Follow The Sweet Scents To 8 Bakeries Across Small Towns In Minnesota
The aroma of fresh bread and pastries drifts through the charming streets of Minnesota’s small towns, leading straight to some of the state’s most irresistible bakeries.
Each spot has its own specialty – flaky pies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, golden loaves, and old-fashioned donuts that taste like home.
Follow the scent, and you’ll discover the heart of Minnesota’s sweetest traditions.
1. Tobies Restaurant & Bakery in Hinckley
Travelers have been pulling off Interstate 35 for Tobies’ legendary caramel rolls since 1973.
These gooey, oversized beauties weigh nearly a pound each and come dripping with homemade caramel that’ll have you licking your fingers.
The bakery churns out thousands daily, and locals swear they’re worth every calorie. Grab one fresh from the oven if you can!
2. Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop in Red Wing
Since 1949, this family-run gem has been crafting European-style treats that transport you straight to a German konditorei.
Their strudels are paper-thin perfection, and the kuchen varieties change with the seasons.
Don’t sleep on their homemade donuts either – they disappear fast on weekends. Coffee’s strong, pastries are authentic, and the charm is unbeatable.
3. Rush City Bakery in Rush City
Walk into this unassuming spot and you’ll immediately smell why locals line up before dawn. Their frosted sugar cookies are ridiculously soft, and the donuts are made from scratch every single morning.
Everything feels homemade because it actually is. The cinnamon bread alone is worth the drive, and their prices won’t break the bank either.
4. Sunrise Bakery in Hibbing
Up on the Iron Range, Sunrise Bakery keeps old-world baking traditions alive with their famous potica – a Slovenian rolled pastry that’s pure magic. Layers of sweet walnut filling spiral through tender dough in every slice.
They also bake poppyseed rolls and kolaches that honor the region’s mining heritage. It’s comfort food with serious soul.
5. Bloedow Bakery in Winona
Operating since 1924, Bloedow’s is a Winona institution where four generations have perfected the art of the donut. Their cake donuts are dense and satisfying, while the raised varieties practically melt on your tongue.
The long johns stuffed with Bavarian cream are legendary among college students. Cash only, so come prepared – and hungry!
6. World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais
Bold name? Absolutely. But after one bite of their cake donuts, you might not argue.
This North Shore favorite draws crowds year-round with simple, perfectly executed treats that pair beautifully with Lake Superior views.
The sour cream donuts are pillowy soft, and the glazes aren’t too sweet. Expect lines in summer – they’re totally worth it.
7. Nelson Bros. Restaurant & Bakery in Clearwater
This combo restaurant-bakery serves hearty Midwestern meals, but their bakery case steals the show. Homemade pies rotate daily – apple, cherry, and seasonal specials all feature flaky crusts and generous fillings.
Their dinner rolls are buttery clouds of happiness. Locals know to order whole pies ahead for holidays because they sell out lightning-fast.
8. Flour & Flower in St. Joseph
This newer bakery brings serious artisan credentials to small-town Minnesota. Their sourdough breads have that perfect chewy crust, and the croissants are buttery enough to rival anything in the Twin Cities.
Seasonal pastries showcase local ingredients beautifully. It’s proof that world-class baking isn’t just for big cities anymore.
