11 Charming Small Towns in Minnesota You’ll Want to Call Home
If you’re thinking about moving to Minnesota, bustling cities like Minneapolis or Rochester might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Minnesota’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 11 charming small towns in Minnesota, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
1. Wells, MN
Median Sale Price: $136,000
Homes for sale in Wells | Apartments for rent in Wells
Known for its beautiful downtown, Wells is home to the historic Flame Theatre, which first opened in 1935 and continues to show movies to this day. Each summer, the town comes alive during the Wells Kernel Days. This festival celebrates the town’s agricultural roots with parades, live music, and delicious sweet corn. The town’s parks, including Half Moon Park, offer peaceful spots for picnics and leisurely walks around the lake.
2. New York Mills, MN
Median Sale Price: $225,000
Homes for sale in New York Mills | Apartments for rent in New York Mills
New York Mills is a small town in west-central Minnesota with a dynamic arts community and tons of quirky charm. The town hosts the annual Great American Think-Off, a philosophical debate competition that invites participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Art lovers will appreciate the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, which showcases local artists and offers a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The town also embraces its Finnish heritage, with the Finn Creek Open Air Museum giving people a glimpse into early Finnish-American life through restored buildings and traditional exhibits.
3. Maple Lake, MN
Median Sale Price: $318,000
Homes for sale in Maple Lake | Apartments for rent in Maple Lake
Maple Lake is a lakeside town with scenic beauty and a strong sense of tradition. Every March, the town celebrates its Irish heritage with the Maple Lake St. Patrick’s Day Festival. This lively event features a parade, Irish dancers, and plenty of green-themed fun. In the summer, locals take full advantage of Maple Lake, spending their weekends boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water. Maple Lake’s small but bustling downtown has cozy cafes and local shops, including OTC Vintage, known for its unique antiques.
4. Lauderdale, MN
Median Sale Price: $206,000
Homes for sale in Lauderdale | Apartments for rent in Lauderdale
Lauderdale is conveniently located just minutes from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Despite its proximity to the metro area, Lauderdale has maintained its quiet, residential charm, with parks like Lauderdale Community Park serving as a favorite gathering spot for picnics, sports, and outdoor fun. Each summer, the town hosts Lauderdale Day in the Park, a community event with live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages. Lauderdale’s location makes it an attractive option for those who want the peace of small-town life while staying close to the Twin Cities.
5. Hinckley, MN
Median Sale Price: $265,000
Homes for sale in Hinckley | Apartments for rent in Hinckley
Hinckley is probably best known for The Great Hinckley Fire in 1894. The fire devastated the area, however, it led to a resilient rebuilding effort. Today, visitors can learn about this pivotal event at the Hinckley Fire Museum, housed in the town’s restored railroad depot. Hinckley is also a popular destination for entertainment, thanks to Grand Casino Hinckley, where people enjoy gaming, live performances, and dining. For outdoor enthusiasts, St. Croix State Park is nearby, offering hiking, camping, and opportunities to explore the beauty of Minnesota’s wilderness.
6. Oronoco, MN
Median Sale Price: $565,000
Homes for sale in Oronoco | Apartments for rent in Oronoco
Every August, Oronoco transforms into an antique lover’s paradise with the Oronoco Gold Rush Day. This 3-day event hosts thousands of antique dealers and attracts treasure hunters from all over the Midwest. The town’s riverside location has excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. In the fall, the rolling hills surrounding Oronoco become a stunning canvas of autumn colors, perfect for scenic drives and hikes.
7. Slayton, MN
Median Sale Price: $205,000
Homes for sale in Slayton | Apartments for rent in Slayton
Slayton is located in southwestern Minnesota and has lovely prairie landscapes and a welcoming community. One of the town’s standout features is its proximity to Lake Shetek. This is the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota so you’ll find many locals here enjoying fishing, boating, and lakeside camping. Slayton also hosts the Murray County Fair each summer, a community favorite with local agriculture, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
8. New Richland, MN
Median Sale Price: $149,000
Homes for sale in New Richland | Apartments for rent in New Richland
New Richland is a quiet town in southern Minnesota. One of the highlights of the year is Farm & City Days, a lively festival that includes tractor pulls, a parade, and an antique car show. The town is surrounded by beautiful farmland and offers access to St. Olaf Lake, where locals enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming during the warmer months. New Richland’s strong agricultural heritage is reflected in its local businesses, with farmers markets and co-ops providing fresh produce and goods to the community.
9. Rock Creek, MN
Median Sale Price: $438,000
Homes for sale in Rock Creek | Apartments for rent in Rock Creek
Rock Creek’s biggest event is the annual Rock Creek Rodeo, where locals and visitors can watch bull riding, barrel racing, and enjoy a weekend of Western-style fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, Rock Creek has easy access to the St. Croix River, a favorite spot for canoeing, fishing, and camping. Additionally, the town’s proximity to Wild River State Park makes it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers who enjoy hiking or birdwatching. Rock Creek’s quiet charm and natural surroundings provide the perfect place for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
10. Canby, MN
Median Sale Price: $105,000
Homes for sale in Canby | Apartments for rent in Canby
Known as the “Gateway to the Prairie,” Canby is home to the Canby Depot, a restored train station that serves as a museum showcasing the area’s rail history. Each year, the town hosts the Canby’s Hat Daze, a quirky festival celebrating the town’s agricultural roots with tractor pulls, a 5K race, and a parade filled with creatively themed hats. The nearby Lac qui Parle Wildlife Management Area attracts birdwatchers and hunters with its abundance of waterfowl and scenic landscapes.
11. New London, MN
Median Sale Price: $295,000
Homes for sale in New London | Apartments for rent in New London
You’ll find New London tucked away in the rolling hills of central Minnesota. The town is home to a thriving arts community, with galleries and studios lining the downtown streets. Each summer, New London hosts the Little Crow Water Ski Show, a crowd-pleasing event on the Crow River, where acrobatic water skiers perform daring stunts. Sibley State Park, just minutes away, has beautiful trails and camping spots, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Methodology: The median home sale price is from the Redfin Data Center.
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