Minnesota Small-Town Weekend Getaways
Some of Minnesota's best weekends happen in towns with one main street, a river or lake view and a café that knows its regulars. Small towns are easy to explore on foot, full of local shops and close to the outdoors.
Here are eight favorite getaways from the St. Croix Valley to the Canadian border, with highlights from each town's official sources. Hours and events change, so check ahead, especially in winter when some attractions keep shorter schedules.
Stillwater: river town charm
Stillwater sits on the St. Croix River just east of the Twin Cities, which makes it an easy first getaway. The downtown is full of historic buildings, boutiques, restaurants and river views. The star of the riverfront is the Stillwater Lift Bridge. Built in 1931, it once carried Highway 36 between Stillwater and Houlton, Wisconsin. After car traffic moved to the new St. Croix Crossing bridge in 2017, the Lift Bridge was converted to a walking and biking bridge in 2020. A stroll across it at sunset is a must. See what's happening this weekend on our Stillwater page.
Red Wing and Wabasha: bluffs and eagles
Head south along the Mississippi for two river towns that pair well. In Red Wing, hike up He Mni Can-Barn Bluff. The city says the South Trail is the easiest route to the summit at about 0.6 miles, and the Prairie Trail along the top leads to scenic overlooks at both ends. Continue down the river to Wabasha, home of the National Eagle Center. It cares for four rescued eagles and a red-tailed hawk, and you can watch wild eagles from its observation deck. From November through February, it's open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily except Tuesdays, with live eagle programs in the afternoon. Programs can sell out, so reserve seats if you can. Check our Red Wing page for local events.
Lanesboro: bluff country basecamp
Tucked among limestone bluffs in southeast Minnesota's Driftless region, Lanesboro is a favorite for bikers, paddlers and arts lovers. The Root River State Trail runs right through town, and the Root River is popular for paddling and fishing in warmer months. Lanesboro is known for cozy inns and B&Bs, local cafés, galleries and award-winning live theater. The area also offers Amish heritage tours and a historic stone dam. It's a place to slow down and stay a while. Before you go, look at the DNR's Root River State Trail page for any trail alerts. Find events on our Lanesboro page.
New Ulm: German heritage on the prairie
New Ulm greets visitors with a cheerful "Willkommen" and plenty of German heritage. It's known for festivals like Oktoberfest, a historic family brewery, and local shops downtown. Its most famous landmark is the Hermann Monument in Hermann Heights Park. The 102-foot monument was erected in 1897, patterned after a monument in Detmold, Germany. The city says the area inside the monument is currently closed to the public, but you can still view it from outside the fence. Check the city's website for updates. Plan your visit with our New Ulm page.
Nisswa: lakes country fun
In the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area, Nisswa is a classic small resort town with shops, restaurants and lakes all around. It's busy in summer, but it has plenty of winter spirit too. Nisswa's City of Lights celebration fills downtown on Friday, November 27, 2026. In winter, the 55th annual Nisswa Winter Jubilee runs February 12 to 14, 2027, with three days of winter fun. Summer brings the town's famous turtle races on Wednesdays. See what's on now at our Nisswa page.
Ely: gateway to the Boundary Waters
Ely sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and it feels like it. Outfitters, trailheads and lakes are everywhere. In winter, it's a hub for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding, with several sled dog outfitters listed by the local chamber. Don't miss the International Wolf Center, which teaches visitors about wolves and their place in the wild. In winter, its Ely center is open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Find more on our Ely page.
Grand Marais: harbor village on Lake Superior
Grand Marais is an artsy harbor village tucked between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. It has been named America's Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel, and it's easy to see why. Watch painters at Artist's Point capture sailboats and the lighthouse, browse local galleries and shops, or sign up for a class at the North House Folk School, which teaches traditional northern crafts. The Gunflint Trail starts here too, leading into the north woods. It's about two and a half hours from Duluth. Check our Grand Marais page before you head up the shore.
Tips for a smooth small-town weekend
Book lodging early for festival weekends and holidays, since small towns have limited rooms. Many shops and museums keep shorter hours in winter, so call ahead or check websites. Pack for the outdoors even if you're planning a cozy weekend. Many of these towns sit right next to trails, rivers and lakes. Browse our places to stay guide to find a cabin, inn or hotel. Check winter hours before driving to museums or attractions. Reserve lodging early for festival weekends. Bring traction cleats for bluff and lakeshore walks. Support local shops and cafés.
