Minnesota has an abundance of charming small towns throughout the entire state. Every single one has its own story to tell, its own community to celebrate, and its own place within Minnesota culture. There is a lot to love about being in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, but the need to get away sometimes is entirely understandable. Luckily, you don’t need to take a long trip and take a vacation to visit a small town. Lindstrom, Minnesota is less than an hour away from the Twin Cities and is the sweetest place for a quick day trip.

Lindstrom’s motto is “America’s Little Sweden.”

Flickr/Tony Webster The town’s water tower is in the shape of a tea pot. This is quintessential small town charm. Many of the signs throughout town are written in Swedish along with English.

While you’re here, it only would make sense to treat yourself to a decadent dessert from Grandpa Cheesecake!

Facebook/Grandpa Cheesecake

Facebook/Grandpa Cheesecake Their cheesecakes come in a variety of flavors. including lingonberry, mocha, salted caramel, and key lime. Delicious! Grandpa Cheesecake is located at 12710 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Lindstrom Bakery serves Scandinavian donuts.

Yelp/Jennifer L. We didn’t know what a Scandinavian Donut even was, but you definitely need to try one (or twelve). Lindstrom Bakery is located at 12830 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom MN 55045

If you’re interested in learning more about the Scandinavian roots that many Minnesotans share, head on over to Gustaf Anderson House.

Wikipedia/McGhiever The exhibits within this museum are absolutely breathtaking and full of rich history of some of Minnesota’s first settlers. Gustaf Anderson House is located at 13085 Highway 8, Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Minneapolis may have tons of fancy coffee shops, but none of them have the small town charm of Northwoods Roasterie.

Yelp/Caleb C.

Facebook/Northwoods Roasterie Everyone needs an Instagrammable coffee to prove they were on an epic day trip, right? Northwoods Roasterie is located at 12710 N 1st Ave,. Lindstrom, MN 55045.

The town of Lindstrom is home to just over 4,000 people, as well as four beautiful lakes to split between the population.

Flickr/J Stephen Conn Any day trip in Minnesota isn’t complete without a visit to a lake. Minnesota isn’t called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing! This is South Center Lake in Lindstrom and it’s every bit as gorgeous in person.

The beautiful town of Lindstrom takes pride in its Swedish heritage seriously! At just 41 miles away, the town is nothing short of wonderful is honestly perfect for a day trip. What’s your favorite small town near Minneapolis? Let us know in the comments below.

Flickr/Tony Webster

The town’s water tower is in the shape of a tea pot. This is quintessential small town charm. Many of the signs throughout town are written in Swedish along with English.

Facebook/Grandpa Cheesecake

Their cheesecakes come in a variety of flavors. including lingonberry, mocha, salted caramel, and key lime. Delicious! Grandpa Cheesecake is located at 12710 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Yelp/Jennifer L.

We didn’t know what a Scandinavian Donut even was, but you definitely need to try one (or twelve). Lindstrom Bakery is located at 12830 Lake Blvd., Lindstrom MN 55045

Wikipedia/McGhiever

The exhibits within this museum are absolutely breathtaking and full of rich history of some of Minnesota’s first settlers. Gustaf Anderson House is located at 13085 Highway 8, Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Yelp/Caleb C.

Facebook/Northwoods Roasterie

Everyone needs an Instagrammable coffee to prove they were on an epic day trip, right? Northwoods Roasterie is located at 12710 N 1st Ave,. Lindstrom, MN 55045.

Flickr/J Stephen Conn

Any day trip in Minnesota isn’t complete without a visit to a lake. Minnesota isn’t called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for nothing! This is South Center Lake in Lindstrom and it’s every bit as gorgeous in person.

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