If you’re looking for a small town adventure in Minnesota, head to the very top of the state and the charming community of Warroad, MN. This bustling town is not only the only U.S. city on Lake of the Woods, it’s a fantastic place to spend a weekend – which, frankly, is not enough to do justice to this awesome town.

Warroad is a community of just over 1,800 friendly folks on the shores of Lake of the Woods.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
One of this town's claims to fame is it's the only incorporated city on the U.S. shores of Lake of the Woods - which is a fantastic reason to visit in its own right.
Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons
But the friendly people who live here, it's fascinating history, charming businesses, and all the things to do in the area make Warroad a terrific destination for a weekend getaway.
Start your day with a meal at Joe's Place Cafe.
Joe's Place, 318 Lake St NE, Warroad, MN 56763, USA
Sean Maday/Google Reviews
​​This venerable diner has been a local favorite breakfast and lunch spot for years.
Grab a cup of, er, Joe to fuel your day at Lake of the Woods Coffee Co.
Lake of the Woods Coffee Company, 102 Lake St NE, Warroad, MN 56763, USA
Lake of the Woods Coffee Co.
You can even ​​order ahead online so your drink is ready to go when you are.
Then head out and see what Warroad is all about.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
Its location on the gargantuan Lake of the Woods defines much of the town's character.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
Fishing, boating, paddling, and even swimming are popular warm weather activities.
In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing take over.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
A nearby resort even sets up a https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/minnesota/heated-igloo-bar-mn/" target="_blank">huge "igloo" bar out on the frozen lake.
I've always imagined that it's all that ice on Lake of the Woods that sparked Warroad's storied hockey tradition.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
The original Hockeytown, U.S.A., this tiny community of less than 2,000 has sent more than half a dozen players to the NHL.
Visit Warroad/Facebook
Warroad is also the hometown of Marvin Windows and Doors - the renowned international home improvement company.
Marvin Training & Visitor Center, 704 MN-313 N, Warroad, MN 56763, USA
Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons
You can ​​visit the Marvin Training and Visitor Center to learn more about the company, its history, and the contributions the Marvin family has made to the Warroad community.
When you get hungry again, head out toward Lakeview Park, where you'll also find Nomad Tavern.
Nomad Tavern/Facebook
The lake views are incredible - and the pizza's no slouch, either!
Nomad Tavern, 1109 MacKenzie St NE, Warroad, MN 56763, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
​​You’ll find all the info you need on NomadTavern’s Facebook page.
Make sure you don’t leave town without trying the local brew. Lake of the Woods Brewing Co. got its start on the north end of Lake of the Woods in Kenora, Ontario. Warroad is home to its only U.S. outpost, which also happens to be the northernmost brewery in the U.S. - outside of Alaska.
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company MN, 104 Main Ave NE, Warroad, MN 56763, USA
DebfraMN/TripAdvisor
The Warroad brewery’s Facebook page is the place to find out what’s happening at the brewery on this end of the lake.

You could easily spend several days exploring Warroad, itself, but if you venture a little farther, about 20 minutes east of town, you’ll find Zippel Bay State Park and its amazing sandy beach on Lake of the Woods. The 700,000-acre Beltrami Island State Forest, the second largest in Minnesota, is located just south of Warroad, and it’s a superb place to spend a day exploring, as well.

Have you visited Warroad? Tell us your favorite things about the town in the comments.

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Warroad, MN 56763, USA