Minnesota
The Magical Hamlet in the Bluff Country
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Photo: GoMattOlson / Flickr
Tucked into the dramatic limestone bluffs of southeastern Minnesota's Driftless Area, Lanesboro is a village of just 700 souls that punches far above its weight. Known as Minnesota's Bed & Breakfast Capital, this former railroad town has reinvented itself as a haven for artists, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a slower pace of life in an impossibly scenic setting.
The Root River flows through the heart of town, paralleled by the 42-mile Root River State Trail—one of the Midwest's premier biking and hiking routes. The trail brings cyclists and walkers through towering bluffs, past trout streams, and into Lanesboro's welcoming downtown, where they're greeted by galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, and the nationally recognized Commonweal Theatre Company.
What makes Lanesboro truly special is its embrace of quirky authenticity. The Storytelling Telephone Booth invites visitors to dial in and listen to recorded tales from travelers before them. Local artists work in restored storefronts. And the pie—don't miss the pie—draws devotees from hours away. This is the rare small town that feels both frozen in time and vibrantly alive.
42 miles of paved trails through stunning bluff country, perfect for biking and walking
Professional repertory theater with year-round performances in an intimate setting
More bed and breakfasts per capita than anywhere in Minnesota
Thriving galleries, artisan shops, and the unique Storytelling Telephone Booth
Lanesboro is located in Minnesota's bluff country, about 45 miles south of Rochester. The town is magical any time of year—spring wildflowers, summer tubing on the Root River, fall color in the bluffs, and peaceful winter weekends by the fire. Rent a bike from one of several outfitters, catch a show at the Commonweal, and stay at one of the charming B&Bs that have made this town famous.