This Small Town is the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota
Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Minnesota, Lanesboro offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Often dubbed the “Bed & Breakfast Capital of Minnesota,” Lanesboro is much more than an idyllic weekend getaway. In addition to its historic architecture, the town of Lanesboro is home to thriving small businesses, a vibrant arts scene and incredible outdoor recreation that is only available in the Driftless Area.
Thousands of years ago, when glaciers covered much of North America, the area that is now the southern border between Minnesota and Wisconsin was miraculously spared from the glacial deposits known as drifts. Glaciers flattened the land in neighboring areas, with the exception of the Driftless Area. Today, this area is home to ravines and bluffs make for the perfect place to hike, bike and take in scenic vistas unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.
In Lanesboro, the heart of the Blufflands, dine at farm-to-table eateries, browse through boutiques and art galleries or simply enjoy the slow pace of the community, an idyllic alternative to the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Here’s how to make the most of your time in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
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Where To Stay in Lanesboro, MN
A stay in one of the famed bed & breakfast inns is a must-do when visiting or staycationing in Lanesboro. Across the town, family-owned Victorian homes have been converted into micro-hotels brimming with character. These well-maintained properties are a unique place to stay. They provide a glimpse of history, as the owners preserve the original Victorian architectural detailing. Many of these storied properties are on the National Register of Historic Places!
Each bed & breakfast offers a window into a period of Minnesota’s immigration and architectural history. The James A. Thompson House, one of the oldest in town, was built in 1870 and contains its original curved staircase, crown molding, and stained glass windows overlooking the Root River. Or, stay in The Scandinavian Inn, built by Ole Habberstad after he came to Minnesota from Norway in the mid-1800s, or Oakenwald Terrace, which is routinely celebrated as one of Minnesota’s top places to honeymoon. Each of Lanesboro’s six historic bed & breakfast inns serves an elegant morning meal, often prepared with ingredients sourced from local farmers markets.
In addition to the Victorian homes, there are plenty of other accommodations in Lanesboro. Stay in Stone Mill Hotel & Suites, built in 1885 by an early Minnesota State Senator, or at the aptly named Coffee Street Inn. The newly remodeled Hotel Lanesboro may be the swankiest hotel in town. The hotel has nine rooms that are uniquely outfitted with stylish, modern furnishings. Or, venture a few minutes outside Lanesboro’s downtown to stay in a private log cabin at Cedar Valley Resort. No matter your style, Lanesboro will surely have the perfect place for you!
Where To Eat & Drink in Lanesboro, MN
Lanesboro offers plenty of casual yet elevated spots for an evening out on the town. Pedal Pushers Cafe, a nod to Lanesboro’s biking culture, is known for its farm-to-table philosophy, serving locally sourced, organic dishes. Similarly, Juniper’s scratch-made menu features popular favorites like smash burgers and locally foraged mushroom soup. Pair a savory, scratch-made dinner with craft cocktails at Estelle Eatery & Bar and its sister distillery, Harmony Spirits.
Save room for dessert and pay a visit to Another Time Ice Cream Parlor. This sweet spot serves everything from coffee and espresso to homemade butter caramels. But the real attraction is the 30 different flavors of ice cream.
How to Get Outside in Lanesboro, MN
Lanesboro is located in the Blufflands, the eastern portion of the Driftless Area, offering ample opportunity for hiking and biking. One of the area’s most scenic features is the Root River, a serene waterway that winds along the western side of downtown Lanesboro and through the surrounding forest. Along its banks, the Root River State Trail invites bikers and hikers to explore 42 miles of tree-lined pathways. For those wanting a more rustic experience, there are plenty of campgrounds in the area. Guests can sleep under the stars, listening to the river’s gentle waters.
One of the most unique outdoor experiences near Lanesboro is Niagara Cave. A guide can lead you on a mile-long trail past an underground waterfall and 450-million-year-old fossils nearly 200 feet below the surface. This family-friendly tour deepens appreciation for this natural wonder, one of only two publicly accessible caves in the state.
What To Do in Lanesboro, MN
Prefer to stay in town? In the summertime, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at the Lanesboro Farmers Market. After, explore the thriving arts and culture scene in this Minnesota town. Peruse art galleries and pottery studios, often staffed by local artisans, and catch a show at the Commonweal Theatre Company. This sophisticated professional theater attracts art enthusiasts from around the Midwest. Plus, throughout the year, you can attend several arts festivals and events that showcase the abundant talent found in the Driftless Area.
In addition to its notable collection of preserved Victorian homes, Lanesboro offers a glimpse into the past that is sure to intrigue history buffs and casual visitors alike. The Lanesboro Historical Museum’s collection of art and artifacts from southeastern Minnesota illustrates how life has evolved across southeast Minnesota over the past two hundred years. Outside, step into the vintage telephone booth and listen to local stories through the receiver.