12 Tiny Towns In Minnesota That Come Alive In The Summertime

Being as far north as it is, Grand Marais gets pretty cold in the winter. There is still a lot to do there in the colder months, but this town is at its best when it's warm. It has a charming downtown, plenty of nature activities, and several great events such as the annual Fisherman's Picnic in August. If you want to head north this summer, check out Grand Marais.

Anyone who has ever been to Lanesboro knows how charming this town really is. Nestled in the Bluff Country of southern Minnesota, it is surrounded by rolling hills. The Root River runs through it, perfect for cooling off with a leisurely float. And when you've had your fill of nature, the bustling downtown is adorable and completely walkable.

Taylors Fall is great no matter the time of year. In the winter, Wild Mountain is the place to be. In the fall, changing leaves make this town breathtaking. But the summertime brings a whole new kind of fun. What about a hike through Interstate State Park, or a scenic boat tour along the St. Croix River? Both are ideal summer activities in this beautiful little town.

In the southwestern corner of the state, tiny Luverne is a great town to visit on a warm day. The uniquely gorgeous Blue Mounds State Park is not far from downtown, along with other natural attractions like Touch the Sky Prairie. The town itself is quaint, and it even has a drive-in restaurant perfect for eating outside.

It's no surprise that Ely comes alive in warm weather. Summertime brings tourists in droves to explore the Boundary Waters, check out Ely's underrated state park, and take part in summer festivities. The town's premiere summer event is the Blueberry/Arts Festival, which takes place on July 28-30 this year.

About four hours north of the Twin Cities, Longville's tiny population of just 156 isn't too big of a surprise. But this town has a claim to fame that draws visitors from all over every summer. As the Turtle Racing Capital of the World, Longville is a fun place to while away a few days this summer. Every week, the downtown transforms into a turtle racing arena complete with games and contests. It's a truly delightful event that is sure to put a smile on your face.

For many, a stop in Jordan is a summertime tradition. Why? Because this town is home to Minnesota's Largest Candy Store. It draws tourists from miles in every direction, and for good reason. This place is filled to the brim with candy. Whether you want something old and familiar or new and weird, you'll find it here. So next time you drive down MN-169 and come to a big yellow barn, turn in. Everyone else is.

Located right on Highway 61 about 30 miles north of Duluth, Two Harbors is an ideal summertime getaway. It is home to stunning views of Lake Superior, Minnesota's most famous pie restaurant, and even two lighthouses. To make your trip extra special, you can even stay overnight in one of them!

If boating is your idea of a good time, go to Pine City. This small town is located right on the Snake River, and there are several lakes in the area as well. A weekly farmers market is a great place to get local produce. If you pop in on a Wednesday, the flea market is full of interesting vendors. Then, you can top it all off with ice cream from the local Dairy Queen. Yum!

With its location right on Lake Pepin, it's no wonder this town comes alive in the summertime. Whether you want to swim, boat, or just enjoy the view, Lake City is a great choice for some summer fun.

With a population of less than 1,000 people, Henderson, Minnesota, is the definition of "tiny." But don't let that fool you. This little town in the Minnesota River Valley comes alive in the summer. The downtown is about as charming as they come, and there is even a sauerkraut festival every June.

Nisswa only has about 2,000 people, but its population balloons every summer. Why? Because of its close proximity to many lakeside resorts. But there's more to do than relax on the lake. The town is home to many unique shops, and the nearby Paul Bunyan Trail is great for bikers.