Known as the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro is the heart of Southeast Minnesota’s Historic Bluff Country. Steeped in history, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and brimming with art, culture, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. Lanesboro offers everything you need for a refreshing and unforgettable staycation.
Not sure where to begin your visit? Here are 10 must-see stops to help you plan the perfect Lanesboro getaway:
Start your visit with a performance at the renowned Commonweal Theatre Company. A cultural cornerstone since 1989, this professional repertory theatre stages an engaging mix of comedies, dramas, and musicals throughout the year. Check their website for the latest schedule-you won’t want to miss a show.
2. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Looking for an outdoor experience? Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is a well-kept secret located on a scenic 250-acre campus just minutes outside Lanesboro. Eagle Bluff offers award-winning environmental education programs for students, families, and adults alike. The campus features public hiking and mountain biking trails, a high-ropes course, and hands-on learning opportunities such as wild edible foraging and maple syrup tapping. They also host seasonal public events, including the High Ropes Challenge, Root River Canoeing, and more.
3. Lanesboro Arts Center & St. Mane Theatre
Dive into Lanesboro’s art community. The Lanesboro Arts Center features juried work by over 90 regional artists, with rotating new exhibitions throughout the year. Just a short walk away, the St. Mane Theatre presents a vibrant mix of concerts, plays, indie films, and variety shows. In June, Lanesboro Arts hosts the annual Art in the Park festival in Sylvan Park—Southern Minnesota’s longest-running fine art fair—featuring more than 90 artist booths, live music, family-friendly art activities, food vendors, and free admission.
4. Historic Downtown Lanesboro
Make time to enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown Lanesboro, where the charm of 19th-century architecture and a welcoming small-town vibe create the feeling of times past. Locally owned shops, charming cafés, pubs and breweries, theaters, inns and B&Bs, and art galleries line Parkway Avenue and Coffee Street. Flower adorned sidewalks invite you to slow down and explore. It’s the perfect place to wander, sip, shop, and soak up the town’s friendly, creative spirit.
5. Root River & Root River State Trail
Winding side by side through the heart of bluff country, the Root River and the 60-mile Root River State Trail offer some of Minnesota’s most scenic outdoor experiences. The calm, clear river is perfect for tubing, paddling, canoeing, and trout fishing. The adjacent trail winds through forests, farmland, and limestone bluffs, making it a favorite for cyclists, walkers, runners, and cross-country skiers. With Lanesboro as your base, you’ll find peaceful adventures and spectacular views around every bend.
Step back in time on a guided Amish tour and discover the tradition of Old Order Amish communities near Lanesboro. Knowledgeable guides take you on a scenic countryside drive with stops at Amish farms and workshops featuring handcrafted furniture, quilts, baskets, baked goods, and more. This respectful cultural experience offers insight into a lifestyle centered around simplicity, craftsmanship, and community.
7. Lanesboro Historical Museum and Storytelling Phone Booth
Housed in a former mill office, this three-story museum brings Lanesboro’s history to life with engaging exhibits on early settlers, Native history, and local industry. Outside, the one-of-a-kind Storytelling Phone Booth invites you to hear real stories from our town’s past by simply picking up the receiver and pressing a button. The museum is also a key stop on the Lanesboro Talking Trail, an audio walking tour filled with local voices and tales.
8. Historic Stone Dam (and Riverview Campground)
Built in the 1860s from hand-laid stone, this dam once powered the mills that helped build Lanesboro. Today, it’s a picturesque spot ideal for photography, fishing, or quiet reflection. Nearby, Riverview Campground, a city-run, first-come, first-served campground with RV and tent camping, water/electric hookups, and access to Sylvan Park’s bathhouse, is just steps away from the river.
The heart of Lanesboro is Sylvan Park, a beloved community gathering space that offers playgrounds, picnic shelters, trout-stocked ponds, and a peaceful campground. It also hosts many of Lanesboro’s favorite annual events, including the Rhubarb Festival, Art in the Park, Buffalo Bill Days, and weekly farmers markets.
10. Church Hill Scenic Overlook
For sweeping views of Lanesboro and Bluff Country, head up to Church Hill. This scenic overlook provides a panoramic backdrop perfect for selfies, sunrises, or a peaceful moment of reflection. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, local flavor, or a touch of small-town charm, Lanesboro has something for everyone. Come explore, unwind, and stay a while. Your perfect staycation awaits in the heart of Bluff Country.
See you in Lanesboro!
This article was written in collaboration with Visit Bluff Country and the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce.
