5 Ultra-Walkable Minnesota Towns You Won’t Want To Miss! Is Your Town On the List?
🚶♂️ Lace up your walking shoes and get ready to fall in love with these incredibly walkable Minnesota towns! These are the top 5 in the state. 😍 #News #TravelNews #MinnesotaTravel
WOODBURY, MN – There’s something special about being able to explore a charming small town entirely on foot. You can really soak in the local character and ambiance at a leisurely pace without having to worry about parking or traffic.
Walkable towns often have a quaint, picturesque downtown area with unique shops, restaurants and historical buildings. They’re perfect for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway.
Minnesota is renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Did you know it also boasts several towns that are incredibly walkable? It’s true! They are ideal destinations for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five of the most walkable towns in Minnesota, highlighting their unique attractions and the reasons why they’re worth a visit.
🐺 Ely: Outdoor Paradise and Wildlife Encounters
Located in northeastern Minnesota, Ely is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This small town provides easy access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast expanse of untouched wilderness featuring numerous lakes and waterways perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
In addition to its proximity to this natural wonderland, Ely itself offers a variety of hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife encounters. Be sure to visit the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center to learn about and observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
➡️ RELATED: Minnesota Trail Guide: Exploring The Gitchi-Gami State Trail (North Shore, MN)
🎨 Grand Marais: Artistic Inspiration on Lake Superior’s Shore
Situated along the North Shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais is a compact town with a big personality. Its scenic setting and thriving arts community make it an attractive destination for creatives and nature lovers alike.
Take a leisurely stroll around Grand Marais Harbor, following the shoreline from Artist Point to the Marina Vista Point, and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and the quaint lighthouses that dot the breakwalls.
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Don’t miss the chance to visit the Grand Marais Art Colony, where you can participate in workshops and classes covering various artistic mediums.
🎓 Northfield: A Charming College Town with a Notorious Past
Heading south from Minneapolis, you’ll find the delightful college town of Northfield. Situated along the Cannon River, Northfield’s downtown area is a pleasure to explore on foot. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Northfield Historical Society Museum, which showcases exhibits related to the town’s founding and the infamous 1876 bank raid by the James-Younger Gang.
Take a break in the lovely Bridge Square park before embarking on the Northfield Riverwalk, a scenic trail that follows the Cannon River and can be combined with other local trails for a longer hike. Be sure to also check out the campuses of Carleton College and St. Olaf College, both of which feature inviting walking paths and gardens.
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👢 Red Wing: Historic Charm and River Views
Red Wing, located along the Mississippi River, is another town that’s perfect for a walkable getaway. Its historic downtown district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is filled with fascinating attractions.
Visit the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum to learn about the history of this iconic manufacturer and take a tour of the still-operating factory. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the historic Sheldon Theatre and the nearby John Rich Park.
For a change of scenery, drive to nearby Barn Bluff for hiking trails and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and the town below.
🎭 Winona: Arts, Culture, and Stunning Architecture
Our home town of Winona, situated along the Mississippi River, is a small town with a big focus on arts and culture. Its well-preserved historic downtown area features stunning examples of architecture, including the landmark Winona National Bank, designed by George Maher in the early 1900s.
➡️ RELATED: Things To Do In Winona, Minnesota: The Ultimate Guide From A Local [2024]
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of maritime art and exhibits related to the Mississippi River. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby Sugar Loaf Bluff offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
😍 Exploring Minnesota’s Walkable Towns
Minnesota’s small towns offer a perfect combination of natural beauty, history, and charm, making them ideal destinations for those who love to explore on foot. From the wilderness adventures of Ely to the artistic allure of Grand Marais, and from the historic charm of Red Wing to the cultural attractions of Winona, each of these walkable towns has something unique to offer visitors.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation, these five Minnesota towns are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. So, pack your walking shoes and get ready to discover the hidden treasures that await you in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Happy travels!
➡️ RELATED: The Midwest Is The Best! Find What City Has Been Named America’s Most Walkable!
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🗣 Have you been to any of these cities? What Minnesota towns do you think are the most walkable? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
