Swanville, MN Named One of the Nicest Places in America for 2026

We need to take a moment to brag about the small town of Swanville, Minnesota. If you've never heard of this town before, you might also think it's a made-up town like many of my co-workers did.

But it is, in fact, a great little town of just over 320 people. So great that they were named one of the nicest places in the entire country for this year by Reader's Digest. The reason why is so heartwarming.

ALSO READ: The 'Get-Out-of-the-Way' Driving Law You Didn't Know MN Had

The Nicest Town in Minnesota, 2026

The main reason Swanville was a finalist for this award (no, they didn't end up winning, I'll tell you which town won in a second), was because of their Dollars for Scholars program.

It started back in 1987 and, according to Reader's Digest, if a Swanville High School student applies, they'll get a scholarship. Every single student! That's amazing!

Now, the graduating class for Swanville High School in 2026 was only 22 students, but that's still incredible. None of them have to worry about how they'll pay for college if they want to attend.

They give away about $100,000 worth of scholarships each year and students can use the scholarship for college, trade school, or continuing life skills programs.

Get our free mobile app

Now, how in the world does a small town get the money to do something like this? Bingo nights, poinsettia sales, and meat raffles is how!

Dollars for Scholars president Teresa Giese, told Reader's Digest that the meat raffles are "'a social thing. People love it. When my friends and I lose, we say, ‘It’s for the kids.’'"

The Nicest Town in America, 2026

As for the town that took the title of The Nicest Place in America for 2026, that went to the town of Liverpool, New York.