Fall Safely into Lanesboro

Photo by Darcy Sime

In the southeast corner of Minnesota, you will find Lanesboro, a friendly little town with vast outdoor recreational opportunities, shopping, dining, arts, camping, and lodging. Fall is the most beautiful time to visit when the region’s hardwood trees change to those gorgeous orange, yellow, and red hues, and local growers are selling pumpkins
and apples.

In this challenging time, rest assured the City of Lanesboro, Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses are in collaboration to put the health and safety of visitors, employees, and community members first. (Read the city’s COVID-19 safety measures for more information.)

Lanesboro is welcoming visitors to experience all of the gems of this town and to try its Bucket List Challenge.

Here’s How it Works

Fun in Lanesboro has been organized into nine categories for this bucket list challenge. Examples include dining, lodging, and much more for you to experience, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been visiting for years. Choose activities and places to visit over the seasons and collect prize-stickers along the way. Get 16 by December 31, 2020 and enter your name for a chance at prizes that include a Lanesboro get-away package (no purchase necessary). It’s that simple—and that fun!

Photo by Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce

Find Fall Fun in Lanesboro

After a long day on the scenic Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Bike Trails, find your home away from home in Lanesboro by staying at one of the unique lodging establishments in the area, such as the Cottage House Inn, the Habberstad House, the Sacred Clay Country Inn, the Scandinavian Inn, or the Stone Mill Hotel and Suites. Just 4 miles up the road in historic Whalan, you’ll find Cedar Valley Resort. All provide comfortable, quality rooms, amenities for different-sized groups, and excellent service.

Looking for some of those fall-favorite apple and pumpkin treats? Look no farther than Another Time Ice Cream Parlor and Chocolates, the Aroma Pie Shoppe (in Whalan), and the Parkway Market and Coffee House. The Home Sweet Home Cafe and Cakery also offers delicious goodies!

You’ll find a variety of specialty shops, galleries, and services in the downtown area in original 19th century buildings, including Granny’s Liquor, High Court Pub, Lanesboro Arts Gallery, Root River Rod Fly Fishing Outfitters & Guides, E2 Boutique, and Amish Experience. Take a guided tour with Bluffscape Amish Tours to immerse yourself in Amish culture, homesteads and shops (open again in 2021). A stop at the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center (open Friday to Sunday) will help you plan your visit, get questions answered, and is one place to turn in your completed bucket list card.

Photo by Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce

Year-Round Attractions

You can participate in the Bucket List Challenge any time of the year as Lanesboro has plenty to offer in winter, spring, summer and fall.

The award-winning Commonweal Theatre will be back in 2021 with its 33rd season of professional live theater and epic storytelling. If you’ve never seen a play at the Commonweal, this is a bucket list must. Or see the town’s history come to life with History Alive! Pop Up Plays performed at local historic landmarks.

The famous Whalan Stand Still Parade (the parade stands, you walk!) is a family-friendly treat. Many artists, like Joni Finnegan, call Lanesboro and this area home. Visitors can take a peek at their studios during the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour and the Lanesboro Area Art Trail in 2021. Come to Buffalo Bill Days in August 2021, for a weekend celebration of Lanesboro’s connection to Buffalo Bill Cody. Lanesboro is also known as the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota—enjoy the annual Rhubarb Festival featuring rhubarb recipe taste testing, outdoor music, and rhubarb games.

Fall safely into Lanesboro and get some stickers for your bucket list challenge scorecard! You’ll be amazed at all there is to see, experience, and savor in the heart of bluff country.