Lanesboro is at the heart of the spectacular paved Root River Bike Trail, winding 60 miles through Bluff Country. Excellent for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, it runs along towering limestone bluffs, dense hardwood forests and peaceful small towns.

Besides receiving the Great American Main Street Award in 1998, Lanesboro was named one of 100 Best Small Art Towns by author John Villani and one of the 50 Best Outdoor Sports Towns by Sports Afield Magazine. Outside Magazine featured Lanesboro as one of the "20 Best Dream Towns in America to Live and Play."