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Retreat, Redefined: A Purpose-Built Experience at Root River Inn & Paddle On Coffee

A bright, inviting sitting room with large sun-filled windows, warm wood-paneled walls, and cozy blue furniture at Root River Inn & Suites, featuring a workspace, lounge seating, and a dining table—an ideal setting for relaxed productivity during a corporate or group retreat in Lanesboro.
A warm, light-filled private living room space inside Root River Inn & Suites—perfect for teams seeking comfort, focus, and connection during their stay in downtown Lanesboro / Photo courtesy Root River Inn & Suites

December 12, 2025

 

Today’s most effective corporate retreats aren’t about oversized conference centers or packed schedules—they’re about focus, connection, and meaningful progress. For decision-makers seeking a retreat environment that supports strategic thinking without distraction, Root River Inn & Suites in Lanesboro, Minnesota offers a refined, human-scaled alternative.

By combining walkable downtown lodging with an inviting, fully equipped meeting space at Paddle On Coffee, Root River Inn & Suites functions as a compact retreat campus—ideal for leadership offsites, executive planning sessions, and small-team retreats.

A bright, modern sitting room at Root River Inn & Suites featuring a teal sofa with yellow pillows, mid-century style chairs, a matching ottoman, and large glass doors opening to a tree-filled view—an inviting space for relaxation or team conversations during a Lanesboro retreat.
A stylish, light-filled lounge at Root River Inn & Suites—perfect for unwinding, connecting, or hosting small-group conversations during your corporate retreat in Lanesboro / Photo courtesy Root River Inn & Suites

Lodging Designed for Focus and Flexibility

Root River Inn & Suites operates three complementary lodging properties within a few blocks of one another, allowing teams to stay connected while preserving privacy and comfort.

Root River Inn & Suites

A boutique-style stay with private rooms and shared common spaces—perfect for informal discussions, decompression between sessions, and quiet moments of reflection.

Iron Horse @ Root River Inn

Featuring four spacious king rooms and a shared lounge, this property is ideal for leadership cohorts, departments traveling together, or groups seeking a cohesive, elevated experience.

The Mayoral Suite

A one-bedroom apartment above Paddle On Coffee, offering additional workspace and privacy. A great fit for facilitators, executives, or team members with extended stays.

This configuration supports small groups without the fragmentation, anonymity, or distractions common in large hotels.

➡️ Learn more about accommodations: rootriverinn.com

A group of adults seated at wooden tables in the Back Room at Paddle On Coffee in Lanesboro, attentively watching a presenter give a slideshow on a wall-mounted screen during a workshop or corporate training session.
Teams gather in the Back Room at Paddle On Coffee—a flexible, tech-ready meeting space ideal for workshops, planning sessions, and corporate retreats in downtown Lanesboro / Photo courtesy Paddle On Coffee

A Meeting Space That Encourages Engagement

Effective retreats depend on the right environment. The Back Room at Paddle On Coffee & Maker Emporium provides a private, flexible meeting space that feels collaborative rather than corporate.

Fully equipped with the technology needed for hybrid or in-person sessions, it’s ideal for:

  • Strategic planning & visioning

  • Leadership development workshops

  • Culture or organizational alignment

  • Facilitated discussions

  • Creative problem-solving

With high-quality coffee, on-site refreshments, and catering options, teams stay energized without the formality—or fatigue—of a typical conference room. And with lodging just steps away, logistics are effortless and productivity stays high.

➡️ Explore Paddle On Coffee: paddleoncoffee.com

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

Built-In Team Connection—Without Forced Activities

Lanesboro’s walkable scale and natural setting make team-building organic rather than programmed. Between meetings, teams can easily step outside to reset, recharge, and reconnect.

  • Walk or bike the Root River State Trail—an easy 9-mile round trip to Whalan with world-famous pie waiting in the middle.

  • Share casual group meals within walking distance. Lanesboro’s food scene shines with locally inspired favorites—pizza, hand-crafted pastas, burgers and fries, chicken pot pies, and more.

  • Experience the arts together and create memorable shared experiences with professional theatre, eclectic galleries, fun museums, and group cultural tours.

  • Browse local shops, galleries, and artisan retailers to find gifts, keepsakes, and unique Driftless-made goods.

These authentic, low-pressure activities spark connection naturally—no awkward trust falls required.

A bright, modern suite at Root River Inn featuring a beige sofa with blue accent pillows, patterned armchairs, a small dining table by glass doors opening to a balcony with tree views, and a wall-mounted TV—an inviting space for relaxation or small-group conversations during a retreat.
A serene, contemporary suite at Root River Inn—perfect for relaxing between sessions or hosting casual conversations during your Lanesboro corporate retreat / Photo courtesy Root River Inn & Suites

A Beautiful Retreat Campus for Modern Teams

Root River Inn & Suites, the Iron Horse Inn, and Paddle On Coffee offer something rare in corporate retreat spaces: a cohesive, walkable campus designed for focus and connection.

With three lodging properties just steps from a dedicated meeting space, teams can stay grounded and productive without navigating transportation or large, impersonal hotels. The boutique scale of each property supports deeper conversations, stronger engagement, and more intentional planning.

Situated in the heart of Lanesboro—a Driftless town known for its natural beauty, professional theatre, local dining, and outdoor recreation—this retreat environment naturally encourages clarity, collaboration, and meaningful downtime. High-speed internet and accessible amenities support the work; the landscape provides the reset.

A bright communal kitchen and lounge at the Iron Horse Inn featuring tall arched windows, hardwood floors, café-style seating, a full kitchenette with dark cabinetry, and a wall-mounted TV—an inviting space for team breakfasts, informal meetings, or retreat downtime.
The Iron Horse Inn’s shared kitchen and lounge offer a warm, flexible space for team meals, casual conversations, and relaxed moments throughout your Lanesboro retreat / Photo courtesy Root River Inn & Suites

Plan Your Retreat or Corporate Gathering

Ready to bring your team together for focused work, meaningful connection, and a refreshing change of pace? Root River Inn & Suites, the Iron Horse Inn, and Paddle On Coffee make it simple to plan a retreat that feels intentional from start to finish.

Whether you're coordinating a leadership offsite, a departmental planning session, or a multi-day corporate gathering, this walkable campus in downtown Lanesboro offers:

  • Flexible lodging options for small to mid-size teams

  • A fully equipped meeting space just steps from where you stay

  • On-site coffee, refreshments, and catering support

  • Easy access to dining, recreation, and team-building experiences

  • A serene Bluff Country setting that helps teams think clearly and stay engaged

To begin planning your retreat, explore lodging details at Root River Inn & Suites, discover the meeting space at Paddle On Coffee, or contact the businesses directly to customize an experience that fits your team’s goals.

Bring your team to the Root River Inn & Suites campus—where focus comes naturally and great ideas have room to grow.

📞 (507) 273-4100 | 🌐 rootriverinn.com