Do you know the village of Dorset, Minnesota’s claim to fame? Well, this tiny community in northern Minnesota just happens to be the (self-proclaimed) “Restaurant Capital of the World,” boasting one restaurant for every five or so people in the town.

The 49-mile Heartland State Trail was one of the country's first rail-to-trail projects. It's a multi-use trail between Park Rapids and Cass Lake.
Shawn Michlitsch/AllTrails
Just outside Park Rapids, the trail passes through the small village of Dorset, Minnesota.
Dorset is the "Restaurant Capital of the World."
Sean Singh/Google
And it has the sign to prove it.
The town's population of just over 20 residents has at least four dining options from which to choose.
Kellie Floren/Google
When they're feeling like fried chicken, folks head over to the Dorset Chick'n Coop.

Related Stories

13 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Minnesota Do

13 Extremely Weird Things Only People From Minnesota Do

 14 Quirky Facts About Minnesota That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

14 Quirky Facts About Minnesota That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate

 We Bet You Didn't Know That Minnesota Was Home To One Of The Only Exclaves In The United States

We Bet You Didn't Know That Minnesota Was Home To One Of The Only Exclaves In The United States
In addition to its outrageous number of restaurants per capita, the village is home to other businesses, like the Dorset General Store.
Dorset, MN/Facebook
Which happens to share a building with La Pasta Italian Eatery - the town's choice for Mediterranean cuisine.
And if you happen to be in the mood for Mexican?
Companeros/Facebook
Compañeros is the place to be!
After a hot day on the trail, be sure to grab some ice cream.
Ian Dees/Google
Dorset House Family Restaurant has a wide selection - as well as pizza, burgers, and ribs.
Dorset Books and Candy Shack covers most of the residents' remaining sweet tooth needs.
Dorset, MN/Facebook
You can feed your brain there, as well! Be sure to check the village's Facebook page for events like Taste of Dorset, or the village's famous mayoral selection process (drawing a name from a hat).

So, if you ever have the desire to embark on a culinary tour in the Bold North – or happen to be biking at lunchtime on the Heartland State Trail – Dorset is clearly the place to be. A word of caution, though: Most businesses in the village are seasonal, so be sure to check their hours before you go.

You could even make it a stop on a trip to Itasca State Park. Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, it’s the oldest park in the system and only about half an hour away from Dorset. Have you visited Dorset or any of its beloved restaurants? Do you have a favorite?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Dorset, MN 56470, USA