Best downtowns in Minnesota (Duluth, St. Cloud: lofts, home, school)

[aluminumpork]

Two Harbors has quite a few nice shops on the main drag through the town and the downtown. Definitely touristy.

[ozzie679]

Of course MSP downtowns are in another league. But as far as for smaller scenic downtowns....

Anoka - a classic, very nice
St Cloud - incredible rebirth, great architecture, very clean
New Prague
Northfield
Red Wing
Duluth great architecture and tradition, west end is rundown
Sauk Centre
Little Falls

[tvdxer]

Originally Posted by Slig

That's your opinion. I haven't been impressed with the downtown of any small towns in Minnesota. The ones that could meet the said criteria are in towns that are dying off and slowly losing businesses and amenities due to the dwindling and aging populations. I can't say much about a downtown being vibrant and having interesting architecture when your choices for eating are Dairy Queen, McDonalds and Dennys and the 3 bars in town are struggling to maintain "dive" status.

Most small downtowns I've been to have at least one local cafe'. Fast food places tend to be located at highway strips. And recall I wrote "utility" in the first post. That means places like Radio Shack, banks, department stores, etc.."useful" stores for local people. Moose Lake and Grand Marais both have these.

[slamont61]

Park Rapids is so quaint you'd think you drove into the 50's. There is parallel Parking down the middle of the street, a Soda Fountain next to the little movie theater. Main Street America it is.

Bemidji is a bunch more populated and has a College. A huge lake there at the Head Waters of the Mississippi River and one wonderfully cultured downtown area. If I wasn't working in the small town where I live, I would definately move to Bemidji.

[Slig]

Originally Posted by ozzie679

St Cloud - incredible rebirth, great architecture, very clean

The actual downtown part of St. Cloud isn't bad but it's hard to overlook the monstrocity that makes up the other 95%.

[Minnehahapolitan]

Originally Posted by Slig

The actual downtown part of St. Cloud isn't bad but it's hard to overlook the monstrocity that makes up the other 95%.

I have the same problem.

[ozzie679]

You Mpls folk just hate us. Typical big fish....

[Minnehahapolitan]

I'm fine with most of Minnesota, but Saint Cloud actually bothers me for reasons too taboo for even the internet.

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

I'm fine with most of Minnesota, but Saint Cloud actually bothers me for reasons too taboo for even the internet.

OK, I don't want to dredge up any bad memories. But I'm intrigued

[Minnehahapolitan]

Not my bad memories, but we always called it Stearns County Syndrome.