Most visitors come to Lanesboro for the trail system. Lanesboro (120 miles southeast of the Twin Cities) stands at the heart of the area's paved multi-use trails, including the 42-mile Root River Valley Trail and the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Trail. Many travelers bring their own bikes, but you also can rent them at the Little River General Store (lrgeneralstore.net [1]). Be sure to get a trail map before heading out (rootrivertrail.org [2]). Art galleries, a seasonal farmers market and a professional theater round out a weekend trip here.

What to do

The Commonweal Theatre While the professional theater offers comedies, family shows and musicals, it has built a reputation on its annual Henrik Ibsen Festival, honoring the “father of modern drama.” (800) 657-7025; commonwealtheatre.org [3]

Lanesboro Art Center A classy collection of local art includes mosaics, fountains, silks and more. (507) 467-2446; lanesboroarts.org [4]

Lanesboro Farmers Market Held seasonally at Sylvan Park, the market has dozens of vendors representing the region's 1,500 farms. (800) 944-2670; lanesboro.com [5]

Niagara Cave In Harmony, visitors to one of the Midwest's largest limestone caverns—and its nearly 60-foot waterfall—should pack sweatshirts: It's a constant 48 degrees. (800) 837-6606; niagaracave.com [6]

Where to eat

Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe Try the huge cookies and sticky buns at this small-town cafe with an upscale edge. Lunch is good, too. Open daily April-December. (507) 467-2867.

Old Village Hall Restaurant This mainstay has a deckoverlooking the Root River Bike Trail. When it's in season, try the morel mushroom and chopped sirloin soup. (507) 467-2962; oldvillagehall.com [7]

Pedal Pusher's Cafe and Coffee Bar Burgers, flaxseed pancakes and anything made with farm eggs rule here. Special Saturday dinners showcase ingredients that are grown locally. (507) 467-1050; pedalpusherscafe.com [8]

Where to stay

Cedar Valley Resort Outside of town, well-appointed cabins, each with multiple bedrooms and easy access to the Root River Trail, make family reunions a breeze. (507) 467-9000; cedarvalleyresort.com [9]

Habberstad House The owners of this 100-plus-year-old B&B serve a hearty breakfast. The quiet neighborhood is a quick bike ride or stroll from downtown. (507) 467-3560; habberstadhouse.com [10]

For more information: Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce. (800) 944-2670; lanesboro.com [5]