As far as cities go, Minnesota, also known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” may be best known for a variety of great attractions in downtown Minneapolis. Yet this state has 87 counties and more than 850 towns scattered across almost 90,000 square miles, and many of these cities and towns have vibrant downtown areas that encourage visitors to return over and over again. From north and south to east and west, the Gopher State has something for everyone. Let’s look at 11 towns in Minnesota with vibrant downtown areas.
Another great town along the St. Croix River just across from the state of Wisconsin, the town of Stillwater is perhaps most famous for the Stillwater Lift Bridge, one of only six built in Minnesota and Wisconsin before World War II. Though this bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic, it can still be used by pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are many other attractions in the area, too, including Teddy Bear Park, which is only blocks from downtown Stillwater, and the Midtown Antique Mall, featuring anything antique historians could ever want. There are also festivals held in downtown Stillwater, including the Harvest Fest in October, with activities such as a pumpkin weighing contest, a chili cook-off, and a beer garden, as well as the World Snow Celebration, celebrated in January and featuring a snow-sculpture contest.