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Stay Local, Stay Welcomed: Inside Lanesboro’s Coffee Street Inn

Exterior of Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota, decorated with red, white, and blue bunting and hanging ferns, with the inn’s sign visible on the porch at dusk.
Coffee Street Inn in downtown Lanesboro offers historic charm and warm hospitality, welcoming guests with a patriotic porch and inviting small-town atmosphere / Photo courtesy Coffee Street Inn

September 9, 2025

 

When you’re planning a trip to Lanesboro, Minnesota, you want more than just a place to crash. You want warmth, comfort, local know-how, and maybe even a little conversation about vintage chrome and V8 engines. At Coffee Street Inn, you’ll find all that—and then some.

Just a short stroll from downtown, Coffee Street Inn is a small-town gem that believes hospitality should always be personal. That’s thanks to its owners, Rich Harrell and Carrie Howe, two of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, they’ll welcome you like family—without ever making you do the dishes.

Round black-and-gold Coffee Street Inn sign in Lanesboro, Minnesota, featuring graphics of a fisherman and cyclists, hanging outside the inn against a backdrop of trees and blue sky.
The Coffee Street Inn sign welcomes guests with nods to Lanesboro’s favorite pastimes—fishing and biking—just steps from the Root River State Trail / Photo courtesy Coffee Street Inn

Thoughtful Lodging in the Heart of Town

Originally built in 1870 as a boarding house, the Coffee Street Inn is one of Lanesboro’s oldest—and best-loved—buildings. Its six creatively named and comfortably appointed rooms (think Java, Mocha, and Cappuccino Suites) provide a quiet place to rest after a day on the trail or in town. Each room comes stocked with thoughtful extras—coffee, mini-fridge, smart TVs, and even bike storage.

But what sets this inn apart isn’t just the amenities. It’s the people behind them.

Group photo with owners Carrie and Rich Howe standing together on the right, smiling alongside other under a pergola.
Owners Carrie and Rich Howe (right) make hospitality feel like home / Photo courtesy Coffee Street Inn

Rich and Carrie: The Secret Sauce

Ask any guest: Rich and Carrie go above and beyond. Need a last-minute dinner reservation? Directions to the best trout stream? Insider tips on the Root River Trail? They’ve got you covered. They’ll remember your name, your dog’s name, and ask how your ride went. It’s old-school service with modern comfort—and it makes all the difference.

Their responsiveness, spotless rooms, blooming gardens, and genuine care create an easygoing atmosphere that keeps visitors coming back. No hidden fees, no confusion—just a clean, peaceful stay hosted by people who truly love what they do.

Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota, illuminated at night with its glowing sign and porch lights, with a full moon rising above the nearby bluffs.
The Coffee Street Inn glows under the moonlight, offering guests (and their pooch) a warm welcome and small-town charm in the heart of Lanesboro / Photo courtesy Coffee Street Inn

Pet-Friendly Hospitality

Traveling with a furry companion? Coffee Street Inn welcomes well-behaved dogs in select rooms, making it easy to bring your pup along for the adventure. With the Root River State Trail just steps away, you’ll both have plenty of room to stretch your legs. As dog lovers themselves, Rich and Carrie make sure four-legged friends feel right at home.

Front view of a red Chevrolet Chevelle SS with its hood open, showcasing the engine at the Buffalo Bill Days classic car show in Lanesboro, Minnesota.
A classic Chevrolet Chevelle SS on display at the Buffalo Bill Days car show—an event that celebrates Lanesboro’s community spirit and love for vintage rides / Photo courtesy Buffalo Bill Days

Fueled by Classic Cars and Community

Catch Rich and Carrie during their downtime and you might find them at a classic car show. They’re lifelong enthusiasts with a soft spot for muscle cars and lovingly restored roadsters. Fellow gearheads often end up swapping stories about carburetors and chrome over morning coffee.

Their love of community shows in everything they do—from keeping the inn running with care to supporting local events. You’ll see them at the same festivals, shows, and gatherings that make southeast Minnesota such a special place to visit.

Two women riding their bikes on the Root River State Trail in Lanesboro, MN
Two women riding their bikes on the Root River State Trail in Lanesboro

Come for the Trail, Stay for the People

Lanesboro is known for its biking, bluff views, live theater, and riverfront charm. But Coffee Street Inn still manages to stand out. It’s the kind of place where you arrive as a guest but leave feeling like part of something bigger. With Rich and Carrie at the helm, it’s not just lodging—it’s small-town Midwestern hospitality at its best.

So whether you’re biking the Root River Trail, attending a wedding, or heading to the next classic car show, make Coffee Street Inn your home base. Rich and Carrie are ready to welcome you—and they’ll make your stay one to remember.

📍 Address: 305 Coffee Street East, Lanesboro, MN
🌐 Website: coffeestreetinn.com
✉️ Email: info@coffeestreetinn.com
📞 Phone: (612) 599-2964
📱 Facebook & Instagram: @coffeestreetinn