The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Minnesota

Sophia White

The Gopher State; The North Star State; The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota‘s nicknames point to the state’s affinity with nature. Towns often lie beside lakes or national parks and architecturally, are a mixture of Colonial America, Scandinavia and Germany. We check out 10 towns which showcase this Midwestern state.

Biwabik

With of population skirting around 1000 and one-tenth of the land area being covered by water, Biwabik is a great place to get away from the bustle of the big city. The majority of the buildings take inspiration from Bavaria and Scandinavia, with the original settlers having predominantly come from Finland and Germany. This, combined with the nearby mountains, may fool you into thinking that you are in an Alpine town.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Biwabik, MN, USA

Biwabik

Ely

Ely has stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities and its fair share of independent pubs and bars. It is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a 4,400-square-meterwilderness area, which is one of the most visited in the country and particularly for watersports as it is one of the world’s foremost canoeing destinations.

Ely, MN, USA

Grand Marais

With its year-round festivals, close proximity to the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, and nearby Gunflint Trail with its copious outdoor activity options, it is no wonder that Grand Marais is a popular tourist destination in all seasons.

Grand Marais, MN, USA

Lanesboro

Bed and Breakfast

The bed and breakfast capital of Minnesota also serves as a prominent arts and culture destination and outdoor adventure haven. Lanesboro’s historic district is a testament to local living and the slower pace of life from days gone by, with no chain stores or fast food outlets, and a notable absence of stop lights. State parks, fish hatcheries, the National Scenic Byway, and over 60 miles of the Root River Trail provide insight into the different natural elements that Minnesota has to offer.

Lanesboro, MN, USA

Lindstrom

Taking its name from Swedish settler Daniel Lindstrom, who arrived in the city in 1853, Lindstrom retains much of its Scandinavian charm in its architecture, culture and language, with the town still having close connections with its sister towns in Sweden. There are a number of novel features throughout the town, including antique stores, log houses and lodges, the Lutheran churches and, most notably, the Swedish Coffee Pot Tower.

Lindstrom, MN, USA

Pipestone

Evidence of Pipestone’s history and natural surroundings can be found across the town, from its architecture to its popular visitor attractions. Many of the buildings are made from locally quarried rock, making the town’s façade one that is deeply rooted in the area. The Pipestone National Monument, with its historic quarries, Prairies and the Winnewissa Waterfall, is the town’s biggest attraction.

Pipestone, MN, USA

Red Wing

Red Wing has become listed as a distinctive destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation due to its ‘impressive architecture and enviable natural environment’. The downtown Main Street area retains much of the charms of the town’s 19th century origins. Red Wing is also home to a prominent shoe company and, fittingly, the World’s Largest Boot.

Red Wing, MN, USA

Red Wing, Minnesota | Courtesy of Laura Blair Johnson

Red Wing, Minnesota | Courtesy of Laura Blair Johnson

Stillwater

The birthplace of Minnesota. Stillwater was first established in 1848, nestled in one of the bluffs of the St Croix river and within throwing distance of Wisconsin. It is just outside the Twin Cities, so attracts many visitors who are looking for a quick jaunt to historic surroundings; many are taken aback by the dramatic river views to one side and rocky outcrops on the other. The historic downtown district, with the courthouse, lift bridge and Main Street, takes you back through Minnesota’s 166-year history.

Stillwater, MN, USA

Taylors Falls

Bed and Breakfast

Taylors Falls is on the Dalles area of the river, with dramatic forested bluffs and high cliffs, so whether you are enjoying the view by boat, canoe, bike or looking up to vantage points, it is definitely worth taking the time to make the most of the views. There are a number of quirky and historic buildings, most notably the oldest public school in Minnesota, first built in 1852, and a former jail house which now serves as a bed and breakfast.

Taylors Falls, MN, USA

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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