• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Visit Bluff Country

A guide to Historic Bluff Country

  • Home
  • Historic Bluff Country
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Events
  • News
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Wisconsin
  • Directory
  • Visitor Guide

Lanesboro

Tucked along the banks of the Root River in Southeast Minnesota, you’ll find a hidden gem – Historic Lanesboro, the Heart of Bluff Country. Take a relaxing drive on Highway 16, a National Scenic Byway, turn north on Highway 250, and you’ve arrived at the main street of Lanesboro, population 754. Park your car in the Poetry Parking Lot, next to the Art Car, and walk into town over a restored railroad bridge, the Coffee Street Walking Bridge. The parking lot is by the bass pond, which is fully-stocked by the DNR fish hatcheries nearby.

Strolling down Lanesboro’s main street, Parkway Avenue is like a walk-through time. Well-preserved, it’s a snapshot of rural America a century ago. Architecture gracefully combines the old and new. Buildings built just a few years ago are neighbors with buildings over a hundred years old. Downtown is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

This town is alive with the arts, good food, easy access to the outdoors whose beauty rivals anywhere else, and history. In fact, you may even see a History Alive! Pop-up play – reenactments of Lanesboro history. You just never know what you’ll see in town.

At the north end of town, the Commonweal Theatre, home to a professional theatre which, from March through December, entertains thousands of people every year with a rotating repertory of comedies, dramas, musicals, classics and contemporary plays. Next door to the state-of-the-art Commonweal Theatre, is the St. Mane Theatre, run by Lanesboro Arts. This theater, one of the oldest buildings in town, provides a venue for the Lanesboro Community Theater, concerts, classes and Over the Back Fence, a variety show which has been in operation since 1994. On the second Friday, from March through November, Over the Back Fence showcases talented local cast, musicians and other guests. Each month features a new theme with music, skits, jokes, comedy, poems, and more. In addition to live theater, the recently renovated St. Mane Theatre presents the movies of local and regional independent filmmakers.

Both theaters are part of the Lanesboro Arts Campus, a layered and memorable arts experience integrated into the fabric of Lanesboro that builds on, and is designed to enhance and connect, existing assets—the river, scenery, recreation, history, and downtown — while extending art into the community. By utilizing art, design, and history to maintain, strengthen, and link what’s unique and authentic about Lanesboro, stimulating economic growth and improving quality of life.

Imagine shopping in the places where people have been shopping for generations. While the locally-owned shops don’t house a cobbler, they do still offer unique products and services, housed in the warm, welcoming Lanesboro downtown shops.

Lanesboro is conveniently located in the middle of the nationally acclaimed Root River State Bike Trail, so it doesn’t matter which direction you choose to go. Ride on 60 miles of paved trails, following the river winding its way through woods, bluffs, farms and tiny towns.

The trail runs right through the middle of town. After an enjoyable day of biking through Bluff Country, ride over to the shops and grab some gourmet cheese and a bottle of wine to enjoy at a splendidly restored bed and breakfast while you get ready to go out for dinner and the theater.

Lanesboro is well known for its many lodging choices. You can choose to stay at a bed and breakfast, a cabin or an inn – practical, charming, historic, secluded, on the river. No matter where you stay, though, you will enjoy generous hospitality, and relaxing comfort.

Some visitors would rather take a more leisurely trip down the river. Canoes, kayaks and tubes are available to rent in town. Top off your afternoon with some ice cream.

At the center of town is the jewel of Lanesboro, green, tree-laden Sylvan Park. With a brand-new, kid-approved playground, seven picnic shelters, tennis and basketball courts, two spring-fed ponds, a gazebo; this 12-acre park is the place to spend an hour or a whole day. The park is within sight of a waterfall flowing over the 1868 dam, providing the power for the electric power plant which has been generating power for almost 150 years.

Countless activities are held here. On the first Saturday in June, the park hosts the famous Rhubarb Festival commemorating our status as the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota as designated by the Minnesota state legislature. Later in the month, Art in the Park, southeast Minnesota’s longest running art festival, features 80+ art exhibitors, pie (including rhubarb, of course), music all day, all taking place in the dappled shade of the park’s stately trees.

Once a year, the first weekend in August, the town celebrates Buffalo Bill Days, in recognition of the times when Buffalo Bill brought his famous Wild West show to town. The festival is so big, with so many activities, it takes three days to do it all. From volleyball tournaments to dancing, picnics to beer and brats, fireworks to the Grand Parade, this event has something for the whole family.

Come visit! Discover a slower pace of life with no chain stores or fast food franchises, and the closest stoplight is 20 miles away. This quaint town site offers invigorating outdoor adventures, breathtaking views, rich artistic and cultural experiences, unique shopping, locally grown foods and find dining. Come see why visitors love Lanesboro and return year after year!

Amish Experience
Address: 105 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-886-2409
Category:
Attractions, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Amish, Gifts, Tours
Description:

Amish Tours. Home decor, T-shirts, bike decor, gifts, books, candy.

Bluff Country Properties – Jeff Brogle
City:
Peterson
State:
MN
Phone:
507-577-1121
Website:
bluffcountryproperties.com
Category:
Alma, Dodge, Houston, La Crosse, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Peterson, Preston, Recreational, Rushford, Services, Trempealeau, Winona
Tags:
Agriculture, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horses, Hunting, Realtor
Description:

My name is Jeff Brogle. My family and I live on acreage between Lanesboro & Rushford. I am a proven Bluff Country Property specialist. I'm ready to put my local expertise to work for you! Focused on farms, recreation, hunting, rural homes and estates. We give back 10% to the local community.

Bluffscape Amish Tours, LLC
Address: 102 E. Beacon Street
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-3070
Website:
www.bluffscape.com
Category:
Attractions, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Amish, Tours
Description:

Bluffscape Amish Tours of Lanesboro will take you on a fun, educational experience through the Amish countryside of southeastern Minnesota.

City of Lanesboro Sylvan Campground
Address: 202 Parkway Ave S
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-3722
Website:
lanesboro-mn.gov
Category:
Camping, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Bathhouse, campfire rings, playgrounds, walking distance to bike trail and river. No reservations.

Coffee Street Inn
Address: 305 Coffee Street E
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2674
Website:
coffeestreetinn.com
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Located directly across from the bluffs and Root River Bike Trail. Easy walking distance to restaurants, theaters, shopping and the arts. 3 Bedroom full or mini suite with full kitchen, whirlpool, TV and fireplace. Individual rooms with private entrances. Garden patio. Children and pet friendly.

Commonweal Theatre Company
Address: 208 Parkway Ave. N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
800-657-7025
Website:
www.commonwealtheatre.org
Category:
Attractions, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Recreational
Tags:
Entertainment, Theater
Description:

Professional live theatre in historic Lanesboro.

E2 Boutique
Address: 117 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2994
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Apparel, Gifts
Description:

Affordable trendy fashions for all ages.

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Address: 28097 Goodview Drive
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2437
Website:
www.eagle-bluff.org
Category:
Attractions, Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota, Recreational
Tags:
Hiking
Description:

Let our professional guides help you reach new heights! Take the challenge. Explore our high ropes. Savor the view. Zip back and forth. For individuals, families and groups.

Eagle Cliff Campground
Address: 35455 State Hwy 16 E
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507 467 2598
Website:
eagle-cliff.com
Category:
Camping, Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota, Recreational
Tags:
Event Center
Description:

A stunningly beautiful campground in the heart of Bluff Country! 226 Sites (tent, RV, permanent). RV sites with full hookups (electric, water & sewer).
Seasonal sites with full hookups. Five unit hotel sleeps up to 22 guests. Tubing, canoeing and kayaking; access to bike trail. On the Root River. Banquet Facility seats 80 plus.

Grandma’s Inn
Address: 100 Elmwood St E
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2144
Website:
www.grandmasmn.com
Category:
B&B, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Historic Accommodations. Great downtown locations. Steps from Root River & State Bike Trail. Easy access to local dining, shops, outdoor activities and cultural events.

Granny’s Liquor
Address: 113 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2700
Website:
grannysliquor.com
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Craft Beer, Wine
Description:

Since 2015, Granny's Liquor has supplied Lanesboro and the surrounding area with the finest wine, spirits and beer! Our staff, voted friendliest business in Bluff Country 4 years in a row, is here to help you make the perfect selection.

Green Gables Inn
Address: 303 West Sheridan St.
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2936
Website:
greengablesinn.us
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Modern convenience in a quaint country setting. 15 modern rooms with queen sized beds and private baths. Our guests love our beautiful and relaxing courtyard and we're just blocks from the Root River Trail, theatre, art galleries, and Lanesboro's historic downtown.

Gud-I-Nuff Campsites
Address: 23653 Hickory Road
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-421-8008
Website:
gudinuffcampsites.shutterfly.com
Category:
Camping, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Extra large private primitive campsites. Also available for private party rental.

Habberstad House B&B
Address: 706 Fillmore Street S
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507 467 3560
Website:
www.habberstadhouse.com
Category:
B&B, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Enjoy a most relaxing retreat in this 1897 Queen Anne Victorian. Comfortable quite rooms, with scrumptious breakfast.

High Court Pub
Address: 109 North Parkway Ave
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2782
Website:
www.highcourtpub.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Tags:
Bar, Craft Beer
Description:

Enjoy amazing craft beers on tap, great cocktails, in-house flat breads, and the best live music in southeastern Minnesota! Open daily til late. Trivia Tuesdays and open mic Thursdays. Kitchen always open. Two outdoor decks overlooking the Root River. Also, rent our 3rd floor loft.

Historic Scanlan House
Address: 708 Parkway Avenue South
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
1-800-944-2158
Website:
scanlanhouse.com
Category:
B&B, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

A much needed getaway, being pampered, surrounded by affordable luxury, soaking your stress away in an aromatic whirlpool bath, sipping champagne, watching the flicker of flames all to the tune of a romantic melody. Recognized as Top 10 Place to Wake Up in the State of Minnesota, Top 15 B&B in USA with Friendliest Staff, A Most Romantic B&B (Fodors), A Top 10 Great Place to Relax & Recharge. Open year-round. Complimentary country farm to table multi-course breakfast

Home Sweet Home Cafe & Cakery
Address: 210 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2244
Website:
homesweethomecafecakery.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Catering
Description:

Sunday Breakfast Buffet. Lunch Specials. Catering.

Lanesboro Arts
Address: 103 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507 467 2446
Website:
lanesboroarts.org
Category:
Attractions, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Arts, Theater
Description:

Exhibition & juried sales galleries
St. Mane Theatre - Music, drama, film, variety show
Arts campus & community engagement

Lanesboro BP Food Shop
Address: 100 Sheridan Street
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2121
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Recreational, Services, Shopping
Tags:
Auto, Fishing, Grocery & Specialty Foods, Hunting
Description:

Convenience & service all through the Root River Valley. Hot food & deli, convenience store, movie rentals, lottery tickets. Pay-at-Pump 24/7, diesel fuel, LP exchange, hunting & fishing license & game registration.

Lanesboro Clockworks
Address: 100 Coffee Street W
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
763-567-3440
Category:
Attractions, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Services, Shopping
Tags:
Specialty Services
Description:

Antique watches and clocks carefully repaired. Large collection on display. Sales and service. Please text.

Lanesboro Tourism
Address: 100 Milwaukee Road
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2696
Website:
lanesboro.com
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Services
Tags:
Organizations
Description:

Visit our website to check out all the events going on in Lanesboro.

Little River General Store
Address: 105 Coffee St. E
55949
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2943
Website:
www.LRGeneralStore.net
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Recreational, Services, Shopping
Tags:
Biking, Outfitter
Description:

A full service outfitter - Rent, Retail, Repair. Sports Store. Padded Bike Shorts. Bike Jerseys. Helmets. T-Shirts & Sweatshirts. Bide Bags. Speedometers. Life Jackets. Gadgets Galore. Canoe & Kayak Paddles. Bicycle Repair & Rental. Bicycle Supplies. Recumbent (Single & Double). Canoe & Kayak Sales, Rental & Equipment. RV Supplies. Worms Sold Here. Tube Rentals.

Old Village Hall
Address: 111 Coffee St. E
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2962
Website:
oldvillagehall.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Wine
Description:

Upscale casual dining.

Parkway Market & Coffeehouse
Address: 201 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2500
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Coffee, Grocery & Specialty Foods
Description:

Corner grocer & coffeehouse bringing good food to Lanesboro 365 days a year. Interesting produce, coffee, cheese, groceries, chocolates and sundries.

Pedal Pushers Cafe
Address: 121 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-1050
Website:
www.pedalpusherscafe.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Coffee, Craft Beer
Description:

At Pedal Pushers Cafe we love real food. Real food comes from real farmers. We work directly with local men and women who are growing the food we serve and they usually bring that food right to our back door.

Root River Outfitters
Address: 101 Parkway Ave S
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507 467 3400
Website:
rootriveroutfitters.com
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Recreational
Tags:
Biking, Outfitter
Description:

Family owned & operated for over 20 years! We rent canoes, kayaks, bikes and tubes. Two-For-Tuesdays - Two tubes for the price of one every Tuesday!

Root River Rod Co.
Address: 116 Parkway Avenue N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2101
Website:
www.rootriverrod.com
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Recreational, Shopping
Tags:
Apparel, Fishing, Tours
Description:

Guide service. Wade or drift boat. Fly fishing experts. Apparel, bamboo rod maker, new and vintage gear, rod repair, fly tying.

Root River Saloon
Address: 112 Coffee Street
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-3355
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Bar, Off Sale
Description:

On/Off Sale. Pull tabs & E-tabs. Minnesota State Lottery. Daily happy hour. Open Daily - Mon-Sat at 10am and Sun at noon.

Root River Unwined
Address: 102 Coffee Street W
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-225-2392
Website:
unwinedlanesboro.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Tags:
Wine
Description:

Wine, beer and small plates. Specializing in food and drink pairings.

Stone Mill Hotel & Suites
Address: 100 Beacon Street East
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-8663
Website:
www.stonemillsuites.com
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lanesboro, Lodging, Minnesota
Description:

Historic Lanesboro, MN - Renovated 1884 historic hotel - Open year-round!

The Bite
Address: 111 Parkway Ave N
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-467-2200
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Description:

Pizza, sandwiches, and desserts in downtown Lanesboro!

The Black Crow
Address: 110 Coffee Street
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Apparel, Arts, Gifts
Description:

Gallery and Gifts. Featuring decorative, functional and wearable art made by regional artists and consigned clothing, collectibles and household goods.

The Peddler
Address: 107 Coffee St.
City:
Lanesboro
State:
MN
Phone:
507-380-1677
Website:
Facebook
Category:
Lanesboro, Minnesota, Shopping
Tags:
Gifts
Description:

Focusing on Handmade, Fair Trade, and Vintage Finds. The Peddler offers five rooms of eclectic wares in our historic little building.

Primary Sidebar

Minnesota Towns

  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Minneiska
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Reads Landing
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

Before Footer

Footer

Visit Bluff Country

Historic Bluff Country, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Adams, Austin, Caledonia, Canton, Chatfield, Fountain, Harmony, Houston, Kellogg, Lanesboro, LeRoy, Mabel, Millville, Minneiska, Peterson, Plainview, Preston, Reads Landing, Red Wing, Rushford, Rushford Village, Spring Grove, Spring Valley, St. Charles, Wabasha, Whalan, Winona, Wykoff, Burr Oak, Charles City, Clermont, Cresco, Decorah, Dubuque, Dyersville, Elkader, Fort Atkinson, Froelich, Guttenberg, Hawkeye, Kendallville, Lansing, Lawler, Lime Springs, McGregor, Marquette, Osage, Protivin, Riceville, St. Ansgar, Spillville, Waukon, Alma, La Crosse, Platteville, Tomah, Viroqua, Warrens, Galena, Antiques, Apparel, Art Galleries, Financial, Banking, Craft Beer, Winery, Distillery, Brewery, Camping, B&B, Bread and Breakfast, Vacation Rentals, Amish, Scenic Byway, River, Fishing, Hunting, Canoe, Kayak, Tubing, Fly Fish, Golf, Recreation, Hiking, Theatre, Movies, Shopping, Gifts, Niagara Cave, Commonweal, Spam Museum, Root River State Trail, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Horse Riding, Tours, Biking, Rentals, Skiing, Music, Stand Still Parade, Trout, Prairie Visions, Shooting Star, Lake Louise State Park, Steam Engines, Grumpy Old Men, Museums, Lakes, Upper Iowa River, Mississippi River, Laura Ingalss Wilder, Apple Blossom, Cranberry Festival, Veterans

Receive News & Information

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Plan Your Visit

  • Historic Bluff Country
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Visitor Centers
  • State Parks
  • Scenic Byways
  • Trails
  • Waterways
  • Farmers Markets
  • Eat & Drink
  • Recreation
  • Attractions
  • Shopping
  • Lodging
  • Services

Information

  • Events
  • Directory
  • Bluff Country News
  • The Best – Voting
  • The Best 2020 Winners
  • Minnesota
  • Iowa
  • Wisconsin
  • Visitor Guide
  • Submit Your Photos
  • Advertise
  • Visit Bluff Country Distribution
  • Home

Minnesota Towns

  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Minneiska
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Reads Landing
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

Iowa Towns

  • Burr Oak
  • Calmar
  • Charles City
  • Clermont
  • Cresco
  • Decorah
  • Dyersville
  • Elkader
  • Fort Atkinson
  • Guttenberg
  • Hawkeye
  • Kendallville
  • Lansing
  • Lime Springs
  • Osage
  • Riceville
  • Spillville
  • Waukon

Wisconsin Towns

  • Alma
  • Dodge
  • La Crosse
  • Platteville
  • Trempealeau
  • Warrens
  • Westby

© 2021 · Website Design and Hosting by SMG Web Design of Preston, MN.