Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Minnesota, One For Each Month Of The Year
Because you can’t possibly visit all of our state’s wonderful small towns, we thought it might be easier – and fun – to visit one charming small town in Minnesota for each month of the year. Of course, you can visit these towns any time of year, but we suggest this order for your calendar.
January is the perfect time to visit the winter playground of Biwabik. Hit the slopes at Giants Ridge, or enjoy the solitude of the Superior National Forest's many trails.
Biwabik, MN, USA
Ely truly comes alive in the wintertime. Visit in February to take part in the annual Ely Winter Festival. Later in the month, cheer on your favorite mushers at the WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race.
Ely, MN 55731, USA
As one of Minnesota's snowiest towns, Lutsen is a great place to visit in late winter. Snow seekers are likely to find some white stuff to play in, and the temperatures won't be as brutal as they can get in the depths of the cold months.
Lutsen, MN, USA
Houston is a town than can capture your heart, and spring is en excellent time to visit. Winter will be loosening its grip, and wildflowers will start appearing. Hike or bike the Root River State Trail, or visit Beaver Creek Valley State Park to watch spring emerge in Minnesota.
Houston, MN 55943, USA
Come May, the bluebells are blooming at Carley State Park, and the charming town of Plainview is the perfect place to set up basecamp.
Plainview, MN 55964, USA
Visit Blackduck in June for an early summer adventure in the North Woods. Located just south of scenic Minnesota Hwy. 1, the town makes a perfect home base for exploring Red Lake and the Chippewa National Forest, including the Lost 40 grove of old-growth pines. June is also the perfect time to explore the Lady Slipper Scenic Byway, which runs south from Blackduck and showcases the iconic Minnesota state flower.
Blackduck, MN, USA
At the height of summer, Minnesotans flock to the state's lakes, and one of the best spots for a summer cool down is Lake Shetek State Park. The charming town of Currie is the gateway for Lake Shetek and is definitely worth exploring. Check out
End-O-Line Railroad Park and Museum, and be sure to grab a meal at Mill Street BBQ Co.
Currie, MN 56123, USA
Catch all that late summer has to offer with a visit to the charming community of Warroad. From there, you can land a lunker on Lake of the Woods or explore Beltrami Island State Forest.
Warroad, MN 56763, USA
Early autumn, when the fall foliage is beginning to burst, is an awesome time for a trip down the Mississippi River valley. Visit Wabasha, a historic river town that leans into the spirit the season with its annual Septoberfest celebration
Wabasha, MN 55981, USA
The town of Springfield is located in the heart of Laura Ingalls country. Its charming downtown is home to Tommy's Central Street Steakhouse, one of the best small town steakhouses in Minnesota. It's also an awesome jumping-off point for visits to Jeffers Petroglyphs or Oktoberfest in New Ulm.
Springfield, MN 56087, USA
Park Rapids is not only the gateway to Itasca State Park and the headwaters of the Mississippi River, it also kicks off the holiday season with a bang. Visit in late November for the town's annual Yuletide Sampler and Heartland Lakes community tree lighting event.
Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
During the holiday season, the beautiful river town of Red Wing looks like a scene from a Norman Rockwell Painting. This makes it an ideal place to visit during the holidays and to cap off your year of small towns.
Red Wing, MN, USA
There are so many fantastic towns in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we’re only sorry that we didn’t have room to squeeze them all in. But we hope this sampler offers a taste of what you can expect in small-town Minnesota. Do you have a favorite small town in the Bold North?
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