10 of the Loveliest Lakeside Towns in Minnesota

Minnesota’s reputation for gorgeous lakes isn’t just marketing hype.

From historic shipping ports to quaint fishing villages turned vacation hotspots, here are 11 must-visit Minnesota lake towns that’ll make you want to pack your bags and hit the road.

Grand Marais

Nestled along Lake Superior’s North Shore, some 100 miles northeast of Duluth, this little harbor town has charmed many an upper-Midwest traveler.

The Ojibwe originally called it “Kitchi-bitobig,” and now Grand Marais attracts artists and outdoor lovers alike.

Kayak the calm harbor, hike to Devil’s Kettle waterfall, or explore local galleries showing off North Shore talent. The North House Folk School, founded in 1997, continues to offer woodworking and traditional craft classes.

Locals suggest arriving early for World’s Best Donuts and staying late for fresh-caught fish at Angry Trout Cafe, which is located in a converted fishing shanty.

Excelsior

In the late 1800s, Excelsior was a popular vacation spot for wealthy Minnesotans, with hotels like the Excelsior House in its backyard.

After residents stopped bulldozers in 1971, this birthplace of Tonka Toys kept its old-fashioned Lake Minnetonka charm.

Today, you can take a ride on the restored Minnehaha streetcar boat, relax at Commons Park—the lake’s only public beach, or grab some lakeside views downtown.

Water Street has unique boutiques and Excelsior Brewing Company’s lakeside taproom, while Licks Unlimited has sold homemade ice cream since 1979.

The town’s Fourth of July parade, Minnesota’s oldest ongoing patriotic celebration, attracts visitors from all over the state.

Detroit Lakes

Detroit Lakes was founded as a resort town in the 1870s. And where three different ecosystems meet, you’ll find Minnesota’s largest public beach stretching a full mile along clear waters.

Summers bring the 10,000 Lakes Festival and impressive water ski shows, while winter’s Polar Fest features a huge ice palace and the exciting “Freeze Your Buns Run.”

The Becker County Museum, located in a historic 1911 building, tells the story of the Dakota and Ojibwe tribe settlements. Year-round fun awaits at Detroit Mountain, where people enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and scenic hiking trails.

Walker

Record-breaking muskies swim in the massive Leech Lake, where this quirky town celebrates the humble eelpout fish with February’s famous festival.

Walker was once a bustling center for logging and timber industries, with mills along the shores of Leech Lake. Ride the Paul Bunyan State Trail, shop at Lundrigans Clothing (operating since 1917), or hire a boat to mysterious Ten Mile Point.

The historic Chase on the Lake lobby displays logging-era artifacts, while Portage Brewing Company serves craft beer in a converted hardware store.

White Bear Lake

Founded in the mid-1800s, White Bear Lake was once a popular vacation destination for early settlers from the Twin Cities.

Ojibwe stories tell of a magical bear kidnapping a chief’s daughter, giving this town its memorable name.

Pond hockey’s a big thing here. When water levels allow, walk up to Manitou Island across a sometimes-submerged path. The White Bear Yacht Club still leads the social scene, while downtown antique shops and the 1885 Fillebrown House (once home to the town’s early wealthy families) show off the town’s Victorian past.

Lakeside dining at Admiral D’s offers sunset views, best enjoyed after trying Swedish specialties from Grandma’s Bakery, a local favorite since 1979.

Stillwater

Stillwater was established in 1848 and quickly grew into one of Minnesota’s busiest river ports.

Lumber barons built mansions on dramatic 50-foot river bluffs in this historic port, where the Younger brothers once served time in the territorial prison.

Authentic paddlewheel boats still cruise the St. Croix, while Main Street’s 100+ historic buildings now hold boutiques, restaurants, and Northern Vineyards’ tasting room.

The historic Stillwater Lift Bridge, which opened in 1931, is still in use today as part of Highway 36 and connects the town to Wisconsin. For panoramic views, climb the centuries-old outdoor staircase before sampling craft beers at Lift Bridge Brewery.

Park Rapids

Park Rapids, back in the late 1800s served as an important trading post, where America’s greatest river begins as a small stream across the start of the mighty Mississippi in nearby Itasca State Park.

The town’s unusually wide Main Street, built for ox carts, now has candy shops and local eateries. The Red Bridge, built in 1931, still stands as a beautiful example of early 20th-century engineering.

Crystal-clear lakes of the Mantrap chain offer peaceful paddling, while the Heartland Trail invites cyclists. Don’t miss homemade pie at 3rd Street Market or the fun collection at Toys For Boys, which, despite its name, welcomes everyone.

Crosslake

Crosslake was settled in the late 1800s and quickly became a major stop on the rail line that ran through the area.

The Pine River crosses fourteen lakes here, creating a paradise for anglers targeting the Whitefish Chain’s plentiful walleye.

Climb the historic fire tower for breathtaking views or visit Pioneer Village’s authentic logging-era buildings. Though home to just 2,000 year-round residents, the town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade draws over 10,000 green-clad visitors.

The Crosslake Historic Society operates a small museum dedicated to the town’s early history, showcasing tools, photographs, and local artifacts. Start mornings with Riverside Inn’s famous caramel rolls, and end evenings with locally-brewed beer at 14 Lakes Brewing, located in a beautifully converted former church.

Alexandria

Vikings may have visited long before Columbus, if the controversial Kensington Runestone found here is real.

Alexandria, founded in the 1850s, served as a key trading post for Native American tribes. The 28-foot-tall “Big Ole” Viking statue stands over downtown cornered by specialty shops.

The Alexandria Depot, a historic train station built in 1909, now serves as a museum. With over 200 surrounding lakes, outdoor fun is aplenty.

Waconia

Established in the mid-1800s, Waconia has now become an agricultural hub. Just a half-hour from Minneapolis, around a 3,200-acre lake with mysterious Coney Island, the place was once home to a lavish resort now preserved as parkland.

The Waconia History Museum, housed in the old Waconia High School building, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the area’s past. Minnesota’s first combined winery and brewery, Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, welcomes visitors for tastings with lake views.

Downtown, the restored Paradise Theatre and Iron Tap brewery anchor the historic district, while J. Carver Distillery makes spirits from local grains. Spring draws crowds to Narcissus Flower Farm for pick-your-own seasonal flowers.