One of the best parts about living in Minnesota is the opportunity to explore all the charming towns and communities that make our state so vibrant. We’ve compiled a list of the coolest small towns in Minnesota, and we think that each one is worthy of a day trip. These towns are all beautiful, and a visit to each one will be a truly unique experience. These are the best small towns in Minnesota, even if you haven’t heard of them yet.

1. Buyck
Buyck, MN 55771, USA
Sporlo/Wikimedia
Our list of the coolest small towns in Minnesota begins in Buyck. By the Vermilion River, this is a beautiful small town with plenty of recreation opportunities.
2. Walnut Grove
Walnut Grove, MN 56180, USA
Randy Stern/Flickr
Nothing beats a trip through Laura Ingalls Wilder's prairie home of Walnut Grove! In fact, while you're in town, be sure to visit this charming Minnesota cafe that was inspired by the famous story.
3. Grey Eagle
Grey Eagle, MN 56336, USA
jnaithani/Flickr
Surrounded by amazing lakes off of 94, this adorable town offers seclusion and beauty. It's one of the small towns in Minnesota to move to if you really want to get away from it all.
4. Litchfield
Litchfield, MN 55355, USA
City of Litchfield
Litchfield is a gorgeous and historic small town that's perfect for your next getaway. Plus, if you're a history enthusiast, you'll be thrilled to discover that there are over 50 historic buildings in Litchfield.
5. Jordan
Jordan, MN 55352, USA
City of Jordan Minnesota/Facebook
Jordan gets high ratings for education, access to libraries, community, and housing. It's the 2nd best place to raise a family. Moreover, it's considered one of the best foodie towns in Minnesota. Have we convinced you that this is one of the coolest small towns in Minnesota yet?
6. Belle Plaine
Belle Plaine, MN, USA
City of Belle Plaine/Facebook
Belle Plaine is a safe community with great access to housing and daycare. Plus, there's a scenic drive that will take you through the heart of Belle Plaine.
7. Spring Valley
Spring Valley, MN 55975, USA
Spring Valley Tourism/Facebook
Spring Valley has an amazingly low cost of living, some of the lowest crime rates in the state, and good schools, making it an all-around wonderful place to call home! For more information on this charming small town in Minnesota, be sure to visit the official Spring Valley website.
8. Pelican Rapids
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572, USA
Michael Wifall/Flickr
Not only is this a beautiful small town, but it has the world's largest pelican! While you're in town, be sure to visit Maplewood State Park.
9. Greenwood
Greenwood, MN 55331, USA
City of Greenwood
Greenwood is ranked #1 in Minnesota for livability on areavibes.com and is a stunning place to visit! For more information about planning a trip to this charming town, head on over to the Greenwood, Minnesota visitor's website.
10. Longville
Longville, MN 56655, USA
Longville, MN/Facebook
Longville is a wonderful small town with a great community and abundant recreation opportunities! The town of Longville also has a lovable, quirky side you'll want to experience.
11. Biwabik
Biwabik, MN, USA
anglerove/Flickr
Honk the Moose guards over this beautiful little town in St. Louis County on the Mesabi Trail. It's no mystery by Biwabik is considered one of the most picturesque small towns in Minnesota.
12. Chatfield
Chatfield, MN 55923, USA
Wikimedia/Bobak Ha'Eri
Chatfield has great scenery and is a wonderful place to live, in fact, it's one of the most livable towns in Minnesota. Plus, this region also features a fascinating underground river you'll want to learn more about.
13. Rushford
Rushford, MN 55971, USA
Google Maps
Rushford has extremely low crime rates and top-notch schools along with plenty of rural beauty in Minnesota's Bluff Country. The tiny town of Rushford, Minnesota is definitely worthy of a day trip.
14. Lake City
Lake City, MN 55041, USA
Lake City
It's a perfect place to retire and enjoy recreation on Lake Pepin. They also have top-notch golf! For more information, check out the Lake City, Minnesota visitor's guide.
15. Wabasha
Wabasha, MN, USA
Passej/Flickr
Last but not least on our list of the coolest small towns in Minnesota, is Wabasha. Perhaps one of the best small towns in MN for grumpy old men! Just kidding. (Grumpy Old Men, the 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, was filmed here) Wabasha also has the National Eagle Center, which is pretty cool too!

Do you agree that these are some of the best small towns in Minnesota? If your favorite town in MN is missing from this list, which MN small town would you add? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

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coolest small towns in Minnesota

Beth C. | November 01, 2021

What are the most picturesque small towns in Minnesota?

Now that you've learned about the coolest small towns in Minnesota, it's time to look at some other charming places throughout the state. From beautiful lakeside towns to small-town breweries, to some pretty neat artsy small towns in Minnesota, there is something for everyone.

Some of the most beautiful, picturesque small towns in Minnesota include Red Wing, Grand Marais, Pipestone, Stillwater, Ely, Taylors Falls, New Ulm, Fergus Falls, Walker, Wabasha, Grand Rapids, Hastings, Lanesboro, Lake City, and Biwabik. How many of these picturesque towns in Minnesota have you visited?

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