Warroad, MN

Warroad is a small, welcoming northern Minnesota town nestled on the southwestern shore of Lake of the Woods, just five miles south of the Canadian border. Home to around 1,800 residents, it offers a peaceful, scenic setting with water and wilderness right out the back door. The Warroad River flows straight through town into the lake, giving locals quick access to some of the best walleye fishing and boating in the region. Long before it was incorporated, the area was a major Ojibwe settlement, and that connection to the land and water remains a key part of the town's identity.

ATTRJimmy Dreger / CC BY-SA 3.0

Life in Warroad is anchored by two major local fixtures: Marvin and hockey. As the headquarters for Marvin Windows and Doors, the community enjoys a strong, steady economy that is rare for a town of this size. It also carries the proud title of "Hockeytown USA," having sent dozens of players to college teams, the NHL, and the Olympics, with community rinks serving as central social hubs all winter. Paired with world-class ice fishing, summer lake life, and a supportive small-town atmosphere, Warroad is an appealing spot for anyone drawn to the North Country.