Lanesboro Trip Guide
A pedal along the Root River reveals southern Minnesota’s finest—scenic landscapes, food and drink, even native trout. A professional theater and arts galleries round out a weekend stay.
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). Be sure to get a trail map before heading out (rootrivertrail.org). Art galleries, a seasonal farmers market and a professional theater round out a weekend trip here.
What to do
The Commonweal Theatre The professional theater offers comedies, family shows and musicals. In 2020, enjoy a lineup with I Ought to Be in Pictures and Born Yesterday. commonwealtheatre.org
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Tours of Minnesota’s longest cave, west of Preston, range from a ¾-mile stroll to a four-hour crawl-on-your-belly expedition. Above ground, you can explore tallgrass prairie, bluffs and the village of Forestville restored to its 19th-century appearance. exploreminnesota.com
Lanesboro Arts Juried Sales Gallery See works by more than 90 artists from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, including beautifully displayed photography, jewelry, ceramics and literature. lanesboroarts.org
Lanesboro Farmers Market Held seasonally at Sylvan Park, the market has vendors representing some of the region’s 1,500 farms. lanesboro.com
Little River General Store Rent a bike here or book a shuttle that will drop you and your bike in one of the trailhead towns so you can ride back to Lanesboro. Canoe and kayak rentals are available as well. lrgeneralstore.net
National Trout Center A self-guided 9-Hole Fishing Course in Preston introduces anglers to a 0.8-mile stretch of the South Branch Root River, where fish hide in spring-fed pools and swift currents. Gear rentals and workshops are available. nationaltroutcenter.org
Niagara Cave 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 at the Harmony attraction. niagaracave.com
Root River bike Trails The 60-mile system connects nine communities, with Lanesboro at its heart. Along the trails, watch for wildlife, barns dotting the countryside and scenic river overlooks. A bike-share program in five towns lends bikes for free. rootrivertrail.org
Root River State Water Trail Canoe, kayak or fish along the Root River, which has no major rapids. rootrivertrail.org
Windy Mesa Browse Navajo, Hopi and Zuni jewelry and art. Check out the unique collection of horsehair pottery; this beautiful style of Navajo art uses horsehair in the firing process, creating a marblelike finish. Windy Mesa on Facebook
Where to eat
The Bite Fuel up for your ride—or celebrate the end of one—with hearty portions of sandwiches, salads, house-made potato chips and desserts listed on chalkboard menus. The Bite on Facebook
Estelle’s Eatery and Bar At the modern cafe in Harmony, beef comes from a farm down the road. Try it as a burger dressed up with goat cheese, arugula and blackberry jam. estelleseatery.com
High Court Pub Sample seasonal flatbreads, cocktails and craft beer. Prime patio seating overlooks the river. highcourtpub.com
Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe Try the huge cookies and sticky buns at this small-town cafe with an upscale edge. Lunch sandwiches are good too. Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe on Facebook
Old Village Hall Restaurant This mainstay has a deck overlooking the Root River Bike Trail. When it’s in season, try the morel mushroom and chopped sirloin soup. oldvillagehall.com
Pedal Pusher's Cafe and Coffee Bar Burgers, grain bowls and vegan sausage with locally sourced ingredients rule here. Try the homemade draft root beer or have a Minnesota craft beer. pedalpusherscafe.com
Spud Boy Diner It’s all about comfort-food breakfast and lunches in a restored 1926 wooden dining cart. nydiners.com
Where to stay
Cedar Valley Resort Five miles east of Lanesboro, well-appointed cabins, each with multiple bedrooms and easy access to the Root River Trail, make family reunions a breeze. cedarvalleyresort.com
Habberstad House The just-renovated Carriage House and third-floor Amish Suite sparkle at the 1897 Queen Anne Victorian, which has four other suites as well. habberstadhouse.com
Iron Horse Outfitters and Inn The four rooms embody steampunk style above a motorcycle shop. Ask about scooter rentals or a tour on the region’s backroads. ironhorselanesboro.com
Old Barn Resort Between Lanesboro and Preston, the property offers a campground and hostel, plus a golf course and pool. The namesake barn houses a restaurant and music venue. barnresort.com
Stone Mill Hotel and Suites Guests stay in one of 13 themed rooms created in an 1885 feed mill; some rooms preserve original mill equipment inside. stonemillsuites.com
For more information visit Lanesboro Chamber of Commerce. lanesboro.com