a different period in the history of Lanesboro and the Root River Valley. You may find these medallions on the Discover Sculpture Explore Lanesboro Medallion Walking Tour.

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Travelers might find it interesting that Lanesboro is known as Minnesota’s Rhubarb Capital, and that the Rhubarb Festival, which is quite popular, takes place in June. Mill Pond Overlook, the South Branch of the Root River, and Sylvan Park are other important places in the Root River Valley.

There are even more surprises and delights waiting for you in Lanesboro, so make a reservation at one of the many beautiful accommodations, such as the Historic Scanlan House B&B, the Stone Mill Hotel and Suites, or the Root River Inn & Suites.

7. Lindström

Do you want to experience all the comforts of a Scandinavian country? After that, drive to Lindström, which is known as “America’s Little Sweden.” It is located about 35 miles away from the Twin Cities. This little community is well-known for inspiring a local writer named Vilhelm Moberg. His most important work, The Emigrants, was based on the personal journals of Erik Norelius, who was one of the founding members of Lindström.

In a poetic twist of fate, Lindström’s most impressive July festival, The Karl Oskar Days, was named after the main character of the novel, Karl Oskar. If you wish to experience more of what the town has to offer, you can visit one or all of the many lakes, which make up less than ten percent of all the lakes in Minnesota. For instance, South Center Lake, North Center Lake, South Lindstrom Lake, North Lindstrom Lake, Chisago Lake, Sunrise Lake, and a number of additional lakes.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s villages are captivating because they combine natural beauty, a rich culture, and a strong sense of community. The seven chosen municipalities each have their own unique charms, which include stunning beauty, interesting history, and local customs. These places make Minnesota a popular destination for both tourists and locals, providing everyone with experiences that they will never forget.

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