7 Family-Friendly Adventures in Lanesboro, Minnesota
Looking for your next family adventure in the Midwest? I have a spot for you! Lanesboro, Minnesota is located just north of the Iowa border. Approximately 40ish minutes from Dubuque, Iowa, this town is quite literally in a bowl surrounded by lots of bluffs. It is not a big town but offers many options for outdoor recreation, and is the Bed and Breakfast Capitol of Minnesota, the home of Buffalo Billy Days, and the Rhubarb Capitol of Minnesota.
Here are 7 family-friendly adventures you can have in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
Bluffscape – Amish Tours
Just outside of Lanesboro is home to many Amish communities. I had the opportunity to experience the Bluffscape Amish Tours and learned so much about the Old Order Amish. In addition to it being super educational, we had the opportunity to purchase original Amish goods! Their baked goods do not disappoint. Make sure you bring cash! This was a great experience where you get to take in beautiful views of the area and learn about another culture.
Cedar Valley Resort
Address: 905 Bench Street, Whalan, MN 55949
As mentioned, Lanesboro is the Bed and Breakfast Capitol of Minnesota, but if you are planning a visit with a bigger family and/or friends you will want to check out Cedar Valley Resort. They offer beautiful cabins for all family sizes. From two people to larger groups of thirty-seven! As a guest of the resort not only do you have top-notch amenities offered in each cabin, but they have many outdoor recreational activities such as a volleyball court, snow tubing and ice rink (winter), pickleball, basketball, event center, playgrounds, easy access to the river for kayaking, and more. There isn’t any reason to leave the property once you arrive. Planning a girl’s weekend or family reunion? This is the spot!
Eagle Bluff
Address: 28097 Goodview Drive, Lanesboro, MN 55949
Eagle Bluff is a year-round environmental learning center that offers educational experiences and programming. You can plan an entire day playing and learning at Eagle Bluff. Some fun things to experience include hiking, riding the new mountain bike trail, rock climbing wall, discovery center, and much more. Up for a challenge? Conquer your fear of heights and take the Tree Tops High Ropes course which is 30 feet in the air!
Fly Fishing
Address: 116 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro, Minnesota
Fly fishing may not be what first comes to mind for a family-friendly adventure, but if you are going to give it a try Lanesboro is the place to experience it! Root River Rod Co. is located in the heart of downtown Lanesboro and offers guided trips, gear to rent, and more. They are extremely knowledgeable of the area and best practices when it comes to fly fishing!
Kayaking and/or Tubing Down Root River
Lanesboro is a destination for all things outdoors including kayaking, tubing, or canoeing down the Root River! Another great way to take in the beautiful bluff scenery. Several places in the community offer the necessities to enjoy the day on the water including Root River Outfitters. It is highly recommended to call ahead of time no matter what to make a reservation.
Niagra Cave
Address: 29842 County Road 30, Harmony, MN 55939
Take your adventure underground! Located just outside of Lanesboro is the 200-year-old Niagra Cave. This is a must for all families. The guided cave tour will take you 200 feet below ground where you will find a giant waterfall, fossils, and huge formations. While you wait for your tour to begin play a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course.
Root River Bike Trail
Lanesboro, Minnesota owes many thanks to its revitalization due to biking. Originally, the bike trail that ran through Lanesboro and surrounding towns was an abandoned rail line that was used when the town settled in 1856. After the fall and many efforts to bring people back to the area, the old railroad was converted into a bicycle trail. Because it was an old railroad, the bike trail is super flat and makes it very easy for all ages to ride. You will also fall in love with the beautiful scenery such as 300-foot limestone bluffs as you ride from town to town exploring shops, famous pie shops, restaurants, and more. Grab the Root River Bike Trail map here.
If you do not bring your bikes, no worries! Make a stop at the Little River General Store located just off the bike trail. They will get you situated with all the biking gear you need for a day of riding and exploring.
Sylvan Park
Sylvan Park is loaded with tons of outdoor fun including two ponds stocked with trout, a large shelter area where yoga sometimes takes place, a large playground, tennis courts, open-air shelters, benches, and much more. The park also offers a campground which is a great option if you love to camp! This city park is located in the heart of Lanesboro and not too far from the iconic stoned arch dam. Many festivals and farmers’ market is also held at Sylvan Park.
Best Places to Eat in Lanesboro, Minnesota
Once you have worked up an appetite after playing and exploring Lanesboro, Minnesota you are going to want to eat. Lucky you, Lanesboro has a pretty good food scene. A town with a population of approximately 720 people they do not have any fast food restaurants. Here are some of our favorites you should check out during your visit.
- Aroma Pie Shoppe (618 Main St, Whalan, MN) – Not located in Lanesboro, but a must-stop when you are traveling along the bike trail! They serve the most delicious made-from-scratch pies.
- Clara’s Eatery (111 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN) – Known for its paninis, pizza, and ice cream, this is another great stop for lunch or a quick snack.
- Home Sweet Home (210 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN) – A great place to grab breakfast. Reminds me of your typical breakfast and diner food.
- Juniper’s Restaurant (109 Parkway Ave S, Lanesboro, MN) – Juniper’s is the top 4 culinary restaurants in Minnesota! The perfect place for dinner after a day of playing in Lanesboro. Enjoy a glass of wine and fast-casual cuisine on their beautiful patio.
- Paddle On Coffee & Maker Emporium (115 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN) – Located in downtown Lanesboro and a great spot to grab a coffee and shop locally.
- Pedal Pusher’s Cafe (121 Parkway Ave N, Lanesboro, MN) – This is the perfect spot for lunch! Hop off the river or bike trail and make a stop at Pedal Pusher’s Cafe. They locally source a lot of their ingredients and serve unique cuisines everyone will love.
- Sylvan Brewery (100 Beacon St W, Lanesboro, MN) – We are always searching for a local brewery when we travel. This is a great one with a great patio!
