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Make the Most of Summer in Lanesboro, MN—Before School Starts!

A family biking on the Root River State Trail
A family biking on the Root River State Trail / Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota

August 14, 2025

 

Summer isn’t over yet—there’s still time to sneak in one last adventure! Before the school bell rings, gather your family or friends and head to Lanesboro, Minnesota, the heart of Bluff Country, for unforgettable fun, food, and fresh-air experiences.

3 tubes by the dam on the Root River in Lanesboro, MN
Tubes ready for floating on the Root River / Photo courtesy Bluff Country Photography

Outdoor Adventures Await 🚴‍♀️🛶

Soak up the sunshine and make the most of summer in the great outdoors.

  • Bike the Root River State Trail – Cruise through scenic bluffs and river valleys.

  • Float the Root River – Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube for a relaxing ride.

  • Hike & Explore – Enjoy trails surrounded by stunning limestone bluffs and wildflowers.

👉 Plan Your Outdoor Adventure »

A smiling girl holding a large ice cream cone stands in front of a colorful storefront with pink, green, and blue trim. Two other children are near a walk-up service window in the background.
Ice cream makes everyone smile! / Photo courtesy Another Time Ice Cream Parlor

Savor the Flavors of Summer 🍦🥧

Treat your taste buds before the season changes.

  • Cool off with hand-dipped ice cream or a slice of famous homemade pie.

  • Enjoy local restaurants with patio dining and refreshing summer drinks.

  • Grab picnic supplies and relax riverside with Bluff Country views.

👉 Discover Where to Eat »

Interior of E2 Boutique in Lanesboro, MN
Interior of E2 Boutique in downtown Lanesboro / Photo courtesy of E2 Boutique

Arts, Culture & Shopping 🎭🛍️

Explore the creativity and charm that make Lanesboro unforgettable.

  • Catch a play at the Commonweal Theatre.

  • Explore local galleries and boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds.

  • Stroll through town and take in outdoor art, murals, and music.

👉 Explore Arts & Culture »

Inside of Niagara Cave in near Harmony, MN
Niagara Cave near Harmony, MN / Photo courtesy of Niagara Cave

Take a Tour 🚌🕯️

Discover hidden gems and unique experiences on a guided tour.

  • Cave Tours – Go underground and explore the cool, magical world beneath Bluff Country.

  • Amish Tours – Experience the simple beauty of Amish life, from handcrafted goods to horse-drawn buggies.

  • Historic Walking Tours – Step back in time with stories of Lanesboro’s rich history and charming architecture.

👉 Check Out Tours & Attractions »

The Bluff Country Suite at Root River Inn & Suties
The Bluff Country Suite. Photo courtesy of Root River Inn & Suites.

Make It a Weekend Getaway 🏨

Don’t just make it a day trip—turn it into a last-chance summer getaway!

  • Stay in a cozy bed & breakfast, riverside inn, or guesthouse.

  • Wake up to Bluff Country beauty and a slower pace of life.

  • Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a reset before fall.

👉 Find Lodging »

Downtown Lanesboro, MN with historic buildings, American flags, and a truck hauling kayaks and tubes—set against lush green bluff country under a blue sky. Photo by Explore Minnesota / Ryan Taylor.
Downtown Lanesboro on a beautiful day / Photo courtesy Explore Minnesota & Ryan Taylor

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away 🌅

These final days of summer are too good to waste indoors. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or a relaxing escape, Lanesboro is the perfect place to soak it all in before school starts.

📅 Start planning today and make the most of every last drop of summer sunshine!