Welcome to Lanesboro & Whalan, MN

Set against the dramatic limestone bluffs of southeast Minnesota’s Driftless region, Lanesboro and nearby Whalan blend outdoor adventure, vibrant arts, and welcoming small-town hospitality. Bike the Root River State Trail, explore charming downtown shops and galleries, paddle the Root River, or settle into a cozy inn after a day outdoors. Experience The Best of Bluff Country.

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Bikers riding the Root River State Trail near Lanesboro, MN through lush green foliage

Root River State Trail is open!

Update from MN DNR (July 8, 2026): Trails are mostly clear of mud and trees, but crews may still be out working to clear debris.

Look for cones, barrels and/or fencing to indicate active work areas or known hazards on the trail.

Learn more about the Root River Bike Trail →

Vertical red, white, blue and teal Buffalo Bill Days schedule flyer for Lanesboro, Minnesota, July 30 through August 2, 2026. The top features large western-style “Buffalo Bill Days” lettering surrounded by illustrations of festival food stands, a lemonade booth, a gazebo concert and costumed western characters. Below, the schedule is divided into four day sections with decorative icons and illustrations of a movie night, concert stage, fireworks and parade. Thursday, July 30: 8:30 p.m., Family Movie Night in the Park. Friday, July 31: 12 p.m., 2-person Best Shot Golf Tournament, with golf available anytime through Sunday at 3 p.m.; 4 p.m., Beer & Brat Tent opens; 4–7 p.m., Car Cruise-In at the Community Center, with the parking lot reserved for cars; 5 p.m., Youth Volleyball Tournament begins at the sand courts; 5–8 p.m., live music in the Beer & Brat Tent; 7 p.m., Men’s Softball Tournament; 8:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m., Firemen’s Street Dance with Red Dirt Road, presented by the Lanesboro Firemen’s Relief Association. Saturday, August 1: 8 a.m., Co-Ed Youth Volleyball Tournament at the sand courts; 8 a.m.–12 p.m., Youth Fishing Tournament; 8:30 a.m., Buffalo Roam 5K, 1 Mile and Family Fun Walk/Run; 9 a.m.–12 p.m., Farmers’ Market at Sylvan Park; 9 a.m., Men’s Softball Tournament at the softball field; 9 a.m., Pickleball Tournament at the Community Center gym; 10 a.m., Beer & Brat Tent opens; 10 a.m., Marketplace at Sylvan Park opens; 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free kids activities with bouncy houses, jumbo yard games and more; 1 p.m., Bean Bag Tournament in the grassy area near the Beer & Brat Tent; 1–4 p.m., live music at the gazebo with Charlie Warner; 2 p.m., History Porch Talk on the museum porch with Steve Harris, “Buffalo Bill’s BFF: Dr. Frank ‘White Beaver’ Powell”; 2–6 p.m., Bingo hosted by the Lanesboro Golf Course at the Beer & Brat Tent; 4–5:30 p.m., live music at the gazebo; 8:30 p.m.–12 a.m., free concert with Whiskey River on the Main Stage near the Beer & Brat Tent; at dusk, fireworks from the football field, with a Sunday rain date at the same time and location. Sunday, August 2: 8 a.m., Co-Ed Adult Volleyball Tournament at the sand courts; 9 a.m., Men’s Softball Tournament; 10 a.m., Beer & Brat Tent opens with DJ Shine; 10 a.m., Marketplace at Sylvan Park opens; 10 a.m.–4 p.m., free kids activities; 10:30 a.m., “Hwy 30 Church Service” with a free-will donation at the Sylvan Park gazebo; 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., live music at the gazebo with the Arnold-Bradley Band; 1:30 p.m., Grand Parade; 2 p.m., live music at the gazebo with HUBBA; 2:30 p.m., Touch a Truck; 3 p.m., Pedal Pull at the basketball courts for participants through 12th grade; 3–6 p.m., live music at the Beer & Brat Tent; 5 p.m., Duck Races at the Sylvan Park pond; 6 p.m., raffle ticket, Duck Race and other event winners announced at the Beer & Brat Tent. The bottom of the flyer reads: “For more info, visit lanesboro-mn.gov/buffalo-bill-days/

Saddle up for one of Lanesboro’s biggest celebrations of the summer!

Buffalo Bill Days (July 30-Aug 2) transforms Lanesboro into a lively summer gathering, with family activities, live music, tournaments, food, fireworks, a grand parade and beloved local traditions taking place throughout town. It is a chance for visitors and residents alike to enjoy the community spirit and small-town hospitality that make Lanesboro special.

Check out the schedule of events & more →

Stay. Dine. Shop. Unwind.

Stay in cozy inns, boutique hotels, charming cabins, and welcoming B&Bs. Savor locally owned cafés and restaurants, browse distinctive boutiques and galleries, and toast the day at craft breweries and scenic vineyards. Enjoy award-winning live theater, connect with local guides and outfitters, or tee off against a backdrop of rolling bluffs. From riverside dining and homemade pie to bike rentals, fly fishing and coffee shops, the independent businesses of the Lanesboro area make every visit memorable.

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Plan your perfect Bluff Country getaway with local business listings, events, and can’t-miss experiences from Lanesboro, Whalan, and beyond.

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Culture, Adventure & Local Energy

From historic landmarks and local galleries to the 60-mile Root River State Trail, the Lanesboro area blends creativity and outdoor adventure in one remarkable setting. Bike, hike, ski, or paddle through scenic bluffs and winding river valleys. Experience live performances, explore Amish heritage and rural traditions, or cast a line in cold, clear trout streams. Located in Minnesota’s Driftless Area, this landscape delivers something unforgettable at every turn.

Falls • Photos • Downtown

Creative

Arts & Culture

Galleries • Theatre • Events

Traditions

Amish Heritage

Tours • Shops • Crafts

Nightlife

Lively Evenings

Shows • Entertainment • Social

Local

Downtown shopping and dining scene in Lanesboro, Minnesota

Shopping & Dining

Eat • Browse • Discover

River

River Recreation

Canoe • Kayak • Float

Scenery

Scenic Byway

Bluffs • Curves • Stops

Landscape

Driftless Wonders

Caves • Cliffs • Geology

Streams • Trout • Guides

Legacy

History & Heritage

Stories • Museums • Roots

🎉 Can’t-Miss Signature Events in Lanesboro & Whalan

From beloved annual traditions to iconic seasonal celebrations, Lanesboro and Whalan’s Signature Events bring the community and visitors together all year long. Make your visit even more memorable with a calendar full of art, music, food, lights, and small-town magic.

Explore our Signature Events →

Livin' That #LanesboroLife

Follow @lanesboromn for the latest from Lanesboro & Whalan — from trails and arts to events and everyday small-town life.

Three models wearing Lanesboro & Whalan, Minnesota apparel: two adults in rust-colored T-shirts with a bicycle graphic and one person in a green sweatshirt with a fish graphic.

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The Best of Bluff Country