Gay Pine City

Unassuming Pine City sometimes flies under the gay radar but it is blossoming as an LGBTQ destination, an easy day-trip from nearby metro areas and only an hour from the gay mecca of Minneapolis.  Nestled among pine forests, its vibe is “live and let live” as it boasts the highest proportion of same-sex couple households anywhere in Greater Minnesota.  Some end up here to escape city life.  Others, like openly-gay icon Bob Mould (yes, that Bob of ca. 1980s Hüsker Dü), retreat here to fine tune their artistry.  It is, after all, an arts community and creative communities tend to be more open and accepting, thus attracting queer people.  Much like Hüsker Dü, Pine City is genre-defying—punching above its weight for a rural, small town.  This is, after all, also the hometown of the nation’s first-ever rural gay pride.   

Like to eat out?  There is a diverse culinary scene here as well with several ethnic options and restaurants that are BIPOC- and women-owned.  The local queer scene continues to emerge from the woods with a gigantic banner hanging over Main Street each June wishing everyone “Happy Pride!”; town bars hosting drag shows; and ample gender-neutral bathrooms downtown to serve a trans and nonbinary world.  Named by Movoto as one of the “7 Best Towns in Minnesota for LGBT Families”, Pine City is worth a look, whether by yourself, with your family of origin, or with your chosen family.