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Small Town Charm

small town

There’s more to see and do than meets the eye in Minnesota’s small towns. Find big name festivals, unique boutiques, music and theater in the most unexpected places.

Small Town Charm Travel Ideas

  • Minnesota’s County Fairs 2013

    This is a listing of most of Minnesota’s county fairs, though some fairs had not confirmed their dates when this article was produced. 
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  • Past and Present Meet in Little Falls

    The lovely town of Little Falls sits at a scenic spot along the Mississippi River, and carries rich chapters of Minnesota’s history.
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  • Northfield's Downtown Delights

    In this charming college town along the Cannon River, the vibe along Main Street (named Division Street, actually) is both historic and hip.
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  • Park Rapids Packs in the Fun

    With its bounty of fishing lakes, scenic north woods, and dozens of lakeside resorts and campgrounds, the Park Rapids area has long been a popular vacation destination.
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  • Winter Getaway to Detroit Lakes

    Enjoy miles of scenic trails, geocaching, historic buildings, cute boutiques, and so much more.
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  • Nature and Culture Mingle in the Riverside Town of Lanesboro

    "I’d arrived in Lanesboro, a small town in southeastern Minnesota, earlier that day, and spent the morning familiarizing myself with the artsy river town of some 750 residents."
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  • Mysteries and Rarities At Central Minnesota History Museums

    Behold a mysterious runestone, rare manuscripts, and engravings and illustrations by the world's masters at two Central Minnesota museums.
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  • Beer & SPAM Museums Offer a Taste of History

    What do the Schell's Museum of Brewing in New Ulm and the SPAM Museum in Austin have in common? Both Southern Minnesota destinations celebrate the flavorful history of iconic products.
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  • Get a Taste of Hastings Wines, Orchards, and Shopping

    A short drive from the heart of the metro area, Hastings is a great getaway with Minnesota’s oldest winery, apple-picking at harvest time, and antique shopping in the historic downtown.
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  • Country Getaways Bountiful this Fall

    Fall is peak time to get out in the country and explore Minnesota’s back roads, see the splendor of fall foliage, savor home-grown products at harvest time, and celebrate at seasonal festivals.
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  • Tour Art Studios in Park Rapids and Bemidji

    Combine a scenic fall drive through northwest Minnesota with a weekend-long open studio event, and you’re bound to find breathtaking landscapes and creative wares.
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  • Bike the Central Lakes State Trail

    Roll through picturesque countryside and communities from Fergus Falls to Osakis. This former railroad line is relatively flat and easy to ride—perfect for cycling families and groups of all ages and abilities.
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  • Great Escapes: Four Weekend Getaways

    Great weekend getaways in Grand Marais, Northfield, Nisswa and Bloomington
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  • Alexandria: The Wonder to the West

    If you’re wondering, “What’s in Alexandria?” (affectionately referred to as ‘Alex’ or ‘Alec’ by the locals), I can honestly say there is a lot to see and a lot to do in this part of the state.
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  • The Not-So-Far Weekend Getaway: Northfield

    You won’t believe you’re less than an hour away from the bustling Twin Cities when you spend the weekend in Northfield. Quaint yet lively, this little button of a town has a little something for everyone.
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