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26 • 2026 • Morrison County Record • www. mcrecord. com • Summer Guide
Where the road slows: exploring Morrison County’ s small towns
While the communities surrounding Little Falls may not be packed with major tourist attractions, they offer something just as appealing: a quieter look at central Minnesota life. Within about 20 miles of the city, visitors can find small towns, scenic backroads, local history and the kind of rural landscape that rewards a slower pace.
A short drive in nearly any direction brings a change of scenery. To the east, near Camp Ripley, the Camp Ripley Environmental Center offers trails and exhibits that highlight the region’ s wildlife and natural resources. It is an easy stop for those looking to stretch their legs while learning more about the land that shapes the area.
Head west and you’ ll find Upsala, a small community surrounded by farmland, lakes and rolling countryside. Visitors can take in the quiet setting at Veterans Memorial Park, a well-kept local stop that reflects the town’ s close-knit character and offers a peaceful place to pause.
To the south, Royalton sits along the Platte River and offers a classic central Minnesota feel. Blanchard Dam, located just outside the community on the Mississippi River, provides a scenic stop where visitors can watch the water move through the hydroelectric facility and take in the surrounding views. Royalton’ s connection to both rivers helps give the area much of its natural appeal.
Nearby Swanville offers another look at small-town life. A stop at Swanville City Park gives visitors access to a quiet green space often used for community events and a chance to experience the town at its most relaxed.
In Pierz, the Skunk River passes through the southeast part of the city, adding another thread to the area’ s landscape. Visitors can also stop at Theilen Meats, a longtime business known for its meats, sausage and loyal local following. It is the kind of destination that feels rooted in the community and gives visitors a taste of one of the area’ s best-known local names.
A drive north brings visitors toward Randall, where the pace slows even further. The surrounding area offers access to the river and stretches of quiet countryside that are ideal for a relaxed afternoon drive or a peaceful stop along the way.
These communities may not center around marquee destinations, but that is part of their appeal. A stop at a local park, a short walk down a quiet main street or simply taking in the countryside can become the highlight of a trip. In many ways, the appeal of the area lies less in a checklist of attractions and more in the experience of slowing down and seeing how these communities fit together.
The surrounding countryside also offers some of the best opportunities for a scenic drive. Rolling farmland, patches of woodland and glimpses of river corridors create a landscape that changes with the seasons. In spring and summer, the area is green and active. In the fall, it becomes a quieter stretch of color, while winter brings its own stark beauty.
For visitors willing to venture just beyond Little Falls, the reward is a broader sense of place. The nearby towns and rural spaces reflect the everyday rhythm of Morrison County, where the pace is steady, the scenery is open and the experiences are simple but genuine.
Together, the communities surrounding Little Falls round out a weekend trip, offering visitors a chance not just to see the area, but to experience it.
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