The southeastern corner of Minnesota is filled with rolling hills, limestone bluffs, caves and winding, spring-fed creeks. It is the only corner of the state that was not covered by glaciers, and it is a well-kept secret from worldly travelers. But it possesses unique qualities that are a pleasure to experience.
Lanesboro is located about 45 miles southeast of Rochester, MN and has a population of approximately 788 in the winter time. During summer months, the population increases dramatically as visitors are drawn to the many local attractions. One of the most popular activities is the paved bike trail. The former railroad bed was converted into bike trails as part of the Minnesota DNR rails-to-trails program in 1985. The 60-mile bike trail connects the small towns of Fountain, Lanesboro, Peterson, Rushford and Houston. A definite stop along the way should include the Aroma Pie Shop in Whalen, where home-baked pies and ice cold refreshments are served to hungry bikers, in need of a break.
The Root River flows along the outer edge of town, and provides a refreshingly chilly channel for inner tubing and canoe enthusiasts. There are several outlet shops for bike and tube rentals, and a large bike shop in the center of town offers assorted biking apparel and repair services.
For the golf enthusiasts, there are several hilly and scenic courses to challenge you. The Lanesboro Golf Club is located right in town, and you will definitely want to take a cart for this one. The Red Barn Golf Course, which is located near Preston is an 18-hole course that is divided by the Root River and surrounded by bluffs.
There is a strong sense of art and history to this small community, and the boulevards are filled with blooming flowers. A rainbow of colored Hollyhocks surround the edge of the trail as it passes through the center of town, and the hillsides are covered with natural vegetation and wildflowers.
In 1974, the Old Order of Amish began settling into the area, and there are now around 100 families living in this part of Minnesota. As you travel through the area, you will notice their one-horse buggies parked outside shops, or rolling along the crush gravel country roads. Various guides offer tours of the Amish communities, where you can see them working the fields with teams of horses, or the children tending garden, and playing outside in their long cotton dresses and homemade shirts and trousers.
There are a number of bed and breakfasts, as well as hotels available for overnight guests. Local restaurants include fine dining at Riverside on the Root, and a number of cafes, but you won’t find any fast food franchises. Evening entertainment includes the Commonwealth Theatre, bars, and restaurants. There is a farmer’s market every week at Sylvan Park, which is in the heart of town. Vendors include local Amish families selling homemade baskets, and canned goods.
One of Lanesboro’s claims to fame is the fact that William Cody (Buffalo Bill) came to town to visit a friend in 1879, and the first Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show was performed there in 1900. Lanesboro also has achieved the Great American Main Street Award in 1998; was named one of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America by Author John Villani; and was rated one of the 50 Best Outdoor Sports Towns by Sports Afield magazine.
There are enough activities and attractions to keep you busy, and be sure to include some time to relax and stroll along main street to check out the small art and gift shops. The local residents are more than happy to share their stories, and will make you feel welcome no matter where you call home.
