Many famous and influential people have been born in the state of Minnesota, and most of them come from large cities like Minneapolis or St. Paul. Yet, these four small towns were the birthplace of people who have left a lasting impact.
Redwood Falls is a beautiful little town surrounded by lush woods and was the birthplace of a Native American hero.
richard/Google Maps
Sawyer, Wells Moses Artist/Wikimedia Commons Charles Eastman, born with the name Hakadah and later named Ohiye S’a, was a writer, physician, and reformer of social policy. He worked for years as a physician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and cared for many who were injured in the Wounded Knee massacre. He wrote Indian Boyhood about his experiences growing up among the Dakota Sioux. He was a lobbyist for the Santee Sioux and co-founded the Society of American Indians. His work inspired the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act which helped tribes form their own governments. His work has inspired indigenous peoples across the world.
Sauk Centre is a stunning little town nestled on the shores of Sauk Lake and was the home of a Nobel Prize-winning novelist.
Jeff Bozak/Google Maps
Arnold Genthe/Wikimedia Commons Sinclair Lewis was a playwright, satirist, and novelist who was famous for novels like Babbitt, Main Street, Elmer Gantry, and It Can’t Happen Here, among others. He satirized American capitalism and materialism during the time between the first and second World Wars and wrote strong characters of working women. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930 and was the first American to win this award. His writings continue to inspire the writers of today.
While Duluth has grown into a small city, it was but a tiny town when it birthed one of the most famous musicians and poets in the world.
Duluth/Google Maps
Jean-Luc/Wikimedia Commons Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, started with traditional folk songs and then became the source of many of the best folk songs ever written. He was a massive part of 60’s counterculture and inspired musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, and many others. His music is still played today and he will likely be a household name for decades to come.
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is much smaller than its Michigan counterpart. It was also the birthplace of one of the world’s most beloved singers and actresses.
Visit Grand Rapids/Google Maps
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Judy Garland is a name that almost everyone knows, especially from her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Her birth name was Frances Ethel Gumm and she starred in a multitude of MGM films as a teen. Later, she went on to star in other major movies like Meet Me In St. Louis and sang in concerts and television specials. She later gained her own show, The Judy Garland Show. There is so much more to tell, yet Judy remains in the hearts of millions.
Minnesota is a wonderful place to see charming and fun small towns. Several make for a perfect weekend getaway. What are your favorite places in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments!
richard/Google Maps
Sawyer, Wells Moses Artist/Wikimedia Commons
Charles Eastman, born with the name Hakadah and later named Ohiye S’a, was a writer, physician, and reformer of social policy. He worked for years as a physician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and cared for many who were injured in the Wounded Knee massacre. He wrote Indian Boyhood about his experiences growing up among the Dakota Sioux. He was a lobbyist for the Santee Sioux and co-founded the Society of American Indians. His work inspired the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act which helped tribes form their own governments. His work has inspired indigenous peoples across the world.
Jeff Bozak/Google Maps
Arnold Genthe/Wikimedia Commons
Sinclair Lewis was a playwright, satirist, and novelist who was famous for novels like Babbitt, Main Street, Elmer Gantry, and It Can’t Happen Here, among others. He satirized American capitalism and materialism during the time between the first and second World Wars and wrote strong characters of working women. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930 and was the first American to win this award. His writings continue to inspire the writers of today.
Duluth/Google Maps
Jean-Luc/Wikimedia Commons
Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman, started with traditional folk songs and then became the source of many of the best folk songs ever written. He was a massive part of 60’s counterculture and inspired musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Joni Mitchell, and many others. His music is still played today and he will likely be a household name for decades to come.
Visit Grand Rapids/Google Maps
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Judy Garland is a name that almost everyone knows, especially from her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Her birth name was Frances Ethel Gumm and she starred in a multitude of MGM films as a teen. Later, she went on to star in other major movies like Meet Me In St. Louis and sang in concerts and television specials. She later gained her own show, The Judy Garland Show. There is so much more to tell, yet Judy remains in the hearts of millions.
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Address: Redwood Falls, MN 56283, USAAddress: Sauk Centre, MN 56378, USAAddress: Duluth, MN, USAAddress: Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
