Small Town Charm Travel Ideas

• Foodies on Foot in Stillwater

  

  Host to an 1848 territorial convention leading to Minnesota's eventual statehood, Stillwater often is referred to as our birthplace. Add scenic bluffs, festivals, and charming waterside shopping, and there are many reasons to visit.
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• Hidden Minnesota

  

  Need a reason for a road trip? Here are 10 small towns—from Ely and Walker to Luverne and Lanesboro—that feature artisan gems, tasty eateries, historic treasures, and off-the-beaten-track experiences.
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• The Guns of Kasota: A Tankload of Fun

  I suppose the best attractions are those with a description that begins, "Where else but in Minnesota can you…?" Fill in the blank. In this case: Drive a tank.
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• Great Escapes: Four Weekend Getaways

  Great weekend getaways in Grand Marais, Northfield, Nisswa and Bloomington
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• Roadside Attractions in Southwestern Minnesota

  

  The number of kitschy roadside attractions (particularly of the “world’s largest” variety) in Minnesota is pretty ridiculous, but if your travels take you to any of the four corners of our state, you’ll definitely have some great photo opportunities. Here are a few you don’t want to miss.
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• Savor Small Towns on the King of Trails Byway

  

  Minnesota's King of Trails Scenic Byway is part of historic Highway 75, a true whopper of a road.
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• Inns with a Past: Historic Hotels & Lodges with a Story To Tell

  

  What do an old brewery, a jailhouse and a door factory, all built in the late 1800s, have in common today? They have all undergone amazing transformations, and are now charming, cozy inns.
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• Visit the Cannon River Winery

  

  Sample hand-crafted wines and tour Minnesota's wine country.
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• Mississippi River Valley: Arts & Wineries

  

  Follow the Mississippi through southeast Minnesota's charming, historic towns and partake of local theater, art, wine, and other attractions along the way.
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• SPAM MMMuseum! Delicious!

  

  It's pretty difficult to pass through Austin and not want to at least take a quick peek inside the 16,500 square feet of SPAM-filled fun.
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• Alexandria: The Wonder to the West

  

  If you’re wondering, “What’s in Alexandria?” (affectionately referred to as ‘Alex’ or ‘Alec’ by the locals), I can honestly say there is a lot to see and a lot to do in this part of the state.
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• Minnesota County Fairs

  

  Make it a blue ribbon summer by visiting Minnesota County Fairs.
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• Up Close with the Eagles in Wabasha

  

  See these majestic birds at Wabasha's National Eagle Center, on the bluffs of the Mississippi River.
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• The Not-So-Far Weekend Getaway: Northfield

  

  You won’t believe you’re less than an hour away from the bustling Twin Cities when you spend the weekend in Northfield. Quaint yet lively, this little button of a town has a little something for everyone.
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• A Grand Getaway at Grand Marais

  

  Grand Marais is a charming little town with big waters at its feet and big woods at its back.
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• Roadside Attractions Make Trips Wonderful

  

  For your next Minnesota road trip, set your sights on wonders and things larger-than-life. The state abounds with fantastic, giant roadside objects, mythical figures, and rarities such as the world’s largest ball of twine. Hit the road and take a look.
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• New York Mills Regional Cultural Center Showcases Creativity

  

  New York Mills has earned accolades as an art town, a funky town, and a great small town. One of its notable assets is the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, which showcases visual and performing arts, film, and more.
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• Enjoy Arts & Architecture in Winona

  

  Arts and architecture are a draw in Winona, in scenic Mississippi River bluff country.
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• Cycle the Glacial Lakes State Trail

  

  To see central Minnesota’s lake country and charming small towns, bike the Glacial Lakes State Trail, which extends northeast of Willmar to the Kandiyohi County line, passing through Spicer, New London, and Hawick.
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• Follow the Minnesota River Valley

  

  Visitors are embraced with old-fashioned hospitality along this route. Scenery includes rolling farmland, small towns, and historic sites, many of which highlight Dakota Indian heritage and the 1862 U.S.-Dakota War.
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• Tour Winona with Architecture App

  

  “Stories in Structure: Winona Architecture Tour” is a handy smart phone app and online resource to enhance your visit to this bluff country town.
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• Country Roads: Alexandria to Fergus Falls

  

  Explore central Minnesota's country roads, parks, lakes, and main streets between Alexandria and Fergus Falls.
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• From Duluth to the North Shore

  

  A great north shore trip starts in bustling Duluth and follows Lake Superior with breathtaking views, fun trails, and historic attractions all the way to Canada.
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