'Welcoming' Minnesota Spot Named 'Best Small Town' In The Entire State
By Logan DeLoye
May 12, 2025
Minnesota is home to endless natural vistas, scenic locations, and charming small towns that exist as stray map dots off the beaten path of highways to urban jungles.
These alluring locations are often hidden gems, enjoyed by locals and visitors looking for peace away from the city. Small towns boast a slower pace of life, unique local culture, a strong sense of community, and, sometimes, a lower cost of living.
While there are hundreds of small towns scattered throughout Minnesota, only one is revered as the best!
According to a list compiled by World Atlas, the best small town in Minnesota is Grand Marais. This charming locale houses welcoming residents, quaint shops, and offers plenty of beautiful outdoor experiences without the traffic and crowds.
Here's what World Atlas had to say about the best small town in the entire state:
"Grand Marais, a rugged tourist town along the Great Lakes, is the perfect rest stop on Minnesota’s scenic North Shore Drive. Arts, nature, and culture come together to create a rare mixture of activities that suits every kind of traveler. As you enter the town’s boundaries, the first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of natural formations in the area. From rapid falls to lush forests, one can get lost in the beauty of Minnesotta’s outdoors. Delve in with a visit to the Judge C.R. Magney State Park, which is 15 minutes away. Visitors love this serene location because of its diverse landscapes. They can go hiking, camping, angling, and whitewater kayaking. For a more relaxing alternative, spend your time in town along Lake Superior’s north coast. As you walk along the Grand Marais Breakwater Trail, there is much to see and do in Grand Marais."
Check out World Atlas for a continued list of the best small towns across the country!