Autumn in southeastern Minnesota’s bluff country offers visitors across the Midwest an enticing landscape to explore. The region’s rolling hills and winding rivers, relatively unusual in the often flat Midwest, create an outdoor lover’s paradise, while charming small towns like Lanesboro invite you in for a few days of respite amidst an otherwise busy season. Lanesboro, often referred to as the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota,” is the perfect home base for fall adventures, especially if they involve rides on the scenic Root River State Trail.
The Root River State Trail is one of the crown jewels of Minnesota’s extensive network of bike trails. This 42-mile trail winds along the valley floor, passing by majestic bluffs alongside the Root River and offering an unparalleled view of the region’s natural beauty. As you glide along the well-maintained path, you’ll pass through verdant forests, open prairies, and quaint small towns, each section more enchanting than the last. The trail’s gentle gradients make it accessible to all levels of riders, while the numerous rest stops and scenic viewpoints encourage frequent pauses to soak in the stunning vistas.
Aside from biking the Root River Trail, you’ll find plenty more things to do in Lanesboro and the surrounding area, including visiting Amish Farms, hiking through beautiful foliage, and absorbing the rich heritage of this region. You’ll find the perfect blend of comfort and charm at local Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts, too, particularly those that are a part of our comprehensive collection of the Midwest’s best lodging properties. No matter your adventures in the Midwest this fall, our association’s members provide a cozy and homey retreat after a day exploring attractions like the Root River State Trail.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, we hope you take the time to explore the best of the Midwest with us this fall. Book your room at our premiere Midwest lodging properties today!
Ride the Root River State Trail in Minnesota
The Root River State Trail is one of Southern Minnesota’s most celebrated bike trails. This 42-mile multi-use trail is popular in all four seasons. Bikers, runners, and walkers enjoy winding alongside the Root River during the spring, summer, and fall months, while in winter, it becomes a popular path for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. During the fall, when the trail’s riverside bluffs become adorned with the vibrant colors of fall, it is one of our favorite times to get out for a bike ride along the Root River State Trail in Minnesota.
The Root River State Trail follows the winding path of the Root River across gentle gradients and through some of the state’s most scenic areas. It’s one of the many rail-to-trail conversions in the Midwest, with the relatively flat grade of the trail making it an accessible place to ride. As you pedal along the Root River State Trail, the scenery changes from forests to open prairies, with the towering bluffs standing as silent sentinels alongside you. Wildlife sightings, including deer, fox, and various birds, aren’t uncommon. The scenery, combined with the crisp autumn air and gentle rustle of leaves, make the journey one that is equal parts invigorating and relaxing.
This 42-mile path connects five unique communities, stretching from Houston on one end to Fountain on the other. Along the way, you’ll pass through the communities of Rushton, Whalan, and Lanesboro. These quaint towns are inviting places to stop, rest, and explore. Lanesboro, in particular, is a charming haven filled with historic Scandinavian heritage and a lovely downtown filled with boutiques, eateries, and plenty of fun things to do.
Connect to Other Minnesota Bike Trails
As lovely as the Root River State Trail is, there are so many more great Minnesota bike trails worth riding this fall – including some that connect up with the Root River Trail. The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail offers riders another 18 miles of paved trail to explore, connecting riders to the nearby charming communities of Preston and Harmony. Like the Root River State Trail, this relatively flat connector trail winds through the valley and past historic towns tucked into hillsides, offering picturesque views of the surrounding farms and rolling landscapes. Both trails are part of the Mississippi Blufflands trail network.
Portions of this trail are a rail-to-trail conversion and are relatively flat and easy to ride, while other segments of the trail are a bit more steep and challenging as it climbs out of the river valley. The communities of Harmony and Preston are unique, representing different aspects of the region’s history. Both were settled in the 1850s, but the agriculturally-focused town of Harmoney is home to traditional Amish communities, while Preston represents a more classic milling community that once thrived along this railway.
More Things to Do in Lanesboro, MN This Fall
Lanesboro, Minnesota, is a popular getaway town. In part, that’s because Lanesboro is considered the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota,” but it’s also so much more than that. Lanesboro is truly a captivating place to visit, filled with beautiful Victorian architecture, plenty of rich, authentic Scandinavian heritage, a vibrant town filled with shops, eateries, and attractions, and positively breathtaking surrounding countryside.
Lanesboro is a community where time slows down, giving you time to unplug and reconnect in a way that is sometimes hard to come by. As the fall foliage transforms the landscape into a vibrant display of colors, visitors will no doubt find themselves enchanted by Minnesota’s Bluff Country. Whether you’re here to ride the Root River State Trail or otherwise enjoy the atmosphere of this getaway town, we’ve taken the time to list some of our favorite things to do in Lanesboro, MN this fall:
- Enjoy professional theater performances at the Commonweal Theatre, one of the top regional theatres in Minnesota.
- Dive into the local history of Lanesboro at the Lanesboro History Museum.
- Participate in outdoor activities like ziplining, hiking, and birdwatching at the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.
- Take a guided tour to experience the local Amish community, visit farms and shops, and learn about their way of life.
- You don’t have to ride the Root River State Trail to appreciate the river. Rent canoes, kayaks, or tubes to float down the river for an entirely new journey through this area.
- The Root River and other area waters are also great places to enjoy fly fishing this fall.
- Stroll through the charming downtown area, exploring boutique shops and artisan galleries that offer unique handcrafted items and souvenirs.
- Savor fall flavors with fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts available at the vibrant Lanesboro Farmers’ Market, open through October.
Of course, whatever brings you to this beautiful part of Minnesota this fall, our lodging partners are here to partner with you for an unforgettable Midwest getaway. From cozy B&Bs to upscale boutique hotels and everything in between, the Midwest Association of Independent Inns features some of the best places to stay in the Midwest. Browse our properties with availability this fall, and book your fall getaway in the Midwest today!
