This Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Minnesota Is So Worth Exploring

You'll find hundreds of charming small towns in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Some are thriving communities with thousands of citizens, while others tend to be... a little smaller. As in, if you blink, you may miss them, like charming Dorset or beautiful Fountain. Along the lines of these latter villages is Marcell, a Northwoods Minnesota town of fewer than 400 people that's tucked into the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. It's a little Up North community that's definitely worth spending some time exploring.

You'll find Marcell along Minnesota Highway 38, about half an hour north of Grand Rapids on the way to Bigfork.

Home to an old Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the community was founded on the shores of Ranier Lake in 1905. Although it's small, Marcell has a post office, a town hall, a community center, a beautiful park with a community trail, and several thriving businesses. It serves as the hub for area residents, several local resorts, and vacation property owners and visitors. One place that I was tickled to find is The Pine Cone, local cafe and gatherings spot. When I visit Marcell, it's my go-to place for breakfast. The Pine Cone is also a great spot to grab coffee, a sandwich, or an ice cream treat.

Marcell is also home to the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, which is an excellent place to learn more about the community's history. Not only will you find information and interpretive exhibits in the center, itself, you can explore old CCC cabins, take a short nature hike, or simply enjoy some time on the Ranier Lake shoreline. When you make the trip to Marcell, be sure to pay a visit to the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center.

You'll find plenty of lodging in the area, too, including many popular resorts and campgrounds. Personally, I really like the Timberwolf Inn. It's super close to the heart of Marcell, as well as several of the area's lakes.

Not only is it a great place to stay—and it's open year-round!—it's one of my favorite places to grab dinner. The steaks and drinks are absolutely on point, and on nice nights when the mosquitoes are at bay, the patio is fantastic.

With Marcell's location in the Chippewa National Forest, you'll also find several camping options in the vicinity. One of my favorite campgrounds in the state, Clubhouse Lake, is just down the road from Timberwolf Inn, and about 20 minutes from Marcell proper. Visit Recreation.gov to make your camping reservations.

Next time you're looking for an Up North destination, be sure to check out the Northwoods Minnesota town of Marcell—you'll find a lot to love about this little community. Have you visited Marcell? What are some of your favorite small towns to visit in Minnesota? Be sure to tell us all about them.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Up North adventure in the Land of 10,000 Lakes using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.