Lanesboro is the definition of a hidden gem in Minnesota. Located 2 hours south of Minneapolis, Lanesboro sits on the Root River State Trail that is popular in the warmer months for biking. The trail generally follows the Root River which is also really popular for fly fishing, floating, and kayaking – and leads right through the beautiful historic downtown. Sounds like a postcard, right?!
Whether you’re passing through along the river, the trail, or making a special trip like we did, there are so many fun things to do in Lanesboro MN. Keep scrolling to read all about how we spent one day in Lanesboro.
Breakfast at the Pastry Shoppe
We love a good hometown bakery, but the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe takes it to a whole new level. It felt like we were taking a step back in time when we walked in. They only accept cash and there isn’t even a menu! You literally just order what you’re feeling and then they make it. So crazy! The food wasn’t anything special, but definitely go for the baked goods!
Hike around at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center
Hiking in the Spring isn’t as pretty as the summer or fall, but it does mean that you get to see the first blooms of the season and you get the entire trail to yourself! We took a quick hike to the lookout over the Root River and looped back to the parking lot at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center visitor center. Make sure to check out their ropes course in the summer!
Lunch at Pedal Pusher Café
We worked up an appetite and made our way to the Pedal Pusher Café…one of the best rated restaurants in town! This café is darling and offers craft brews and amazing food. We LOVED the brussels sprouts with a sweet vinaigrette sauce and the rice bowl. If you only are in town for one meal, eat here!!
Use the Root River State Trail
The majority of people bike on the Root River State Trail, but we chose to strap on our rollerblades and go for a 5 mile ride! The weather was perfect and we loved crossing the bridges over the river. The path was SO NICE for rollerblading which means little to no cracks, so for biking it’s even better!
Another Time Ice Cream Parlor
The award for the cutest and yummiest place in Lanesboro goes to Another Time Ice Cream Parlor. This little pink building seems to be the center of the hustle and bustle of the town, with people stopping left and right off the bike trail for a scoop. We sat outside and enjoyed our ice cream, but they also have chocolates and Caribou Coffee available as well!
Lanesboro Museum
If you’re looking for some history, Lanesboro Museum is your spot. Located right downtown, at the very least you have to stop by the outdoor phone booth right outside the museum to hear stories of Lanesboro’s past. Inside the museum, which has a donation entry fee, you can find all sorts of momentos of the town’s past, from wedding dresses, to farm equipment, to old theatre posters, and even a baseball signed by Babe Ruth!
Shop at The Peddler Antiques and Uniques
If you only have time to stop at one shop in Lanesboro, make sure it’s The Peddler. It’s located in the cutest little storefront with fun gifts and treasures. I ended up making myself a necklace with some travel charms but also really wanted to buy some of the cross stitch kits. SO CUTE!!
Shop more at Windy Mesa
Right next door to the ice cream parlor you’ll find Windy Mesa. This shop is full of fun native pieces like rocks, jewelry, blankets, and dream catchers. Make sure to spend some time exploring the shop.
Find authentic goodies at Amish Experience
Lanesboro is right in the middle of Amish Country. There’s a few Amish tours you can take, but if you have limited time to spend in the town, at least stop by the Amish Experience store. There’s SO MANY fun things in this store (like Lanesboro mugs and camping décor) but if you head to the back you’ll find Amish goodies like dressings and jams.
Take a walk along the dam
The Root River dams right near downtown Lanesboro to create a beautiful waterfall. We walked down to the falls and saw lots of fisherman and people wading in the water even though it was the very beginning of spring. This area is so pretty!
Stop at Karst Brewing
Lanesboro doesn’t have any breweries, but if you drive about 12 minutes to Fountain, MN you’ll come across Karst Brewing. This brewery is right downtown and was full of people enjoying the outdoor seating. We brought some cards and sat outside while we tried the IPA and Cream Ale. We recommend them both!
High Court Pub
We were in Lanesboro in Spring, so not every restaurant was open for the season. For dinner, one of the only spots open was High Court Pub. We sat in the back overlooking the river, but that’s about the only good part of our experience. We ordered pizza which we saw was just frozen pizzas put into an oven, and they also gave our order away to other guests who arrived after us but ordered the same thing. They acknowledged they did so but didn’t give us a discount or even apologize for making us wait. The pizzas were alright, but I would only recommend this spot for outdoor drinks.
Commonweal Theatre
Whenever there’s live professional theatre, I have to go! The Commonweal Theatre is a popular theatre in the area and is currently playing the play Holmes and Watson until July 6, 2019. It’s a story where Watson is trying to figure out who the REAL Sherlock Holmes is after 3 men claim to be him after his death. It’s a puzzle of a show and was a great way to end our day in Lanesboro!
If you’re stopping in nearby Rochester before or after your time in Lanesboro, check out my recommendations of things to do in Rochester.
Thanks so much for taking the time to stop into my shop, The Peddler! Safe and happy travels to you!
We loved it there! Thanks so much!
Great list but you should update and add that Lanesboro now does have a brewery and a really good one to boot! Sylvan Brewing was a ton of fun to visit when I was down for Trout Opener a few weeks ago.
Hi Lindsey,
My husband and I are thinking of heading to Lansboro at the end of July for a weekend getaway. Love all the things you have here for us to do and check out. I do have a question though: where would you recommend for staying? I saw this cute historical Bed and Breakfast. It’s a Victorian place and it’s wasn’t a bad price. However, I am always skeptical of staying in places. Just wondering what you would recommend.
We have always had decent experiences when we stay at a Bed and Breakfast, I would just make sure you are reading any and all reviews before booking.