Here in Minneapolis, we're lucky to have enough restaurants, shops, and activities that you really don't ever need to leave if you don't want to. However, there are many fantastic places to visit outside of the Twin Cities, and it would be a shame to go without exploring them! After all, small-town Minnesota is about as charming as you can get. One of the most charming towns near Minneapolis? Cannon Falls.
Cannon Falls is located just over 40 miles southeast of Minneapolis.
One of the best places to stop in for a bite? Nick's Downtown Diner. Their all-day breakfast is scrumptious, and the whole menu is something to write home about.
And if you're in town during the summer months, stop by the Dairy Inn. This little restaurant just outside of town is a nostalgic blast from the past with delicious food to boot.
The Cannon River is also great for outdoor recreation. Kayak, canoe, and tube rentals make it easy for you to take part in all that the river has to offer.
If you'd like to extend your stay in Cannon Falls, several hotels and campgrounds are available. One of the most lovely is the Lake Byllesby Campground, complete with pretty lake views.
While there's plenty to do in Minneapolis, sometimes it's nice to venture out of the city. There are dozens of towns all around the Twin Cities that offer natural beauty, small-town charm, and plenty of fun without the traffic or busyness of a big city. If you're looking to get away from it all without venturing too far from the Twin Cities, plan a trip to these 15 small towns near Minneapolis where everyone knows your name.
Blink and you might miss Henderson, Minnesota. But this little town of fewer than 1,000 people is well worth a visit next time you're in the area. Located in the Minnesota River Valley, it's surrounded by tree-covered hills in every direction. Take a scenic drive through the farmlands, or visit the small but charming downtown area. If you're really looking for adventure, visit in June when the annual Sauerkraut Days festival is going on.
Anoka, Minnesota is the Halloween Capital of the World. But this town of 17,000 people is a delight to visit all year long. Downtown Anoka is lined with local shops and restaurants that are full of local flavor.
Marine on St. Croix is one of the most charming towns along the St. Croix River - and in Minnesota in general. The town centers on the historic Marine General Store, which dates back to 1849. It's still in operation today, and the nearby General Scoop ice cream shop just adds to the charm of this little town near Minneapolis.
Jordan is a small town of just 5,000 people. It is most known as the home of Minnesota's Largest Candy Store, but the town is so much more than a place to get sweets. Founded in 1853, the town is home to many historic buildings including the Jordan Brewery Ruins. These century-old buildings are covered in vines and backed by a hill of trees, making it one of the most picturesque spots in town.
It should come as no surprise that Stillwater is one of the loveliest towns around the Twin Cities. With a population of around 19,000 people, it's certainly not the smallest town on this list. But its charming downtown and location along the St. Croix River make it one of the most beautiful.
Home to 22,000 people, Hastings is another of the larger towns near Minneapolis on this list. But don't let its larger size fool you. This town is full of charm, from its historic downtown to its location at the confluence of three rivers. Downtown Hastings is an amazing place to wander on foot, but a quick scenic drive around town will do the trick if you're in a hurry.
This little town of about 5,000 people is centered on the farming that helped it grow. Today, the lovely main street of Glencoe draws in tourists who crave a small-town experience. The friendly people and charming downtown alone make Glencoe worth a visit.
About 70 miles outside the Twin Cities, St. Peter is a charming town of about 11,000 people. Home to Gustavus Adolphus College, the town does get busy at times. But its quiet beauty and historic downtown still give it the small-town atmosphere you are looking for.
About 20,000 people live in Northfield, and one visit to this charming town will tell you why. The historic downtown is full of picturesque buildings, including the famous First National Bank the Younger gang failed to rob in 1876. The Cannon River runs through town, making for beautiful sights no matter where you look.
Just 20 miles from Minneapolis, Excelsior has a population of around 2,000 people. But this little town keeps its urban feel with a bustling downtown lined with beautiful buildings. There's always something going on in Excelsior, and you'd be hard-pressed to visit during a time when it isn't full of people. But that's what makes visiting so fun.
About 50 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, Cannon Falls is a charming little town with a population of around 4,000 people. Downtown Cannon Falls is lined with lovely historic buildings that house local businesses. Also of note is the Cannon River, which flows into a small but pretty waterfall. This small town is well worth the drive from Minneapolis.
Afton is a lovely town just 30 miles outside of Minneapolis. The charming downtown makes it a good spot for day trips, and the Afton Alps draw in snowboarders and skiers from miles around. Whether or not you take part in winter sports, you'll love your visit to Afton.
Here's another spot in Minnesota that is full of small-town charm. New Prague is lined with historic buildings that house local shops and restaurants. Take a stroll through downtown to take in all of the sights in this small town of 7,000 people. It's only about a 50-minute drive from Minneapolis, and it's well worth the trip.
Lindstrom is one of the most unique towns in Minnesota. Just 41 miles north of Minneapolis, this town of about 4,400 has a Swedish heritage that is evident just about anywhere you look in its lovely downtown area. Another draw of this small town is its proximity to several lakes. In fact, if you look at Lindstrom from above, it looks like it could be an island because it is so surrounded by water.
Passing through Belle Plaine, Minnesota, you might be surprised that 6,600 people live there. This quiet town is as unassuming as they come, but that's what makes it so nice to visit. Because it's nestled in Minnesota prairie, there are a few spots around town where you can see Belle Plaine from above. The sight is gorgeous and well worth the drive from Minneapolis.
What do you think? Are there any other amazing small towns around Minneapolis that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below!
When the city gets to be too much, Minneapolitans are lucky to have many small towns to escape to. In any direction you go, a visit to a charming small town nearby will help you recharge and refresh. These towns are full of interesting sights, but the most important thing they offer is the peace and quiet you just can't get in the city. Next time you're feeling stressed, take a little trip to any of these slow-paced small towns near Minneapolis where life is still simple.
One of the bigger towns on this list, Hastings is located alongside where the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers meet. While it has a population of over 22,000 people, don't let its size fool you. This town is full of relaxing fun, river recreation to downtown shopping and dining. Don't forget to check out the falls of the Vermillion River while you're in town.
Just under 40 miles south of Minneapolis, Jordan is a small town of about 5,700 people. Whether you browse a local shop or try out a mom-and-pop restaurant, you'll come away refreshed. After you're fully recuperated, you might want to venture into Minnesota's Largest Candy Store. It's always a busy place, but the variety and novelty is like nothing else in Minnesota.
Just south of Minneapolis, Northfield stands as a testament to Minnesota history. It was built out of mills that once lined the Cannon River, and the town's history still shows to this day. Besides taking in the beautiful views, you can wander around historic Northfield on a peaceful afternoon. No matter the season, you won't regret your visit.
Perpetually topping lists of cutest towns in Minnesota, Stillwater is one of the best day trips you can make from Minneapolis. From the historic downtown to the riverfront views, you can easily fill an entire day with relaxation and fun in this St. Croix River town.
With a population of about 16,000 people, Red Wing is not the smallest town on this list, but it is among the most beautiful. Nestled among the bluffs of the Mississippi River, this town features some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Minnesota. Barn Bluff may be its most famous sight, but there are amazing views nearly anywhere you look. When you're all done taking in the scenery, take some time to wander downtown and explore Red Wing's long history.
Wayzata is a charming town located right on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. It's only a few miles from Minneapolis, so it's the perfect place to escape if you need a few moments to yourself. Gaze out on the lake, wander downtown, and check out some of the charming architectural details in this little town.
A town with a Swedish heritage, Lindstrom will take you out of the city like no other town will. From the small restaurants that line the main road to the teapot water tower to the dozens of lakes that populate the area, Lindstrom is a beautiful town that is well worth visiting.
About 40 miles north of Minneapolis, Buffalo is a bit further away than some of the other towns on this list, but it is more than worth the drive. The town is known for its active art scene that features frequent musical and theatrical performances. The town is also home to a lovely downtown that has several great antique shops. If you're looking to catch a show or do some shopping outside the hustle and bustle of Minneapolis, you may just want to visit Buffalo.
Marine on Marine on St. Croix is a historic town notable for its famous general store. The town was founded in 1839 and has retained much of its early charm ever since. The must-stop spot is Marine General store and it’s attached ice cream shop, General Scoop. They'll both take you back to simpler times, and you'll forget all about the busyness of the city.
Have you been to any of these slow-paced small towns near Minneapolis? Are there any other towns you like to visit to get a taste of the simple life? Share your favorites in the comments!
