How To Find The Best Hidden Gems: A Guide To Minnesota’s Small Businesses.

By Destination MN

How To Find The Best Hidden Gems: amazing small businesses in Minnesota that are making a big impact.

1. The Beez Knees (St Croix Valley)
   • Beez Kneez was built from the ground up in Minneapolis, MN. Owner Kristy Lynn Allen started from humble beginnings, delivering her aunt and uncle’s honey on a bicycle. Another gem in Minnesota.
2. Seward Community Co-op (Minneapolis)
   • A member-owned grocery store featuring local and organic products, artisanal goods, and a commitment to sustainability. You guessed it… Supporting this establishment is another perfect way to bolster small businesses in Minnesota.
3. The Buttered Tin (St. Paul)
   • Support a cozy café and bakery with scrumptious brunch options, pastries, and coffee. Small businesses in Minnesota like this one equally creates unique dining experiences.
4. Animal Inn Pet Resort and Spa (Lake Elmo)
   • A premium pet boarding and daycare facility that emphasizes the health, safety, and enjoyment of pets, and also offers luxury accommodations.
5. Sara’s Tipsy Pies (Stillwater)
   • Specializing in alcohol-infused pies for adult indulgence. This business is also a testament to the innovative spirit of small enterprises in Minnesota.
6. St Croix Chocolate Company (Marine on St Croix)
   • Robyn and Deidre create fine chocolates in a tiny Minnesota town along the St. Croix River. This is another gem among small businesses in Minnesota.
7. Café Ceres (4 Locations in Minneapolis)
   • Pastry Chef Shawn McKenzie, a 2023 James Beard finalist, creates beautiful pastries with Mediterranean flavors like za’atar and tahini into confections. Yet another enduring appeal and success
8. Fringe and Fettle (Champlin)
   • Joanna Craw – the one-woman show behind Fringe and Fettle Ceramics. Another gem among small businesses in Minnesota.
9. Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore (Minneapolis)
   • The oldest independent science fiction bookstore in America. Founded in 1974, it exemplifies yet another enduring appeal and success of small businesses in Minnesota.
10. Peace Coffee (Locations throughout Minnesota or you can order online)
    • Roasting fair trade, organic coffee in the heart of Minneapolis since 1996.
11. Sota Clothing
    • This clothing brand all began with a Graphic Designer at The University of Minnesota.
12. Northern Ties MN
    • a home-based business located in Monticello, Minnesota. Specializing in a technique that uses bleach to change the coloring of clothing, also referred to as reverse tie-dye. Since launching in July 2020.
13. Monique Maxwell
    • According to Monique, “Get past the negativity one shirt, one hat, one hoodie at a time.” Each one bears a powerful message not only for you, but for the whole world.