﻿Lanesboro, Minnesota Situated in the southeastern part of Minnesota,
Lanesboro is a small valley town that’s one of the best getaways in the state.
You won’t find any massive resorts here. National franchises are a lost
sight in this small town of only 750 people. Even with seemingly nothing, Lanesboro is what
every small town dreams to be - picturesque, attractive, and awe-strikingly stunning.
Lanesboro is home to multiple artists, homey Bed and Breakfasts,
Victorian architecture, and quaint stores. Back in the 1960s, the town was known for the
Phoenix Hotel, which was the largest hotel on this side of the country.
However, it burned down a while later. In 1970, Lanesboro was more of a sleepy
town than the tourist attraction that it is today. The local movie theatre closed down,
and no highway passed through the town. But then, the town became a hub for
bicyclists in the 1980s when a paved trail was made on the old rail bed.
The Commonweal Theatre opened, and then some artists collectively converted a century-old
general store into the Lanesboro Arts Center - its floors filled
with sculptures and the walls with paintings. The town also became the center of many festivals,
such as the Rhubarb Festival. That’s the story of how Lanesboro slowly regained its charm
and became the cultural capital of the Minnesotan southeastern region.
If you’re a tourist in the city, there’s a lot to see in just one day.
Even the nighttimes are fun since the town lights up with dancing and music after sunset
with the plays at Commonweal Theatre. On a slow day, take your bicycle and hit
Parkway Avenue. It has a plethora of shops selling everything from
antiques and housewares to clothing and jewelry. While the local Amish Experience is the best place
to enjoy the Amish cashew crunch, the Spring Grove Soda is the place you go to beat the heat. They
have sodas in different flavors, including orange, black cherry, strawberry, and lemon sour.
Speaking of sodas, the town also has a famous ice cream parlor called Another Time.
It’s a little pink shop serving chocolate chips, vanilla, and other flavors.
Top Things to do in Lanesboro, Minnesota Let’s get into some of our favorite things
to do in Lanesboro, Minnesota. Visit the Lanesboro History Museum
While you’re near Parkway Avenue, you might also want to check out the Lanesboro History Museum.
It houses multiple Norwegian cultural elements, local history, and farm tools.
If you have kids with you, keep them busy at the scavenger hunt at the
museum while you enjoy the phone booths and architecture from a century ago.
Root River State Trail Another must-do in Lanesboro
is cycling since that’s what put the town back into the spotlight. The Root River State Trail
snakes through the town, offering a 42-mile long paved path for tourists to cycle on.
It will also take you across Amish farms and shops in the valley, where you can
shop for locally made cheese and produce. Needless to say, it’s a scenic ride that will
expose you to rolling hills and towering bluffs. If your legs allow, you can extend
your bike ride by an additional 18 miles and hit the Harmony Preston Valley State Trail.
Check out the Fabric Garden Like any other small town,
Lanesboro also has some quirks that you’ll never find in a metropolitan area.
One of them is Cheryl’s Fabric Garden,
which is a quilt shop offering quilting retreats and quilted products.
You can find quilted anything in the shop - table runners, handbags, wall hangings, aprons, napkins,
and art quilts, to name a few. Plus, if you sign up for the retreat,
Cheryl will help you create your own items. Go on an Art Tour
But quilts aren’t the only artistry you’ll find in this small town. The Lanesboro Arts Tour
takes you through different art installations and galleries in town. Or, you can head over to the
Lanesboro Arts Juried Sales and Exhibition Galleries to be mesmerized by the art.
Since the town welcomes tourists all over the year, you can go whenever you want. While the
warmer months make an amazing time for cycling, the snow invites cross-country skiers. As for
lodgings, there’s no shortage since the town is often called Minnesota’s Bed and Bath capital.
With beautiful biking trails, magnificent Victorian architecture, cozy lodgings,
and stunning gardens, Lanesboro is one of the most charming small towns you’ll ever visit.
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