Why Open Studio Tours Are a Hit in Minnesota’s Small Towns

In towns across Minnesota, open studio tours have grown into much-anticipated events that connect residents, visitors, and artists in a uniquely personal way. Unlike formal galleries or curated exhibits, these events bring the public straight into the artists’ workspaces. This gives people a chance to see the art-making process up close, have genuine conversations, and experience a town’s creative side without barriers.

For those who love art, are curious about creative processes, or simply want a refreshing weekend activity, open studio tours offer something special. Artists, in return, benefit from increased visibility, meaningful interactions, and sales opportunities. This mutual exchange is part of what makes these events so successful—and so loved by the communities they serve.

Open Doors, Closer Connections

In most art scenes, visitors see finished pieces hanging in a gallery. But in Minnesota’s open studio tours, people get to step into the space where those pieces were made. They might walk into a backyard ceramics shed, a home basement turned workshop, or a garage transformed into a painter’s sanctuary.

This setup removes the formality that often surrounds art. Instead of being told what to think or how to view a piece, visitors are free to ask questions, observe tools and materials, and witness creativity in action. It turns art into something accessible and relatable.

The tours aren’t limited to large cities either. Small towns like Grand Marais, Lanesboro, Red Wing, and Northfield host annual events that draw thousands. Some of the more well-known tours include:

• Grand Marais Art Colony Studio Tour
• Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
• South Central MN Studio ArTour

Each location has its own charm. Some include live music or food vendors, while others focus purely on the arts. But they all share one common feature: an open invitation for people to step inside and engage with creativity on a deeper level.

What Makes These Tours So Appealing

There are plenty of reasons why these events continue to attract new and returning visitors every year. Here’s why people keep coming back:

• Meaningful interaction with artists – Visitors often say that being able to talk with the person behind the artwork makes the experience more personal and memorable.
• A better understanding of creative work – Seeing the tools, sketches, or even mistakes along the way helps people appreciate the time and effort behind every finished piece.
• Direct support for local creators – Buying from an artist’s studio means the money goes straight to them—no middlemen, no gallery fees. This is especially important for full-time artists in small towns.
• Family- and group-friendly activity – Studio tours are often free, open to all ages, and can be a great educational outing for kids and teens interested in the arts.

Another benefit is how approachable these events feel. Visitors don’t need to dress up, know art history, or understand formal terminology. All they need is curiosity—and maybe a bit of time to wander.

Real-Life Example: A Weekend in Bluff Country

In southeastern Minnesota, the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour takes place every spring. More than 25 artists from across several towns participate, opening their studios to the public over a three-day weekend. The route includes rural farms, historic buildings, and scenic byways, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.

Marie Jensen, a ceramist based in Lanesboro, has been part of the tour for over a decade. She reflects on the change these tours have brought: “Before this, I sold mainly through galleries or online. Now, I get to meet the people who buy my work. It’s more than a transaction—it’s a connection.”

Marie also shares that some of her repeat customers first discovered her during a studio tour. That kind of lasting engagement is hard to achieve through traditional selling channels.

Other artists in the area echo her sentiments. Some say the tour provides their highest sales of the year. Others note how the event helped them build confidence in speaking about their work, especially for those who aren’t used to marketing themselves.

How Local Communities Benefit

A Boost in Tourism and Small Business Sales

When studio tours take place, the whole town feels it. Hotels and inns fill up, restaurants extend their hours, and shops see a spike in customers. This economic ripple effect spreads beyond the artists to benefit the entire community.

It’s not just about art—it’s about showing off what a town has to offer. Some visitors plan a whole weekend around a studio tour, which means exploring parks, trying local food, and shopping at nearby boutiques.

Growing Appreciation for Local Culture

For many attendees, a studio tour is their first exposure to local artists. They begin to see their own town—or neighboring towns—in a new light. Art becomes less of a luxury and more of a community asset.

Even those who didn’t think of themselves as “art people” often walk away impressed. Seeing the human side of creativity has a way of breaking down walls and inviting more people into the cultural conversation.

Community Connection Through Shared Events

Studio tours don’t just showcase individual talent—they bring people together. Local businesses, volunteers, and organizations often get involved. Some towns offer maps, passport cards for kids, or scavenger hunts to make the tour even more engaging.

Live music, food trucks, and public spaces help extend the experience beyond the studios. These side events create moments for neighbors to meet, for visitors to mingle, and for communities to shine.

Preparing for a Studio Tour as an Artist

Thinking about joining a tour as an artist? The experience can be incredibly rewarding, but a bit of preparation goes a long way.

• Clean and organize your space – Visitors will be curious about your work area. A tidy, inviting studio encourages people to linger and ask questions.
• Show your creative process – Have works-in-progress on display. This helps guests see how ideas turn into finished pieces and sparks conversations.
• Be ready to chat – You don’t need a sales pitch. Just talk about your work the way you would with a friend. Share what inspires you, what challenges you face, or how long something takes to make.
• Make purchasing easy – Clear pricing, contact details, and even QR codes can help people buy or follow your work online after the event.

It’s also helpful to team up with other artists in your area. Promote each other, share foot traffic, or even co-host in one space if someone doesn’t have a public studio yet.

Celebrating Creativity in Everyday Places

The ongoing success of open studio tours in Minnesota proves one thing clearly: people still crave real, human connections. In a world where much of our time is spent online, these face-to-face experiences carry even more value.

They remind us that art isn’t something distant or elite—it’s something that lives right next door. It’s made by people who shop at the same stores, send kids to the same schools, and walk the same sidewalks. These events highlight the richness of everyday creativity and the power of community support.

If you ever find yourself in Minnesota during a tour weekend, consider making a few stops. You might find a new favorite artist, meet a neighbor you didn’t know was a sculptor, or leave inspired to start your own creative project.

After all, when doors open—both literally and creatively—wonderful things can happen.