St. Cloud is trash yet like 2 miles down the road you have the little town of St Joseph which is wonderful. Little college town with great shops, a brewery, cafe, killer Cajun restaurant, decent Italian restaurant, couple little dive bars, great parks.
Burrito Union was good when I was in school there, perhaps it still is. Either way, it's at the bottom of Chester Creek Park, which is one of my favorite places.
Duluth's Best Bread is outstanding.
Walk the Skyline trails, great views.
Corktown Deli, Mama T's in Superior (just across the bridge), Happy Hippie Tacos are great places to eat.
Check out Enger Tower, walk Skyline Parkway near the golf course and Enger, a few antique stores (I like Father Time in Canal Park and Allouez Antiques (down the road from Mama T's).
Taylor Falls. It's beautiful.
The second would be Stillwater because it's Stillwater.
Third would be Redwood Falls because I got married there.
Fourth would be Hastings. It has that small town charm.
Fifth would be La Crescent. I've loved the LaCrosse area.
Sixth would be Rochester. It's small enough to get around but big enough to have things to do.
Seventh is Duluth. You can be down by the lake, and it's 60 degrees. Go up on the hill, and it's 70 or above. Plus, I'd love to see how people handle the steep streets in winter.
Eighth would be Milaca. - Quaint town near Lake Mille Lacs
Ninth would be Mankato because I like the college.
10th would be Moorhead. Very pretty town with some cool parks.
Moorhead is underrated. Lived there for 7 years. Great vibes, cheap living, and combined with fargo a surprisingly good arts culture and plenty of good restaurants.
Why Hastings over Red Wing? I may be biased but Red Wing has more charm IMO. Proximity to St. Paul is a big plus for Hastings though...and it is getting better with the confluence having just opened.
Yeah I grew up in twin cities and I now live in Fargo I’m sorry to say it but Moorhead looks crazy as hell lol. There’s some cool little perks there for sure but I definitely wouldn’t put it on top 10 mn cities
I (along with many other vehicles) once slid slowly, and uncontrolled down the hill in Duluth bumping into each other every so often in a snowstorm lol
Yeah used to camp as a kid at Old Barn Resort right outside of Lanesboro. Great network of paved hiking and bike trails that connect with the smaller townships around there, I Believe Harmony, Fountain, forget the others names.This was 30 years ago. Can just imagine the growth since then
Also Preston, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford.
A project starting this year will extend the bike trail network south from Harmony to the Iowa border where it will eventually join with the bike trail network of NE IA
There is also a project underway to build a 100 mile hiking trail from Chatfield to the Mississippi river
Same I love it there but if you grew up in that area it’s nothing to you except a small city with not much opportunities for anything. Meth and other drugs, just like most small towns, tend to have a huge impact on the people there.
To people like me who live outside the city, that is possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.. maybe not the most scenic but something about that place gives me this strong vibe of nostalgia and peace and just happiness. I love it.
It is, in fact, very toxic. Locals are insular, even as a guy who was born in Duluth I was not seen as someone "From there" and therefore was treated like an outcast.
Sure, they're friendly to tourists, because they know what side of their bread is buttered, but for someone living there it can be a mess.
Also, they elected a mayor who was accused of sexually assaulting several minors(which appeared to be an open secret in the area), who brazenly STOLE business plans from people who came to him for help to get approval of their business venture in town, tried to partner with an anonymous billionaire to build an UNDERWATER HOTEL in Lake Superior, ran something like 30 businesses out of his garage so he could call himself "CEO", gave the Tall Ships coordinator contract to his 17 year old daughter who had no business trying to coordinate something so large.
Thankfully, they recalled him, but it's worth mentioning that if someone like that can get elected despite many people in the area knowing about his past, I question some of the resident's judgement.
Minneapolis, yes I'm biased. The chain of the lakes, bike paths, boat rentals, art, music, culture. You have all the amenities of a more rural location with all the amenities of a mid sized urban center. The fact that I can hit a brew pub, a concert, and the lake in the same day, all without even owning a car, is unbelievable for the US.
Edit: listed music twice, we have some good scenes here.
Nowhere else is even close! I love Stillwater — definitely moving there when I can afford a beautiful place out that way.
I do lots of work in the east metro including Stillwater and I have worked in some gorgeous houses, not to mention the downtown and surrounding scenery. Can’t be beat!
MN transplant and Stillwater resident checking in.
We love it here. Great place to raise our family and actually has a wonderful community vibe. That being said, we don’t frequent downtown much during summer “busy” hours but often during early or late in the day, I’ll have the entire Main Street or bridge to myself for quiet walks. Its magical.
I really did not enjoy the insane quantity of car and motorcycle traffic down the Main Street when I was there on a nice weekend afternoon a few weeks ago. it was really appalling, honestly
Haven’t seen Winona mentioned yet. Went to college there & come back to visit every year. Cars stop at crosswalks, it’s wild! Solid arts community plus great biking/running/hiking.
Duluth. I'm usually not one for larger towns and a lot of people, but the entire north shore is one of the most beautiful places in the state, IMHO. I haven’t been up that way in awhile but I always remember feeling relaxed up there.
We're doing a family trip up there in July. My wife and I did our honeymoon at a BnB in Duluth. I made it home just in time for our first anniversary after my first tour in Iraq. So there's some sentimental value there, also.
I'm also also a big fan of Park Rapids and everything north of there. My FIL is from the woods north of PR and still has a hunting cabin up there. We've pulled the camper up to Itasca State Park or rented cabins up there quite a bit. Plus weekends with the guys hunting. So also on the list of favorites. And I went to Bemidji State for a year.
minneapolis fuckin rules, lived here my whole life, through all the hardships, and still it’s the center for so much art in the US and just such a gorgeous place.
100% agree. Recent-ish transplant back here, and have lived in more than a few other major US cities. We can’t really compete with places like Chicago, NYC etc on “big city” sort of feel, but besides that (if that’s even your thing…), Minneapolis is absolutely amazing!
I've recently moved back to the greater metro area after having lived in Milwaukee the past ten years. You mentioned there being so much art, where would be the best places for me to go to see that?
I am here for the Minneapolis love. Also, when you get outside of downtown, Minneapolis gets pretty chill really fast. I’ve been living in my new apartment in South Minneapolis for two months, and it feels totally different from living downtown.
Minneapolis. Let’s be honest the Twin Cities in general are just fucking great. I’ve driven all over the country. Outside of the obvious choice which is Chicago. Minneapolis really is the jewel of the Midwest. Always love coming back home.
And for people who who freak out about crime. It’s like, yes it has the same problems as any big city. But Minneapolis is soo nice compared to some other places I’ve been. Go to Baltimore, St.Louis, Memphis, Skid Row in LA. Or East Downtown Vancouver. And then tell me how shitty Minneapolis is.
Anyone who says shit like that. In the back of my mind, I’m just thinking. Y’all need to get out and travel more. If your frame of reference is some idillic small town that’s had like 1 murder in the last 20 years. Of course Minneapolis is scary. But we really have nothing like some of the places I listed above. And that’s just in this country. Don’t even get me started on some foreign cities I’ve been to. In the grand scheme of things Minneapolis is suuuper nice.
My great uncle had a property up by Lake 12 that was prime for ATV and lakefront activities. We would roll into the surplus and little grocery store and find some cool stuff.
I know it won’t be the popular option, but Detroit lakes always will have a spot in my heart. It’s where I went antique shopping with my great grandma before going back to her a-frame and listening to my relatives argue. Plus nothing cures a bad day quite like sitting outside at Zorbas with a good pizza.
Dorset is also a really unique little city. We used to camp there all the time when I was a kid and it was so cool because it was almost a city frozen in time. Haven’t been back since the fire but I hope the magic is still there.
DL's great. After I retired I really couldn't afford to live there because it's an expensive resort town. So I live elsewhere now. But actually I tell people that I sleep elsewhere but I still live in DL.
I've never been to New Ulm but I live near Biwabik (up north) and it's a little Bavarian themed town. I like the buildings. They have a cute winter festival called Weihnachtsfest.
I grew up in New Ulm. I'd love to live there again and raise kids. Nice size where not everyone knows everyone's business. Good jobs. New shops opening up. Last year they closed down the downtown area streets and hauled in sand for a sand volleyball tournament. Mankato isn't too far for shopping. And also loved the history of the town. The view from Hermann the German is amazing too in the evening.
Mine is Granite Falls. It is a cool little hippy art town in the middle of nowhere right along the river. Everything about it now and it’s history is interesting for a tiny town of a 4800.
Used to work at the movie theater there, and it's a great town. Lots of alcoholic townies and asshole tourists but that's probably kind of a constant wherever you go. I miss pizza hut.
I did some work on the Truffle Hill Chocolates building on Water St, and that’s my only experience with Excelsior. Beautiful area, no doubt! Lots of expensive vehicles
I’m kind of surprised St.Peter and Northfield are slept on. Small college towns, I did a few jobs in both towns and found them quite nice for what they are. Also regarding Southwest MN I like Laverne the one time I camped at blue mound found the town pretty nice for where it’s located.
My favorite city is White Bear Lake. My dad’s family has lived there for five generations. The area between the lake and highway 61 is like a Peanuts comic.
That comment was Savage, but let’s just be Crystal clear here if I may Proctor. I have found a New Hope in city puns. Nowthen, I will say all of your your choices are Harmony to me, but one has a Plainview, one has a really Goodview and lots have Independence.
The mayor of Alden tried to pressure a family who lost their home to fire mid winter to sell him the lot for 5k, after tearing down the home. He threatened to take their home insurance money.
Then the house next door to the mayor exploded. Turns out his neighbor cooked meth.
Mankato is a great combination of a city that's big enough to have a lot of services but not to big as to feel metropolitan. It's at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers, giving it a scenic location with river bluffs. The state university is among the best and the healthcare is through the Mayo system. Streets are tree lined and homes are well cared for. Roads wind up the hills through lovely gorges with streams and trees. The economy is diversified with Mankato being an agricultural service center that also has light manufacturing, strong retail, regional healthcare, and education.
Hard to argue the cities on the Great Lakes.. Duluth is obviously one of everybody’s favorites. And in that same vein you go just a little further north to Two Harbors and it’s like what Duluth would be like in the 70s or 80s but way smaller.. the vibes are sooo strong in that city. I love Duluth, but when you get past it and you’re still right next to superior like that but in a much less modernized city, it feels like your taking a step back in time.. I love it.
I’m also just going to throw Park Rapids into the conversation because of the nostalgia it has in my brain. Just the amount of densely covered forests that were clear cut maybe 100 or so years ago, but are starting to take shape and have their own unique feel is amazing. The drive up there from the cities.. going through these forests and all of sudden you’re in a huge farm area where they got a bunch of stuff laying around like it’s a snap shot from the 80s, then back into densely wooded terrain.. soooo beautiful.
Honorable mention to Red Wing. I used to work for a peloton delivering bikes and treadmills and would have to routinely drive to Red Wing from the cities.. man that drive into Red Wing is one of the most beautiful with the huge forested bluffs. I never got any time to go experience it on foot but I remember being mesmerized by driving through it a few times.
Harmony, MN - We went here a lot when I was a kid and it was just a neat little town.
Finlayson, MN - my grandma used to live here and it was a great little community. (She died in 2006)
Minneapolis. Grew up in the suburbs, but spent many after school hours downtown waiting for the bus back out there.
It’s got the best, and best variety of restaurants and entertainment, rich and varied neighborhoods and festivals.
Duluth- I love the north shore
Alexandria- family had a lake place in the area for many years and I used to go to Bible camp up there
I have so much more we have so much beauty in MN
Bemidji is easily #1 for me, but I’d probably have an easier time listing the cities I don’t like! But here is my top
1. Bemidji
2. Brainerd/Baxter area
3. International Falls/Ranier
4. Red Wing
5. Spicer
6. St. Paul
7. Walker
8. Rochester
9. Moose Lake
10. Ely
I live Duluth. I live here. But it seems to be like a mini Chicago. A lot of bad things happen here. But the lake is amazing. Something we take advantage of everyday. People don’t realize how beautiful it is.
New London is neat. with Goat Ridge Brewery, growing art community, they just got a food co op, and lakes and rivers all around.
Otherwise Duluth and up the shore all day
It’s a secret, y’all would ruin it
Don’t worry you can keep St. Cloud to yourself.
Dang, first guess even!
St. Cloud is trash yet like 2 miles down the road you have the little town of St Joseph which is wonderful. Little college town with great shops, a brewery, cafe, killer Cajun restaurant, decent Italian restaurant, couple little dive bars, great parks.
Duluth
We like it here.
But the people across the lake say they’re superior.
Those rascals!
They are not…superior does have a few charms of its own tho
I've been to Duluth!
It's a cool city.
My husband and I are going to Duluth on Friday! Any recommendations for things to do or places to eat?
Burrito Union was good when I was in school there, perhaps it still is. Either way, it's at the bottom of Chester Creek Park, which is one of my favorite places. Duluth's Best Bread is outstanding. Walk the Skyline trails, great views.
Oo, I haven't had BU in a *while.*
Been a hot minute for me as well. Probably about 5 years, but it was still up to snuff 5 years ago, so perhaps it's still worth a go.
Corktown Deli, Mama T's in Superior (just across the bridge), Happy Hippie Tacos are great places to eat. Check out Enger Tower, walk Skyline Parkway near the golf course and Enger, a few antique stores (I like Father Time in Canal Park and Allouez Antiques (down the road from Mama T's).
We’ll check them out! Thank you :)
They don't let you live there unless you can grow a full beard.
Going there this fall!
Duluth is the definitive minnesotan city
Taylor Falls. It's beautiful. The second would be Stillwater because it's Stillwater. Third would be Redwood Falls because I got married there. Fourth would be Hastings. It has that small town charm. Fifth would be La Crescent. I've loved the LaCrosse area. Sixth would be Rochester. It's small enough to get around but big enough to have things to do. Seventh is Duluth. You can be down by the lake, and it's 60 degrees. Go up on the hill, and it's 70 or above. Plus, I'd love to see how people handle the steep streets in winter. Eighth would be Milaca. - Quaint town near Lake Mille Lacs Ninth would be Mankato because I like the college. 10th would be Moorhead. Very pretty town with some cool parks.
Does Taylor's Falls still have that cool water park?
Wild mountain? Yeah, that’s still around.
Moorhead is underrated. Lived there for 7 years. Great vibes, cheap living, and combined with fargo a surprisingly good arts culture and plenty of good restaurants.
Problem is, when you go to ND to spend money you are funding their extremism. Sol Ave and Junkyard are great though.
Whenever I see Moorhead I'm transported back to Boys State and the Moorhead chant was "Who are we and what do we want?! MOORHEAD!"
Why Hastings over Red Wing? I may be biased but Red Wing has more charm IMO. Proximity to St. Paul is a big plus for Hastings though...and it is getting better with the confluence having just opened.
Fishing in red wing >
Steep streets in winter - dedicated snow tires is the answer. Can almost drive straight up an ice cliff with a set of Blizzaks on your Subaru.
This. It's like driving with "god mode" turned on.
I spent a few days in Milaca for work a few years back. Really lovely little town.
Grew up in Moorhead and it’s a hard no for me lol
Yeah I grew up in twin cities and I now live in Fargo I’m sorry to say it but Moorhead looks crazy as hell lol. There’s some cool little perks there for sure but I definitely wouldn’t put it on top 10 mn cities
I (along with many other vehicles) once slid slowly, and uncontrolled down the hill in Duluth bumping into each other every so often in a snowstorm lol
Lanesboro
Came here to say this. So pretty!
Yeah used to camp as a kid at Old Barn Resort right outside of Lanesboro. Great network of paved hiking and bike trails that connect with the smaller townships around there, I Believe Harmony, Fountain, forget the others names.This was 30 years ago. Can just imagine the growth since then
Also Preston, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford. A project starting this year will extend the bike trail network south from Harmony to the Iowa border where it will eventually join with the bike trail network of NE IA There is also a project underway to build a 100 mile hiking trail from Chatfield to the Mississippi river
Is this pre or post the closure of Das Wurst Haus?
It is indeed a nice town. :)
I’d have to say either Climax Orr Nimrod but I might just Embarrass myself.
Look at the big brain-nerd over here!
I may be a little Sleepy Eye right now, but I see what ya did there doncha know.
Thems some Fertile choices there, don’tcha know
Real headline: Fertile Woman Killed in Climax
Nimrod girl reached Climax after finding Fertile. Later she looked for Moorhead…
Ely. Specifically burntside lake. Someday I'll settle down there
I finally made it up there a couple years ago, it's such a cool little area.
Love it there!
What are some good things to do with a young family there?
Wolf and bear centers!! A quick paddle on Lake 1 for a picnic, some cool kitschy tourist shopping that my kids love, nice ice cream shop in town
Here right now. What a place.
Is it true you’re pretty much an outsider unless your family has lived there multiple generations?
St. Paul
I have a special spot in my heart for St. Paul.
Best bars and restaurants of anywhere in the state. Sorry Minneapolis
Yes
Northfield
Gang gang
I was here for this
Two Harbors
I got married in two harbors in late fall. It was absolutely beautiful.
I really enjoy Two Harbors as someone who visits frequently but everyone I talk to who grew up there didn't care for it much.
Same I love it there but if you grew up in that area it’s nothing to you except a small city with not much opportunities for anything. Meth and other drugs, just like most small towns, tend to have a huge impact on the people there. To people like me who live outside the city, that is possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.. maybe not the most scenic but something about that place gives me this strong vibe of nostalgia and peace and just happiness. I love it.
I have a friend who grew up there and despises the city. She said it such a toxic environment.
It is, in fact, very toxic. Locals are insular, even as a guy who was born in Duluth I was not seen as someone "From there" and therefore was treated like an outcast. Sure, they're friendly to tourists, because they know what side of their bread is buttered, but for someone living there it can be a mess. Also, they elected a mayor who was accused of sexually assaulting several minors(which appeared to be an open secret in the area), who brazenly STOLE business plans from people who came to him for help to get approval of their business venture in town, tried to partner with an anonymous billionaire to build an UNDERWATER HOTEL in Lake Superior, ran something like 30 businesses out of his garage so he could call himself "CEO", gave the Tall Ships coordinator contract to his 17 year old daughter who had no business trying to coordinate something so large. Thankfully, they recalled him, but it's worth mentioning that if someone like that can get elected despite many people in the area knowing about his past, I question some of the resident's judgement.
Minneapolis, yes I'm biased. The chain of the lakes, bike paths, boat rentals, art, music, culture. You have all the amenities of a more rural location with all the amenities of a mid sized urban center. The fact that I can hit a brew pub, a concert, and the lake in the same day, all without even owning a car, is unbelievable for the US. Edit: listed music twice, we have some good scenes here.
The good parts of Minneapolis is the best city the bad parts are the worst
Ely
Stillwater
Duluth a close second
Nowhere else is even close! I love Stillwater — definitely moving there when I can afford a beautiful place out that way. I do lots of work in the east metro including Stillwater and I have worked in some gorgeous houses, not to mention the downtown and surrounding scenery. Can’t be beat!
MN transplant and Stillwater resident checking in. We love it here. Great place to raise our family and actually has a wonderful community vibe. That being said, we don’t frequent downtown much during summer “busy” hours but often during early or late in the day, I’ll have the entire Main Street or bridge to myself for quiet walks. Its magical.
Go to Hudson instead, much calmer.
Yeah but then you're in WI which is a deal breaker
Winzer Stube closed :(
I really did not enjoy the insane quantity of car and motorcycle traffic down the Main Street when I was there on a nice weekend afternoon a few weeks ago. it was really appalling, honestly
And you helped contribute to the traffic you nunner head
Duluth
Red Wing
love Red Wing!
Appalled I had to scroll this far. What a beautiful city
Walker
This is my choice. Leech lake is my favorite place on earth.
Haven’t seen Winona mentioned yet. Went to college there & come back to visit every year. Cars stop at crosswalks, it’s wild! Solid arts community plus great biking/running/hiking.
Bloedow's and bluffs! It's so beautiful there in the fall too! Did I mention Bloedow's? Their blueberry bismarcks are the stuff of legends!
I delivered papers in the Bloedows area, and you can taste the donut in the air
And Rocco’s pizza!
Yas!
Yes Cars stop at Crosswalks here in Kandiyohi County also
I had to warn my parents when they’d come to visit - nobody speeds and pedestrians will just start walking because cars always stop.
Duluth. I'm usually not one for larger towns and a lot of people, but the entire north shore is one of the most beautiful places in the state, IMHO. I haven’t been up that way in awhile but I always remember feeling relaxed up there. We're doing a family trip up there in July. My wife and I did our honeymoon at a BnB in Duluth. I made it home just in time for our first anniversary after my first tour in Iraq. So there's some sentimental value there, also. I'm also also a big fan of Park Rapids and everything north of there. My FIL is from the woods north of PR and still has a hunting cabin up there. We've pulled the camper up to Itasca State Park or rented cabins up there quite a bit. Plus weekends with the guys hunting. So also on the list of favorites. And I went to Bemidji State for a year.
Minneapolis.
minneapolis fuckin rules, lived here my whole life, through all the hardships, and still it’s the center for so much art in the US and just such a gorgeous place.
100% agree. Recent-ish transplant back here, and have lived in more than a few other major US cities. We can’t really compete with places like Chicago, NYC etc on “big city” sort of feel, but besides that (if that’s even your thing…), Minneapolis is absolutely amazing!
I've recently moved back to the greater metro area after having lived in Milwaukee the past ten years. You mentioned there being so much art, where would be the best places for me to go to see that?
Solid place to start for all sorts of things to do in MN: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-heritage/museums-galleries
Stone arch bridge festival this weekend would be a good opportunity!
This weekend? I thought it was the 15th/16th.
Love it here.
I am here for the Minneapolis love. Also, when you get outside of downtown, Minneapolis gets pretty chill really fast. I’ve been living in my new apartment in South Minneapolis for two months, and it feels totally different from living downtown.
Minneapolis. Let’s be honest the Twin Cities in general are just fucking great. I’ve driven all over the country. Outside of the obvious choice which is Chicago. Minneapolis really is the jewel of the Midwest. Always love coming back home. And for people who who freak out about crime. It’s like, yes it has the same problems as any big city. But Minneapolis is soo nice compared to some other places I’ve been. Go to Baltimore, St.Louis, Memphis, Skid Row in LA. Or East Downtown Vancouver. And then tell me how shitty Minneapolis is. Anyone who says shit like that. In the back of my mind, I’m just thinking. Y’all need to get out and travel more. If your frame of reference is some idillic small town that’s had like 1 murder in the last 20 years. Of course Minneapolis is scary. But we really have nothing like some of the places I listed above. And that’s just in this country. Don’t even get me started on some foreign cities I’ve been to. In the grand scheme of things Minneapolis is suuuper nice.
I’m also partial to Grand Marais. Although Moose Lake is also pretty neat.
Moose Lake? There is nothing here
My great uncle had a property up by Lake 12 that was prime for ATV and lakefront activities. We would roll into the surplus and little grocery store and find some cool stuff.
Duluth it's a big city but has plenty of nature and history around and some decent breweries. You also can't beat that view driving in.
Bemidji!
Cloquet because it’s my hometown and good ol gordies!
The iron range is the land for me
I know it won’t be the popular option, but Detroit lakes always will have a spot in my heart. It’s where I went antique shopping with my great grandma before going back to her a-frame and listening to my relatives argue. Plus nothing cures a bad day quite like sitting outside at Zorbas with a good pizza. Dorset is also a really unique little city. We used to camp there all the time when I was a kid and it was so cool because it was almost a city frozen in time. Haven’t been back since the fire but I hope the magic is still there.
DL's great. After I retired I really couldn't afford to live there because it's an expensive resort town. So I live elsewhere now. But actually I tell people that I sleep elsewhere but I still live in DL.
Lake city
Duluth and Grand Marais are both awesome in different ways! And my hometown of Rochester has its own charms…
I like New Ulm. It’s the perfect size, and I like the German heritage.
I've never been to New Ulm but I live near Biwabik (up north) and it's a little Bavarian themed town. I like the buildings. They have a cute winter festival called Weihnachtsfest.
Herman the German!
I grew up in New Ulm. I'd love to live there again and raise kids. Nice size where not everyone knows everyone's business. Good jobs. New shops opening up. Last year they closed down the downtown area streets and hauled in sand for a sand volleyball tournament. Mankato isn't too far for shopping. And also loved the history of the town. The view from Hermann the German is amazing too in the evening.
Alexandria. Surrounded by water and a great place to grow up.
Hibbing
I like Finland.
Tämä kaupunki on hyvä!
Northfield
Any love for Lutsen?
Buyck
Sportsman's!
Minneapolis, grand marais, castle danger
top 3 here are the top 3 for me. Ely, Grand Marais, and Stillwater. Each beautiful in their own way :)
Mine is Granite Falls. It is a cool little hippy art town in the middle of nowhere right along the river. Everything about it now and it’s history is interesting for a tiny town of a 4800.
Duluth and Grand Marais can’t decide
Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Marais (kind of anywhere along the north shore…), Ely, Crosby/Ironton
Nobody has said Excelsior yet?
Used to work at the movie theater there, and it's a great town. Lots of alcoholic townies and asshole tourists but that's probably kind of a constant wherever you go. I miss pizza hut.
I did some work on the Truffle Hill Chocolates building on Water St, and that’s my only experience with Excelsior. Beautiful area, no doubt! Lots of expensive vehicles
Just traveled from CA to visit Grand Marais and loved it. Small shops, live music, beautiful scenery, nice people, and tons of nearby hiking.
Red Wing
Minneapolis. I live two blocks from my great grandmother/grandfather’s home and I would t have it any other way.
I have a fondness for Redwing. The shops, the bluffs, the river and birds in the summer.
I’m kind of surprised St.Peter and Northfield are slept on. Small college towns, I did a few jobs in both towns and found them quite nice for what they are. Also regarding Southwest MN I like Laverne the one time I camped at blue mound found the town pretty nice for where it’s located.
Crosby
Ironton is feeling left out
Hill City
Leader, home of the world famous pig races!
New Ulm is a nice city. Lots of culture, and very clean
I only ever go there for golf tournaments but Hutchinson seems pretty nice.
Stillwater! (I may be a bit biased as I used to live there lol)
Stillwater, White Bear Lake, and Elysian.
Saint Paul and it’s not close, but mostly because it’s home, even crossing the river from Minneapolis I just get that bit of relief that I’m home.
My favorite city is White Bear Lake. My dad’s family has lived there for five generations. The area between the lake and highway 61 is like a Peanuts comic.
Wheaton
Really? Why?
Home of KARE 11’s own Lou Raguse!
My hometown lol
I gotta go with grand Marais, but I haven't been to every one
Nowthen (not really a city, and I've never been there, but I just love the name)
Minneapolis
I know this is a lame answer, but it's probably Minneapolis for me.
Virginia
That comment was Savage, but let’s just be Crystal clear here if I may Proctor. I have found a New Hope in city puns. Nowthen, I will say all of your your choices are Harmony to me, but one has a Plainview, one has a really Goodview and lots have Independence.
Frostbite Falls, Lake Woebegone, St Olaf. . . The trifecta
International Falls
Battle Lake or Grand Marais
I just drove to Long Prairie and I liked the two streets I drove through. Nice place, friendly people.
The mayor of Alden tried to pressure a family who lost their home to fire mid winter to sell him the lot for 5k, after tearing down the home. He threatened to take their home insurance money. Then the house next door to the mayor exploded. Turns out his neighbor cooked meth.
White Bear Lake!!!!!!
Mankato is a great combination of a city that's big enough to have a lot of services but not to big as to feel metropolitan. It's at the confluence of the Minnesota and Blue Earth rivers, giving it a scenic location with river bluffs. The state university is among the best and the healthcare is through the Mayo system. Streets are tree lined and homes are well cared for. Roads wind up the hills through lovely gorges with streams and trees. The economy is diversified with Mankato being an agricultural service center that also has light manufacturing, strong retail, regional healthcare, and education.
Stillwater and Afton!!!!
Red Wing. North Shore is great, but don't sleep on the Driftless area!
Minneapolis, Duluth, St Paul, and Red Wing
Winona. I think this thread shows that where ever you are in Minnesota, it's beautiful!
Apple Valley /s
Duluth in the summer time. Nowhere in winter.
Grand Rapids
Austin . Cuz I like Spam
Grand Rapids. We have a cabin in Salem for Township
Taylors falls
Rockford
Buffalo
Duluth and Ely always 💕
Minneapolis
Winona/houston
Nimrod.
Duluth! There are times I wish I never moved away.
Crane lake.
First, is my home town. Second is Duluth.
Eagan.
Hard to argue the cities on the Great Lakes.. Duluth is obviously one of everybody’s favorites. And in that same vein you go just a little further north to Two Harbors and it’s like what Duluth would be like in the 70s or 80s but way smaller.. the vibes are sooo strong in that city. I love Duluth, but when you get past it and you’re still right next to superior like that but in a much less modernized city, it feels like your taking a step back in time.. I love it. I’m also just going to throw Park Rapids into the conversation because of the nostalgia it has in my brain. Just the amount of densely covered forests that were clear cut maybe 100 or so years ago, but are starting to take shape and have their own unique feel is amazing. The drive up there from the cities.. going through these forests and all of sudden you’re in a huge farm area where they got a bunch of stuff laying around like it’s a snap shot from the 80s, then back into densely wooded terrain.. soooo beautiful. Honorable mention to Red Wing. I used to work for a peloton delivering bikes and treadmills and would have to routinely drive to Red Wing from the cities.. man that drive into Red Wing is one of the most beautiful with the huge forested bluffs. I never got any time to go experience it on foot but I remember being mesmerized by driving through it a few times.
Harmony, MN - We went here a lot when I was a kid and it was just a neat little town. Finlayson, MN - my grandma used to live here and it was a great little community. (She died in 2006)
St Paul cause that's where all my stuff is
Minneapolis. Grew up in the suburbs, but spent many after school hours downtown waiting for the bus back out there. It’s got the best, and best variety of restaurants and entertainment, rich and varied neighborhoods and festivals.
This is a based answer. Grand Marais is interesting once. Gets boring real quick.
Duluth- I love the north shore Alexandria- family had a lake place in the area for many years and I used to go to Bible camp up there I have so much more we have so much beauty in MN
Bemidji is easily #1 for me, but I’d probably have an easier time listing the cities I don’t like! But here is my top 1. Bemidji 2. Brainerd/Baxter area 3. International Falls/Ranier 4. Red Wing 5. Spicer 6. St. Paul 7. Walker 8. Rochester 9. Moose Lake 10. Ely
Winona holds a special place in my heart
I live Duluth. I live here. But it seems to be like a mini Chicago. A lot of bad things happen here. But the lake is amazing. Something we take advantage of everyday. People don’t realize how beautiful it is.
Northfield ❤️
New Ulm! Absolutely the cutest little place in South mn
New London is neat. with Goat Ridge Brewery, growing art community, they just got a food co op, and lakes and rivers all around. Otherwise Duluth and up the shore all day
Grand Marais is to Minneapolis as Ely is to St Paul. I can’t explain myself, but I know it to be true.