Sure, Minnesota’s largest cities have a lot to offer. The Twin Cities are full of great restaurants and things to do, and Duluth is the gateway to the unparalleled beauty of the North Shore. But just because the big cities are amazing doesn’t mean we should discount the tiniest towns. These towns in Minnesota may be tiny, but they’re always worth a visit.
- Effie
Effie Cafe/Facebook Effie, Minnesota, has a population of just 123! But don’t let that fool you. This northern Minnesota town is home to one of the tastiest small-town restaurants you’ll ever visit. The Effie Cafe is popular among both locals and those just passing through.
- Funkley
Ed Kohler/Wikimedia Commons Funkley is the least populated incorporated place in Minnesota! It is home to just 5 people, so there is not a whole lot around. But if you’re ever passing through this northern Minnesota town, be sure to stop. It’s not every day you get to stop at the smallest town in the state!
- Warba
Google Maps Warba may be tiny, but there’s one thing this little town is harder to find in big cities: a sense of community. It has a population of just 121, with a few buildings centered on its main road. It’s a lovely place to stop for a quiet moment on your travels.
- Bibawik
Brett Whaley/Flickr Bibawik has just under 1,000 residents, so it’s not the tiniest town on this list. But its secluded surroundings make it seem even smaller than it is. The beauty of Bibawik’s natural landscape makes it more than worth the trek up to this northern Minnesota town.
- Whalan
Stand Still Parade/Facebook This tiny town is in southern Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. It may be small - just 63 people live there - but it’s got a lot to offer. Other than the lovely natural landscape, it is also home to one of the most interesting events in the state. The Stand Still Parade is an annual event where instead of floats, spectators move down the street instead. This quirky event makes this tiny town a must-visit spot.
- McGrath
Allison/Flickr McGrath is an Aitkin County town with just 80 people living within its limits. Despite its size, there are still some outdoor attractions worth seeing. The Snake River and Bear Creek run through town. The Soo Line ATV trail is also nearby. If you love the outdoors, this place is for you.
- Bellechester
Google Maps Here’s a southeastern Minnesota town that is surrounded by a quiet beauty all its own. That must be why its 175 residents choose to live there. If you’re interested in some peace and quiet among beautiful natural scenery, check out Bellechester.
- Vining
Josh/Flickr Vining is located right in the heart of lake country. In fact, Otter Tail County has the most lakes of any other county in the state. For that reason alone, this town of 78 is worth a visit. And if you need more encouragement, why not stop in to check out Nyberg Park? This quirky sculpture park is a lovely place to take a break as you pass through.
- Louisburg
ramendan/Flickr Louisburg is located among the beautiful prairies of southwestern Minnesota. Stop in to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Minnesota, and to take in the peace and quiet of a town with only 74 residents.
- Gully
Andrew Filer/Flickr Gully is one of the most tiny towns in Minnesota. Located just outside of Grand Rapids in northwestern Minnesota, it is home to just 66 people. This farming community may be tiny, but it is a lovely place to visit.
Have you been to any of these tiny towns? Do you have any other favorites to add to the list? Let us know down below.
Effie Cafe/Facebook
Effie, Minnesota, has a population of just 123! But don’t let that fool you. This northern Minnesota town is home to one of the tastiest small-town restaurants you’ll ever visit. The Effie Cafe is popular among both locals and those just passing through.
Ed Kohler/Wikimedia Commons
Funkley is the least populated incorporated place in Minnesota! It is home to just 5 people, so there is not a whole lot around. But if you’re ever passing through this northern Minnesota town, be sure to stop. It’s not every day you get to stop at the smallest town in the state!
Google Maps
Warba may be tiny, but there’s one thing this little town is harder to find in big cities: a sense of community. It has a population of just 121, with a few buildings centered on its main road. It’s a lovely place to stop for a quiet moment on your travels.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Bibawik has just under 1,000 residents, so it’s not the tiniest town on this list. But its secluded surroundings make it seem even smaller than it is. The beauty of Bibawik’s natural landscape makes it more than worth the trek up to this northern Minnesota town.
Stand Still Parade/Facebook
This tiny town is in southern Minnesota, close to the Iowa border. It may be small - just 63 people live there - but it’s got a lot to offer. Other than the lovely natural landscape, it is also home to one of the most interesting events in the state. The Stand Still Parade is an annual event where instead of floats, spectators move down the street instead. This quirky event makes this tiny town a must-visit spot.
Allison/Flickr
McGrath is an Aitkin County town with just 80 people living within its limits. Despite its size, there are still some outdoor attractions worth seeing. The Snake River and Bear Creek run through town. The Soo Line ATV trail is also nearby. If you love the outdoors, this place is for you.
Here’s a southeastern Minnesota town that is surrounded by a quiet beauty all its own. That must be why its 175 residents choose to live there. If you’re interested in some peace and quiet among beautiful natural scenery, check out Bellechester.
Josh/Flickr
Vining is located right in the heart of lake country. In fact, Otter Tail County has the most lakes of any other county in the state. For that reason alone, this town of 78 is worth a visit. And if you need more encouragement, why not stop in to check out Nyberg Park? This quirky sculpture park is a lovely place to take a break as you pass through.
ramendan/Flickr
Louisburg is located among the beautiful prairies of southwestern Minnesota. Stop in to see some of the most beautiful sunsets in Minnesota, and to take in the peace and quiet of a town with only 74 residents.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
Gully is one of the most tiny towns in Minnesota. Located just outside of Grand Rapids in northwestern Minnesota, it is home to just 66 people. This farming community may be tiny, but it is a lovely place to visit.
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