You’ll find the charming but unassuming village of Spring Grove nestled among the valleys and bluffs of the state’s “driftless area.” As one of the best small towns in Minnesota, this hidden gem is both historic and charming and it’s one of our favorite destinations for a getaway in the state. Come with us to explore one of America’s best hidden gems, we believe it’s a destination that’s worth the trip. 

More than a century and a half ago, the state’s first group of Norwegian immigrants settled in the southeast corner of Minnesota.
small towns in Minnesota
Spring Grove, MN
Spring Grove celebrates its heritage as the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota with annual festivals, a language camp, and other "Norskie" events and programs.
True to its Scandinavian roots, Spring Grove is unassuming. But it’s also neat and historic, which help to give the town its charm.
Jasmine/Google
Experience Spring Grove’s hospitality for yourself with a stay at Big Raven Farm.
Big Raven Farm, 19315 T-49, Spring Grove, MN 55974, USA
Big Raven Farm/Google
The 10-acre bed-and-breakfast is also a yoga retreat.

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No visit to the town would be complete without a stop at the retail outlet for its beloved namesake product.
The Sugar Shack, 2nd Avenue Northwest, Spring Grove, MN, USA
Kieron Brewer/Google
The venerable Spring Grove Soda Pop Company sells its products and merch at "The Sugar Shack."
More recently, Spring Grove has gained additional renown for beverages of a stronger variety.
RockFilter Distillery, Maple Drive, Spring Grove, MN, USA
Jordan Broers/Google
RockFilter Distillery is recognized as one of the state’s top bourbon-style whiskey distillers.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park is only a few minutes north of Spring Grove, near the neighboring town of Caledonia.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park, County Road 1, Caledonia, MN, USA
Steven S/TripAdvisor
The park showcases the limestone bluffs and deep valleys of the state's "driftless area," and it's an ideal place to spend an afternoon hiking, snowshoeing, or chasing trout.
The half-hour drive from Spring Grove to the charming town of Houston is worth the trip.
International Owl Center, East Cedar Street, Houston, MN, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
If you do decide to ​​visit the town of Houston, be sure to stop in at the ​International Owl Center to learn about and get up close and personal with these fascinating birds.

After a weekend in Spring Grove, you may be reluctant to go back home. While in the area, though, be sure to take advantage of the town’s location to explore all that the driftless area has to offer, like its many wineries and breweries, and the nearby town of Caledonia, MN.

Have you had a chance to visit Spring Grove? Do you agree that it’s one of the best small towns in Minnesota? What are some other unassuming towns in the North Star State that make for perfect weekend getaways?

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Places To Visit In Minnesota

Melanie J. | January 23, 2024

Aside from Spring Grove, what are some more of the best small towns in Minnesota to visit?

While Spring Grove is one of America’s hidden gems, here are some more small towns in Minnesota that are great for a weekend getaway:

  • Stillwater, Washington County
  • Chatfield, Fillmore/Olmsted County
  • Mantorville, Dodge County
  • Fergus Falls, Otter Tail County
  • Winona, Winona County
  • Grand Marais, Cook County
  • Ely, St. Louis County
  • Pipestone, Pipestone County
  • Cambridge, Isanti County
  • Nisswa, Crow Wing County

Be sure to read our previous article to find out more about these small towns in Minnesota that we recommend for an escape.

What are some day trip ideas in Minnesota? 

Visiting small towns in MN is one of the best ways to experience the state, but here are some day trips ideas in Minnesota that are filled with adventure:

  • Rochester Trolley & Tour Company
  • Minnesota's Statue of Liberty, St. Paul
  • North Folk Winery, Harris
  • Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth
  • Kawishiwi Falls Trail, Ely
  • Hemker Park and Zoo, Freeport
  • Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone
  • Extreme Sandbox - Minnesota, Hastings
  • North Shore Lighthouses, Duluth
  • Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail, Mankato
  • Franconia Sculpture Park, Shafer
  • Tamarack Nature Center, White Bear Township

Want more? Read this previous article with additional information about these incredible day trip ideas in Minnesota.

What are some small towns in Minnesota with the best restaurants in Minnesota?

If you love eating at locally owned mom and pop joints, then you must visit these small towns in Minnesota with the best restaurants:

  • Harmony, Fillmore County
  • Two Harbors, Lake County
  • New Ulm, Brown County
  • Jordan, Scott County
  • Staples, Todd/Wadena County
  • Lanesboro, Fillmore County
  • Crookston, Polk County
  • Red Wing, Goodhue County
  • Wabasha, Wabasha County
  • Clearwater, Stearns/Wright County

Don’t forget to visit our website to discover more about these small towns in Minnesota with the best restaurants. 

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Spring Grove, MN 55974, USA