Lanesboro (MN)

Sometimes when we are looking for a place to visit, we need a little bit of everything, right? The kids want a place for biking and fishing, while the adults want places to take strolls, shop, and have enjoyable dining. Well, I have the perfect place where you can do all of these things and so much more! This summer I took a little day trip down to Lanesboro, MN (from the Twin Cities), and I’d love to share with you all about this inviting small town settled in the bluffs of the Root River Valley in southeastern Minnesota.

Home to just over 700 residents, Lanesboro is filled with friendly people, recreational opportunities, and a diverse business community. Lanesboro is also a popular vacation destination where visitors enjoy biking on the Root River State Trail, fishing and tubing in the cool waters of the Root River, strolling through the historic downtown area, and shopping in the charming stores.

Lanesboro Visitor Center

When you arrive to Lanesboro, be sure to pay a visit to the Lanesboro Visitor Center for maps and information about the places you want to see. There is a volunteer on site who can assist with any questions you may have.

Root River State Trail

Bikers and hikers alike enjoy the paved Root River State Trail that winds 42 miles through the valley and connects up with the Harmony Preston Valley State Trail for an additional 18 paved miles.

These trails run along an abandoned railroad bed through 300-foot limestone bluffs, forestlands, a river, and rolling fields where you will find plenty of wildlife including wild turkeys, deer, and hawks.

Historical buildings and rural communities along the trail provide sites of interest as well as many services such as campgrounds, bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants, museums, and unique stores.

Coffee Street Bridge

The Coffee Street Bridge or the Iron Wagon Bridge, is significant as a representative example of an early steel truss bridge in Minnesota. The bridge (which isn’t hard to miss as you’ll see it when you look to your left when entering Lanesboro) was constructed by the Chicago Bridge Company in 1893 as a vehicular bridge, and now carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic over the Root River. It’s a great place for family photos and pictures with friends too!

In 2002 the City of Lanesboro rehabilitated the Coffee Street Bridge, converting it from vehicular to pedestrian use. Additional work on the bridge included installing a new wood deck to replace the non-historic concrete deck that was in place, reconstruction of the northeast approach span, stabilization of the stone abutments, repainting the structure, and replacing the original rail with a new steel railing. Decorative lighting was also installed at either end of the structure.

Shopping

Take a stroll in downtown Lanesboro and you will find gift and specialty shops selling unique gifts and souvenirs, outdoor gear and women’s clothing, and even fine art! It’s so much fun to walk along and check out these different shops. I really enjoyed the Amish Experience that had Minnesota souvenirs, homemade sauces and dressings, yard decorations, fun signs, and so much more! Absolutely loved this store!

Dining

When it comes to dining, Lanesboro has something for everyone! Experience a unique dining adventure at the Old Barn Restaurant, elevated food flavors on the deck overlooking the Root River at Juniper’s, or a variety of sandwiches, ice cream, and pizza at Clara’s Eatery.

For lunch I visited Pedal Pusher Café with made-from-scratch cooking featuring locally grown meats, dairy, and in-season produce. They had everything from burgers, sandwiches, salads, and grain bowls with some unexpected twists. Pedal Pushers Café is family-friendly with gluten-free and vegetarian options. I enjoyed the Bacon, Cheddar, and Ranch Burger with a side of French fries, which was mouth-watering and absolutely delicious!

The experience at Pedal Pusher Café was unique in that when I was seated, the host handed me a menu and explained the two options for ordering my food. Once I decided what to order, I could either go up to the counter to place my order, or I could use the Quick Response (QR) code located at the table to place my order by using my cell phone. I chose to place my order by using the QR code and the link to order my food was sent to my cell phone. There were no issues at all, and it was very easy to use! The server brought my food and drink in a matter of a few minutes, and after enjoying the delicious meal I was able to pay for my bill using the link previously sent to my cell phone. It worked out wonderfully!

It was a warm sunny afternoon, so after lunch I enjoyed a cold, creamy ice cream cone on the outdoor patio of  Another Time Ice Cream Parlor. This was a perfect treat on a warm summer day! Another Time Ice Cream Parlor offers 30 different flavors of Bridgeman’s ice cream including Salted Caramel Espresso, Caramelicious, Superman, and Mackinac Island Fudge. They also serve malts, shakes, and fruit smoothies.

Lanesboro Historical Museum

Visit the Lanesboro Historical Museum through the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The museum is dedicated to telling Lanesboro’s story by collecting, preserving, and organizing the history of Lanesboro residents. If you are a history buff, this is a must see!

Displays to check out:

• Model of the Historic Lanesboro Stone Dam and landforms in 1868
• Medical Equipment
• Military
• Lanesboro Women Display
• Vintage Wedding Dresses
• Newly designed photography display of artifacts dating from the late 1800s
• Railroad Impact on Lanesboro
• Communication Technology
• Baseball

Lanesboro Arts

• St. Mane Theatre has both professional and community-based arts programs & performances.
• Lanesboro Arts Juried Sales and Exhibition Galleries presents accessible and diverse works that foster educational opportunities for visitors as well as impacting artists’ careers.
• Check out the Lanesboro Arts website for more information about the arts and artists in Lanesboro.

Historic Lanesboro Stone Dam

Drive a short ways from Lanesboro main street and you will come across the Lanesboro Stone Dam. Do not miss this – it is such a beautiful site! The Lanesboro Stone Dam is one of only six gravity arch dams left in the United States and is included in the National Registry of Historic Places and registered with Minnesota’s State Historic Preservation Office. Built in 1868, the Lanesboro Stone Dam was created by immigrant craftsmen using the unmortared limestone blocks. Remarkably, the Lanesboro Stone Dam is one of the few dams in the United States that generates electricity!

This Fall would be a perfect time to visit Lanesboro with the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures! Take a stroll down main street, pop into all the neat shops along the way, and hang out on the patio with a yummy ice cream cone (that won’t melt because it’s too hot outside! Ha!). Enjoy Lanesboro, friends!