Bemidji, MN, United States

Capital City

With a population of just 13,431, Bemidji is a remote outpost in northern Minnesota - a far cry from the glitz and glamor of big-city living. The winters are notoriously long and harsh, with an average annual snowfall of 46.7 inches. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the original township organization deemed "illegal" in 1897 for unclear reasons. However, the city's proximity to national forests, state parks, and 400 nearby lakes offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Bemidji may be the right fit for those seeking a slower pace of life and a deep connection to the natural world, but the brutal winters and remote location won't appeal to everyone.