Rain or Shine: Why Lanesboro, MN is the Perfect Getaway—Even When it Rains
June 16, 2025
Even when rain clouds gather, Lanesboro, MN shines with cozy charm and engaging experiences. Don’t cancel your plans just because the forecast calls for showers—embrace a slower pace, soak in the culture, and enjoy everything this delightful town has to offer. Here's why a little drizzle is no reason to stay home:
🎭 1. Catch a Show at Commonweal Theatre
Theater lovers, rejoice! Rainy weather sets the perfect mood for a live performance at Commonweal Theatre, a professional repertory company nestled right on Main Street. From thought-provoking dramas to lighthearted comedies, it’s the ideal way to spend an afternoon or evening indoors.
Planning ahead? Check Commonweal’s website to view the current performance schedule and see what lines up with your trip dates—you might just catch a show that becomes the highlight of your visit.
🖼️ 2. Discover Local Art
Step into the Lanesboro Arts Gallery, a welcoming space filled with vibrant regional artwork. With ever-changing exhibits and a shop featuring handmade goods, it’s a relaxing place to wander and be inspired—no umbrella needed.
Just around the corner, the Driftless Fiber Arts Collective showcases the talents of local fiber artists, offering beautiful works in weaving, quilting, knitting, and more. They also host regular classes, demos, and hands-on workshops—perfect for a creative break from the rain.
📚 3. Step Back into History
Uncover Lanesboro’s fascinating past at the Lanesboro History Museum. With three floors of exhibits, photos, and even an old-timey telephone switchboard to try, it’s a fun and educational way to connect with the town’s roots while staying dry. Open seasonally from May through October, the museum typically welcomes visitors Thursday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—perfect timing for a rainy weekend stroll through history.
To explore more history in the area, take a short drive to Whalan, a nearby village with its own charming slice of history. Stop by the Whalan Depot, a restored rail station-turned-gift shop that offers a glimpse into this tiny town’s role in the region’s rail and farming heritage. It’s a quick and worthwhile stop that adds even more depth to your Driftless-area journey.
🔍 4. Explore Nature Indoors and Underground
Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t experience the great outdoors—Lanesboro offers some truly unique ways to explore nature without getting soaked.
Start with the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, just outside of town, where you’ll find indoor climbing, archery, and nature-based programming for all ages. It’s a fantastic spot for hands-on discovery and active fun. Check Eagle Bluff’s website for current program schedules and registration details—most activities require advance sign-up.
For some additional adventure, go underground! Both Niagara Cave (in Harmony) and Mystery Cave (in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park) offer guided tours through stunning natural caverns, complete with stalactites, underground streams, and ancient fossils.
And don’t miss the International Owl Center in nearby Houston, MN. It’s an all-ages indoor destination where you can meet live ambassador owls, explore interactive exhibits, and learn all about owl conservation. It’s a wise—and wonderfully memorable—way to spend a rainy afternoon.
🍻 5. Sip & Relax at Breweries, Pubs, Saloons, and Wineries
Raise a glass to rainy days at Sylvan Brewing, where you can enjoy local craft beer in a cozy, restored creamery just steps from the river trail. Their selection of board games, card decks, and more will keep you and yours entertained no matter the weather.
Stop by the High Court Pub for live music, upstairs views, and great cocktails in an inviting downtown space.
For a classic small-town experience, the Lanesboro American Legion welcomes both locals and visitors with friendly service and strong pours, and the Root River Saloon is perfect for a laid-back drink and conversation. Rainy evenings and cozy bar stools just go hand-in-hand.
Prefer wine over hops? Make time to explore the nearby countryside, where you’ll find a growing number of wineries and meaderies offering warm indoor tasting rooms and beautiful views—no matter the weather. Four Daughters Winery near Spring Valley offers award-winning wines, hard ciders, and a full kitchen with a modern, relaxing vibe. Or check out Sugar Creek Vineyard & Meadery outside Fountain, where you can sample honey-based wines and unique meads made from local ingredients. Both are scenic, welcoming stops for a flavorful afternoon escape.
🛍️ 6. Wander Through Local Shops
Rainy days make for the best shopping days! Lanesboro's walkable downtown is home to a wide range of unique retail experiences. You'll find everything from artisan-made goods and handcrafted jewelry to books, home décor, vintage finds, and locally produced foods and gifts. Whether you're treasure hunting or just browsing, each shop offers a warm welcome and plenty of character—perfect for a cozy afternoon indoors.
🍰 7. Eats and Treats Indoors
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and savor something delicious. The Lanesboro area offers a variety of welcoming cafés, bakeries, diners, and casual restaurants—each with its own unique character and comfort food favorites.
Start your day with a warm latte or fresh-brewed coffee while you watch the rain fall outside a cozy window seat. Looking for something heartier? Enjoy a relaxing sit-down meal with everything from homemade soups and sandwiches to full entrees that satisfy any craving.
And don’t skip dessert! Treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream (yes, even in the rain—we won’t judge), a fresh slice of pie, or a pastry made from scratch. Whether you're warming up or winding down, there's no shortage of eats and treats to lift your spirits.
📖 7.5. Cozy Up with a Good Book
Few things pair better with rainy weather than a comfy chair and a good book—and Lanesboro is the perfect place to settle in. Whether you're tucked into a window seat at a café, relaxing in your inn, or browsing one of the area’s charming book nooks, you’ll find the slower pace ideal for getting lost in a story.
Looking for a local read? We recommend Lanesboro, Minnesota by Steve Harris, a Lanesboro resident and author who captures the town’s rich history and small-town character through essays, reflections, and beautiful storytelling. It’s the perfect literary companion to your visit—rainy day or not. You can pick up your copy at the visitor center or a number of establishments in town.
🐎 8. Take an Amish Tour
Experience the quiet beauty and traditions of Minnesota’s Amish communities with a guided Amish tour, many of which run rain or shine. Both Bluffscape Amish Tours in Lanesboro and Amish Tours of Harmony offer a comfortable ride through the countryside and include stops at Amish homesteads and shops, where you can purchase handmade furniture, quilts, baked goods, and other crafts.
Even on a rainy day, the covered transport and indoor stops make it a peaceful, enriching way to explore a different way of life—and to return home with one-of-a-kind treasures.
☔ Keep Your Getaway Plans, Even if Your Weather App Predicts Rain
Don’t let the forecast stop you—Lanesboro is full of charm, rain or shine. In fact, rainy days are often the most memorable: quieter streets, cozier vibes, and the chance to truly unwind. Whether you're catching a play, sipping something warm, or locking eyes with an owl, you’ll find magic in the mist.
So pack that rain jacket and come anyway—Lanesboro is waiting.