6 Of The Most Walkable Towns In Minnesota

Minnesota certainly has a lot going for it. Located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States with a northern border shared with the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario, it’s also a part of the Great Lakes region, sharing a Lake Superior shoreline with Wisconsin. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it also shares another characteristic with its neighbors: an abundance of charming communities waiting to be explored.

Minnesota’s small towns not only serve as great jumping-off points to explore the state’s scenery, but they also offer no end of fun things to do in town. The best of them are easy to explore on foot, with top attractions often centrally located and accessible even to those who don’t want to walk long distances between attractions. For ideas and inspiration, we’ve pulled together this list of six of the most walkable towns in Minnesota.

Stillwater

Just 25 miles from downtown Minneapolis on the banks of the scenic St. Croix River, Stillwater is one of Minnesota’s oldest and most picturesque towns. Dubbed the “Birthplace of Minnesota, “it was here in 1848 that the process of statehood began, with the actual spot where this event took place easy to find on the corner of Main Street and Myrtle. Other historic sites to include on a walking tour are the Warden’s House Museum, set in the former home of a local prison warden, and the Washington County Historic Courthouse, built in 1870 and one of the finest municipal buildings in the Midwest.

The iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge is also easy to get to on foot and now sees only pedestrian and bike traffic. Built in 1931, this iconic structure connects Stillwater with Houlton in Wisconsin and is especially nice to view at night when it’s lit up. It also connects an extensive network of walking trails on both sides of the river.

Red Wing

Red Wing is another lovely riverside town worth exploring. Set along the Mississippi River 45 miles downstream of St. Paul, its immensely walkable downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a fascinating place to explore on foot. Top attractions include the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, dedicated to the history of the famous manufacturer with tours of the still-working factory, and the historic Sheldon Theatre, built in 1904 and just steps from the town’s John Rich Park with its attractive old church.

Nearby Barn Bluff to the east of town is a must-see. While only two miles away, you’ll want to drive to this prominent geological feature with its hiking trails and panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the town. The Red Wing Marina, just a short walk from the downtown area, is a great place to hop aboard a river cruise along the Mississippi and rest those weary feet.

Grand Marais

Situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Grand Marais’ compact size and scenic setting make for an excellent walking experience. The highlight here is Grand Marais Harbor, a large natural bay protected by man-made break walls, each topped with charming little lighthouses. Follow the shoreline from scenic Artist Point along a section of the Gitchi Gami State Trail to Grand Marais Marina Vista Point. It’s only a mile walk around the bay, with attractions like Fish House Historic Landmark Museum, North House Folk School, and the Harbor Picnic Shelter to check out along the way.

Just a few minutes walk from the harbor, the Grand Marais Art Colony is a key cultural attraction in this part of the Great Lakes and offers workshops and classes in various arts and crafts. The town’s annual Fisherman’s Picnic is a great time for a visit. Held mid-summer for over 60 years, this much-loved local festival features live music, a parade, and various family-friendly activities. The Grand Marais Arts Festival in July is another great event to experience.

Northfield

Follow the I-35 south from Minneapolis to Northfield for another walkable small-town experience. Located along the Cannon River, this charming college town boasts a quaint downtown core that’s fun to explore on foot. Highlights include the Northfield Historical Society Museum with its displays relating to the town’s founding and the infamous 1876 bank raid by the James-Younger Gang, along with the lovely Bridge Square, a pretty park that’s a great place to rest the feet for a while.

From here you’re just seconds away from Northfield’s Riverwalk. This delightful riverside trail follows the Cannon River for some distance in either direction and can be included with other walking routes such as the Carleton Arboretum Trail and the East River Trail for a multi-mile hike. Northfield is also home to Carleton College and St. Olaf College, both of boasting campuses with walking paths and gardens.

Winona

Winona is another small town along the mighty Mississippi River that’s worth putting the ol’ walking shoes on for. Handy to get to, thanks to the I-90 just a few miles to the south, this walkable town is known for its attractive downtown area. Among its many well-preserved historic buildings is the landmark Winona National Bank, a stunning surviving example of Prairie School architecture designed by George Maher in the early 1900s.

From here, it’s just a short distance to the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Set overlooking the river, this state-of-the-art attraction houses an impressive collection of maritime art and exhibits, much of it related to the Mississippi. Nearby Sugar Loaf Bluff, with its hiking trails and views of the Mississippi River, offers more walking adventures.

Ely

Ely is not just a paradise for those who want to explore the town on foot but also for those who enjoy paddling. Located in the state’s northeast corner, its proximity to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness places it firmly on the radar of outdoor adventurers. Not only does Ely provide easy access to this wilderness area’s more than one million acres of stunning scenery, but it also features numerous trails and waterways of its own, enabling visitors to explore without having to venture too far afield.

Other notable attractions in Ely include the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center. Both provide unique opportunities to learn about and observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitats.

The Final Word

Minnesota’s small towns are worth considering if a day trip, a weekend getaway, or even a longer vacation is on the cards. These six small towns in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” offer opportunities to explore some of the state’s most exhilarating scenery and are also immensely walkable. In fact, here you may find yourself parking the car and forgetting about if or a few days.