Deep in the southeastern corner of Minnesota, tucked into a steep valley carved by the Root River and surrounded by dramatic limestone bluffs, sits a town that has earned a reputation far bigger than its population of fewer than 900 people. Lanesboro, Minnesota — about 120 miles southeast of Minneapolis and roughly 40 miles south of Rochester — is the kind of place that draws you in slowly and holds on tight. Forbes once called it one of America’s prettiest towns. It’s been recognized nationally as one of a small handful of communities that deeply and authentically supports the arts while maintaining a vibrant, walkable downtown. And it has proudly claimed two titles: the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota and the Rhubarb Capital of the state.
Whether you arrive by bike, by car winding down from the ridge, or by way of the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway, the moment Lanesboro comes into view, you understand what all the fuss is about.
This is a destination that genuinely works for couples looking for a romantic weekend, outdoor enthusiasts who love cycling, hiking, fishing, or paddling, history buffs, art lovers, foodies, and families with kids old enough to handle a few miles on a trail. It is rare for a town this size to offer something wonderful for each of those groups — and Lanesboro pulls it off.
History & Background
Lanesboro’s story begins in 1856, when the first settlers arrived in the Root River Valley, drawn by fertile farmland and the promise of a river to power industry. The town was officially founded in 1869 — a date still displayed proudly on the welcome sign. The origin of the name is debated; many credit F.A. Lane, an early landowner, while others point to alternative roots. Whatever the source, the young town wasted no time making its mark.
One of the most enduring landmarks from those early years is the Lanesboro Stone Dam, completed in 1868 — a year before the town was even officially incorporated. That dam powered sawmills and gristmills along the Root River and stands today as one of only six gravity arch dams remaining in the United States. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains one of the most photographed spots in all of Bluff Country.
With the arrival of the railroad, Lanesboro blossomed into a commercial hub. Victorian homes, brick storefronts, and churches lined its streets, and much of that architecture still stands. The town’s historic downtown looks, in many ways, like a well-preserved 19th-century postcard — passenger trains once connected it to larger cities, and for a time Lanesboro was a legitimate center of commerce and culture for the region.
Like many small towns, Lanesboro hit harder times as rail service declined through the mid-20th century. But what happened next is one of the great small-town comeback stories in Minnesota history. In the 1970s, a bold idea began taking shape: what if that abandoned rail corridor became a trail? That vision became reality when the Root River State Trail was completed in the late 1980s. Cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts, and weekend travelers discovered the town, and a new economy grew around tourism, hospitality, and the arts. The Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota was born.
There’s also a colorful historical thread connecting Lanesboro to one of the most famous names in American history. William “Buffalo Bill” Cody made visits to the Lanesboro area in the 1870s, and his legacy looms large here. A bluff overlooking the town bears his name, and one of the town’s biggest summer celebrations is Buffalo Bill Days.
Lanesboro sits in what geologists call the Driftless Area — the region that was bypassed by the glaciers that flattened most of the Midwest. The result is a landscape of steep river valleys, towering limestone bluffs, cold-water trout streams, and sinkholes peppered across karst geology. It’s a terrain unlike anything else in Minnesota, and it shapes everything about the Lanesboro experience.
What to Do
The Root River State Trail
The crown jewel of outdoor activity in Lanesboro is, without question, the Root River State Trail. Sixty miles of paved trail wind through southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless region, crossing wooden bridges over the Root River and tracing the base of limestone bluffs that turn spectacular in the fall. The trail runs right through downtown Lanesboro, so you can walk out of your hotel or bed and breakfast, step onto the trail, and go.
The Little River General Store rents bikes and e-bikes and offers shuttle service so you can do a one-way ride without backtracking. The trail follows the old rail grade along the river, making it mostly flat and accessible to a wide range of fitness levels.
On the Root River
In summer, the river itself becomes the attraction. You can rent a tube from the Little River General Store and float the Root River — trips range from about an hour to three and a half hours. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular, with the access point right near the downtown waterfalls. Fly fishing on the Root River is legendary in these parts. It’s a designated trout stream, cold and clear, and Root River Rod Company offers guides and supplies from a classic downtown storefront.
Scenic Drives and Hiking
For hikers, the bluffs surrounding Lanesboro offer spectacular overlooks. Inspiration Point, accessible via the Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway south of town, delivers a panoramic view that puts the Driftless landscape in perspective. The 88-mile Scenic Byway passes through Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, and other small towns and is a beautiful slow drive in any season. Sylvan Park along the Root River in town is a lovely spot for a picnic, with the Stone Dam providing a genuinely scenic backdrop.
Arts and Culture
Lanesboro has built one of the most impressive small-town arts cultures you’ll find anywhere in Minnesota. The Commonweal Theatre Company is the anchor — a professional theater company performing in a historic 126-seat downtown venue. People travel from across the Midwest specifically to see shows here. The Commonweal performs multiple productions each season, generally on Friday and Saturday evenings. Book early, because seats go fast.
Lanesboro Arts operates out of the St. Mane Theatre and hosts a premier gallery with five rotating exhibitions per season, plus a Juried Sales Gallery showcasing work by nearly 100 artists from Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. They also host live music and a live radio show called Over the Back Fence. Murals on building walls, pottery studios, and working artist studios round out a visual arts scene woven into the fabric of the town.
History and Local Culture
The Lanesboro Historical Museum, right downtown, covers three floors of exhibits on the community’s heritage — from old farm equipment and wedding dresses to theater posters and a baseball signed by Babe Ruth. An interactive phone booth outside lets you hear stories from Lanesboro’s past. The Lanesboro Talking Trail is a self-guided audio tour that brings local history to life at your own pace.
One of the more unique cultural experiences near Lanesboro is exploring Amish heritage. Lanesboro sits near one of the larger Amish communities in Minnesota, and Bluffscape Amish Tours offers guided excursions through the countryside with stops at Amish farms, shops, and a bakery. Tours run Monday through Saturday, depart from the Stone Mill Hotel, and last about three hours. Adults $30; teens $20; children 6–12, $10.
Nearby Attractions
About 12 minutes outside of town, Niagara Cave features stalactites, stalagmites, underground pools, and dramatic passageways that have welcomed visitors for over a hundred years. Mystery Cave, Minnesota’s longest known cave system with over 13 miles of passages, is also within easy driving distance and offers guided tours. Big Springs Farm, just outside of Lanesboro, transforms into a full fall experience in October with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, giant slide, animals, and a tractor ride.
Festivals and Events
Lanesboro hosts over 15 events and festivals throughout the year. The Rhubarb Festival celebrates the town’s self-proclaimed title as Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota with tastings, games, music, and a fan-voted Tasting Contest. Buffalo Bill Days is the town’s big summer celebration. Art in the Park brings artists and visitors together outdoors. Experience the Magic of Lanesboro is a beloved winter event that keeps the town festive in the colder months.
A Hidden Gem
About five miles up the Root River Trail in the tiny town of Whalan — population 67 — is the Aroma Pie Shoppe (open seasonally). Plan your rides around a stop there. By all accounts, it is one of the best pie destinations in the state.
Places to Eat & Drink
Juniper’s Restaurant has become one of the top dining destinations in the region. The kitchen applies classic French and Italian techniques to Midwest comfort food, and the chef has earned genuine recognition for producing an elevated dining experience in an intimate setting. For a town of under 900 people, having a restaurant at this level is remarkable.
Pedal Pushers Cafe is a local institution — a great stop for lunch, particularly after a morning on the trail. Casual, welcoming, and satisfying, it’s exactly the kind of place a town like Lanesboro needs.
The Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe is a true step back in time. Cash only, no printed menu — you simply tell them what you’re in the mood for and they make it. That kind of place is increasingly rare.
Root River Unwined is a relaxed wine bar and a fine place to decompress after a day of cycling or exploring the bluffs.
Sylvan Brewing opened in downtown Lanesboro and has earned strong reviews. A local brewery in a small historic downtown is always a welcome addition, and this one delivers. Perfect for combining a bike ride with a cold beer on a warm afternoon.
Paddle on Coffee is the community gathering spot where locals and visitors alike connect over a cup. Author Steve Harris — who wrote a book about Lanesboro — has been known to show up here to share his stories.
And don’t forget the Aroma Pie Shoppe in Whalan, five miles up the trail. It deserves its own trip.
Places to Stay
Lanesboro’s lodging is part of the attraction — and booking ahead is essential, especially on summer and fall weekends.
Stone Mill Hotel and Suites is one of the most distinctive options in town. Built in 1885 by an early Minnesota State Senator, the historic stone building offers rooms ranging from standard to suites with iron-claw fireplaces and two-person whirlpool tubs. An expanded continental breakfast with locally baked pastries is included, and the hotel serves as the departure point for Bluffscape Amish Tours. Centrally located, steps from the Commonweal Theatre and the trail.
Hotel Lanesboro represents the newer, more design-forward side of Lanesboro lodging — nine rooms with stylish, modern furnishings that still honor the town’s historic character.
Cottage House Inn is a family-owned hotel that hits the sweet spot for comfort and value. Thirteen standard rooms and two apartment suites, coffee available all day, and a location within easy walking distance of the trail, the theater, and downtown. A reliable, welcoming choice since 1993.
For the true Lanesboro experience, the bed and breakfast inns are extraordinary. The James A. Thompson House, built in 1870, retains its original curved staircase, crown molding, and stained glass windows overlooking the Root River. The Scandinavian Inn traces its roots to Norwegian immigrant Ole Habberstad. The Historic Scanlan House Bed and Breakfast Inn is a beloved classic, and Oakenwald Terrace has been celebrated as one of Minnesota’s top spots for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Each B&B serves a morning meal, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For those who prefer a more outdoorsy stay, Eagle Cliff Campground and Lodging offers camping in a scenic setting. Sylvan Park in town has tent and RV sites from May through November, and The Old Barn Resort is a resort-style option in the broader Lanesboro area.
Important note: Lanesboro’s lodging fills up quickly. Many properties require a two-night minimum on weekends. If you’re planning a trip around a festival or a Commonweal Theatre show, make your reservations well in advance.
Lanesboro is the kind of place that people discover on a long weekend and talk about for years. The combination of a genuinely beautiful natural setting, a thriving arts and theater scene, excellent food, distinctive lodging, and outdoor recreation that spans every season adds up to something that feels almost too good to be real for a town this size. But it is real, and it’s waiting for you in the valley.
