Minnesota's Cutest Small Towns: 9 Perfect Day Trips

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Antonia exploring downtown Lindstrom, one of Minnesota's cutest small towns.

If you're looking for charming day trips, you'll be happy to hear that some of Minnesota's cutest small towns are just a short drive from Minneapolis and Saint Paul (everything on this list is under 2 hours!). I love exploring Minnesota's small towns. Day trips are a great way to get a change of scenery and support local communities. And, these cute Minnesota towns invite you to slow down, browse a little longer, and maybe even stay for dessert.

Ready for a cute day trip from Minneapolis? Start here with my top picks! Whether you're planning a solo adventure, a girls' day out, or a family outing, these destinations deliver walkable downtowns, great local eats, and plenty to do. From river towns to Scandinavian-inspired villages, these 9 small towns in Minnesota rank highly amongst the best places to visit near Minneapolis. Plus, I've included my favorite things to do, places to eat, and a few hotel ideas to help you plan your day!

Taylors Falls

About 1 hour from Minneapolis.

Perched along the St. Croix River, Taylors Falls is a storybook river town (with a little rust around the edges). The vibe here is undoubtedly outdoorsy, with dramatic cliffs and river views everywhere you look. Plus, there are plenty of great antique and boutique stops that make Taylors Falls feel like a big treasure hunt!

A beautiful view of the bluffs along the river near Taylors Falls.

Spend the morning hiking at Interstate State Park. This is where you'll find Minnesota's famous glacial potholes. Afterward, grab lunch at Juneberry Cafe. They have great salads and sandwiches! I also really like their cookies. After lunch, you can browse the charming shops along the main street of Taylors Falls. You'll find everything from antiques to pottery. If you time it right, you can even visit one of Minnesota's oldest libraries! Taylors Falls Public Library has been in operation since the late 1800s.

Of course, a round or two at Adventure Falls Miniature Golf is a great way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. Afteward, stop at The Drive-In Restaurant for classic burgers and root beer. This is one car-hop experience you won't soon forget!

If you want to stay overnight, Wannigan Point Cabins Resort is a cozy and relaxing home base for exploring Taylors Falls. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder Taylors Falls ranks highly among the best small towns to visit in Minnesota.

Red Wing

About 75 minutes from Minneapolis. Make it even more fun by taking the Amtrak from Saint Paul to Red Wing!

Historic charm meets outdoor adventure in Red Wing (one of Minnesota's cutest small towns along the Mississippi River!). Downtown is full of brick buildings, boutique shops, and riverfront views, making wandering without a plan half the fun!

The chai cake from Scarlet Kitchen & Bar.

You can fill a whole day just exploring downtown Red Wing! Explore the Red Wing Shoe Museum for a bit of local history. Don't forget to snap a picture with the iconic giant boot! Then, stroll through the town's lively historic district. You'll find tons of cute shops, including local artists, an indie bookstore, and a Scandinavian gift shop.

Levee Park is a great spot to enjoy views of the river and watch barges move downstream. Or, climb Barn Bluff for one of the best overlooks in the state! You can see all of downtown Red Wing and the Mississippi River from atop the bluff.

For breakfast, grab coffee and pastries at Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop. This bakery has been voted the best in Minnesota! Nearby, Mandy's Coffee & Café is another great spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. For a more leisurely pace, try Scarlet Kitchen & Bar. They have a fantastic all-day menu and a summer rooftop with river views.

If you want to turn your visit into an overnight trip, the historic St. James Hotel is the perfect riverside stay.

New Ulm

Less than 2 hours from Minneapolis.

With its German heritage, New Ulm is one of my favorite cute day trips from Minneapolis. The town has a lively yet relaxed vibe, especially around its historic downtown and riverfront parks. Plus, the town's German roots inspire everything from local monuments to delicious menus.

Antonia and her young daughter stand near a mural in downtown New Ulm.

Visit the towering Hermann the German monument for sweeping views of downtown New Ulm. Just remember to bring cash for the small entrance fee. For a bit of local history, check out the Brown County Historical Society Museum. Then, downtown New Ulm features several blocks of cute shops (including an indie bookstore) and eateries, along with its famous Glockenspiel. This city clock chimes multiple times a day (featuring a whopping 37 bells!). You can also tour the famous Schell's Brewery (it's one of the oldest breweries in the country!).

When it's time to eat, Kaiserhoff Restaurant serves classic German dishes. Meanwhile, Lola's Bistro offers a cozy modern menu with broad appeal. But, the Rathskeller at Turner Hall is my favorite restaurant in New Ulm. I think they have the best Reuben in Minnesota!

If you're staying overnight, Best Western Plus New Ulm is comfortable and offers easy access to downtown. With so many lovely shops and things to do, it is unsurprising that New Ulm is one of Minnesota’s cutest small towns!

Lindström

Less than 1 hour from Minneapolis.

A woman holds a wine slushie near the vineyard at Winehaven Winery.

Nicknamed "America's Little Sweden," Lindström is packed with Scandinavian charm. Its Swedish roots are a major reason why Lindström is easily one of Minnesota's cutest small towns. And, you'll notice the playful Swedish touches right away, from the giant coffee pot water tower to the cheerful downtown murals. In the summer, the coffee pot steams at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Swedish pancakes from Gustaf's On Main Eatery.

Spend time browsing the small shops along Lindström's split main streets. There are charming shops and eateries along both corridors. Don't miss The Oven Mitt. It's one of my favorite kitchen stores in Minnesota! I always try to pop into the Swedish Gift Store and Glädje, too. There are also plenty of places to thrift and find antiques. Near downtown, Allemansrätt Park is a great spot to take a walk, birdwatch, and soak in some lake views. If you enjoy wineries, Winehaven Winery is a short drive away. It's one of my favorite wineries in Minnesota.

Start your mornings at the Lindström Bakery. They have a fantastic selection of baked goods, including cardamom buns (my top pick!). Meanwhile, Gustaf's Eatery serves classic breakfast and lunch fare (often with a Swedish twist!). They are one of my favorite restaurants in Minnesota. The owners are so kind, and the food always hits just right!

If you want to make it an overnight stay, Nordic Harbor offers recently renovated lakefront rooms in nearby Center City. They also have a great rooftop for drinks and small bites!

Northfield

About 45 minutes from Minneapolis.

College-town vibes and historic charm make Northfield one of the most vibrant small towns in Minnesota to visit near Minneapolis. The downtown is filled with shops, eateries, and green spaces (thanks in part to the presence of Carleton College and St. Olaf College). I used to live and work in Northfield, so it has a very special place in my heart!

Inside Northfield's independent bookstore.

The downtown is a great place to start! Walk along the Cannon River, which runs right through downtown. As you stroll, browse independent bookstores and other local shops. I like to pop into The Measuring Cup to look at kitchen gadgets and new cookbooks! You can also learn about the town's famous Jesse James bank raid at the Northfield Historical Society. Carleton's Cowling Arboretum is a wonderful place to take a walk. They have gravel and paved paths filled with trees and wildflowers.

Grab pastries at Brick Oven Bakery. They have super cute sugar cookies if you've brought the kids along (or grab one as a special treat for later). Little Joy Coffee is another great option if you want to linger over a cup of coffee. For lunch, try local favorites like Hogan Brothers or The HideAway (both with great downtown locations!). You can even take your food to go and enjoy it on a sunny bench in Bridge Square.

If you decide to stay overnight, Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Northfield offers comfortable rooms right along the river within walking distance of downtown.

Stillwater

About 30 minutes from Minneapolis.

Few places capture the charm of Minnesota's cutest small towns quite like Stillwater. This historic St. Croix River town is enchanting year-round. Stillwater's walkable downtown is full of personality! Downtown streets are lined with antique stores, scenic river views, and intimate eateries.

Browse the town's many bookstores and boutiques. You will find anything and everything in Stillwater! Popping in and out of cute shops is the only reason you need to visit! Then, cross the Stillwater Lift Bridge for a great photo. The bridge carries you all the way across the St. Croix River to Wisconsin. For something unique to do, ride the Stillwater Trolley or book a river cruise. If you have kids with you, you can't miss the Teddy Bear Park (it's one of the best playgrounds in Minnesota!).

For food, there are endless options in Stillwater! You'll find everything from quick-casual spots and hearty diners to fancy date nights by candlelight. Here are a few spots I recommend. Start your day at Mon Petit Cheri. This is my go-to spot for coffee and amazing pastries! Then, LoLo American Kitchen is a great choice for bold, globally-inspired flavors. I also really like The Wild Hare for its fresh twist on favorites like burgers and tacos (this one is vegan-friendly).

If you want to make a weekend of it, Hotel Crosby offers downtown rooms with a rooftop hot tub. It’s the perfect home base for exploring one of Minnesota’s cutest small towns.

Excelsior

About 30 minutes from Minneapolis.

Lakefront charm defines Excelsior. And, it's one of the easiest, cutest day trips from Minneapolis (only 30 minutes away!). Right on Lake Minnetonka, the town has a relaxed, lakeside vibe filled with sailboats, ice cream shops, and waterfront green spaces.

Spend time exploring Excelsior Commons Park. It's a great spot to enjoy views of the marina and lake. If you're lucky, the Tommy’s Tonka Trolley will be open, and you can grab ice cream for your stroll, too. They serve Sebastian Joe's ice cream! Licks Unlimited is another great stop for ice cream in Excelsior. As you meander downtown, browse the local shops. You'll find everything from antiques and an independent bookstore to baby boutiques. Make your day more fun by taking a ride on the historic streetcar.

Grab drinks on the patio at Excelsior Brewing Company. When you're hungry, try Coalition Restaurant for elevated comfort food. Or, have a casual bite at Maynards. The huge, waterfront outdoor patio makes a summer stop more than worth it! If you haven't had your fill of ice cream, Adele’s Frozen Custard is just outside of downtown, and it's my favorite of the spots mentioned.

If you want to stay overnight, Hotel Excelsior offers cozy accommodations steps from the water. With so many fun things to do and places to eat, it’s no wonder Excelsior is a favorite among the best small towns to visit in Minnesota.

St. Peter

About 75 minutes from Minneapolis.

If you love quiet charm and beautiful architecture, St. Peter is one of the most underrated cute day trips from Minneapolis. The town has a welcoming, artsy vibe thanks to nearby Gustavus Adolphus College.

Spend your visit strolling the historic downtown. Lined with trees, there are plenty of shops along Minnesota Avenue to keep you busy! Then, get a glimpse of local history at the Treaty Site History Center. Or, stop by the Hillstrom Museum of Art (located on campus at Gustavus Adolphus College). The Gustavus Arboretum is a free activity with plenty of places to walk and enjoy local blooms. If you want to hike or bike along the Minnesota River, try the Minnesota River Trail. It's great for bird watching!

River Rock Coffee is a great place to start your morning! It offers a relaxed café atmosphere with plenty of delicious eats and drinks. Nicollet Cafe is a beloved local diner for its pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Plus, Patrick's on Third is a longtime local favorite for its burgers. For a sweet treat, head to Sota Scoops.

If you decide to stay overnight, Best Western Plus Saint Peter provides a comfortable lodging option close to St. Peter's charming downtown.

The North Loop in Minneapolis

This is a charming Minneapolis neighborhood!

Fall leaves along a street in the North Loop.

If you want the feel of a small town without leaving the city, the North Loop delivers in a big way. While this technically isn't a small town, the North Loop neighborhood offers many of the same perks without the drive. This warehouse district has quickly become one of the trendiest pockets of Minneapolis. Expect brick streets, stylish boutiques, and some of the city's best restaurants.

A coffee and pastry near fall mums in the North Loop.

Spend time shopping at local stores. You'll find everything from Madewell and Lululemon to locally-owned spots like Madge Home + Market. Of course, Bellecour is a fantastic kitchen store! Just steps away, join up with the Mississippi Walking Trail to stroll along the riverfront. There is a playground here, too (North Loop Playground)! Level up your day trip to the North Loop with a round or two of indoor mini golf at Puttshack. Of course, you're also just blocks away from everything downtown Minneapolis has to offer.

Grab a coffee at Backstory Coffee Roasters or Fairgrounds Craft Coffee and Tea. Both offer great coffee and food (but very different vibes!). Then, Spoon and Stable is a must for elevated dining. Red Cow is perfect for burgers and craft beer. And, Maison Margaux is a local favorite for its French classics.

For a stylish overnight stay, the Hewing Hotel offers rooftop views and cozy rooms. Their on-site dining is fantastic, as well!

Have Fun Visiting Some of Minnesota’s Cutest Small Towns

A young girl stands near a fountain in German Park in New Ulm, one of Minnesota's cutest small towns.

One of my favorite things about living in Minneapolis is how easy it is to get out of the city for a day of exploring. Many of Minnesota's cutest small towns are within a short drive, making them perfect for spontaneous adventures. In fact, everything on this list is within 2 hours of the city! Whether you're planning cute day trips from Minneapolis or just need a change of scenery, each of these destinations offers its own unique personality. Use this list to enjoy Minnesota day trips filled with great food, local shops, and scenic views. Sometimes the best adventures really are just down the road. I hope you have a great time exploring some of my favorite small towns in Minnesota!

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.

9 Cutest Small Towns in Minnesota (All Perfect Day Trips from Minneapolis)