Small Towns, Big Sounds: Tuning into the Live Music Scene in Lanesboro and Whalan, MN
June 26, 2025
When you think of Lanesboro & Whalan, Minnesota, you might picture bikes on the trail, canoes on the river, or a fresh slice of world-famous pie. But there’s another layer to these scenic Driftless towns: a live music scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or you’re a regular down the trail, the music in Lanesboro and Whalan offers something for everyone—year-round, indoors and out.
🎤 High Court Pub: Where Music Happens Weekly
Located in a historic 1876 building in the heart of downtown Lanesboro, the High Court Pub has become a beloved staple for live music. Nearly every weekend, the upstairs stage (or the riverside deck in the warmer months) hosts regional bands, singer-songwriters, and traveling acoustic acts. Thursdays are reserved for one of the most consistent traditions in town: open mic night. It’s an open-hearted, all-welcome space for locals and visitors alike to step up and share a song, a poem, or a story.
The space itself adds to the experience. Inside, the pub features a cozy loft overlooking the main floor, while in warmer months the back patio offers spectacular views of the Root River.
🍺 Sylvan Brewing: Sunday Sounds and Local Bites
Sylvan Brewing, on the north end of town across from Stone Mill Hotel and Suites, is another cornerstone of the Lanesboro music scene. In the summer, their Summer Sundays series brings free live music to the brewery patio every week—usually from 4 to 6 p.m. These concerts span genres and draw a mix of locals and visitors, all enjoying craft beer in a shaded riverside setting.
Even better? Sundays at Sylvan usually include food trucks. Fan favorites rotate through the season, creating a festive, picnic-ready atmosphere that feels like a mini street fair.
🎸 Local Favorites: Lanesboro Saloon & the American Legion
Two other venues deserve a place in the spotlight: the Root River Saloon and American Legion Post 40. The Saloon regularly features live music on weekends, especially in the high season, with a roster of local bands, classic rock covers, and blues musicians that know how to fill a room.
Just a few blocks away, the Legion hosts dances, band nights, and other live music events tied to holidays and community celebrations on their deck. Both spots offer a laid-back, unpretentious vibe and are often where locals and visitors alike go to catch up over music and drinks.
🌄 Music in the Bluffs: Whalan’s Hidden Gem
Just five miles down the trail, the tiny town of Whalan, MN has carved out its own musical identity with the Music in the Bluffs series. Held on select Saturdays from June through August at the gazebo near the bluffs, these free concerts are relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly. Local favorites like the Arnold Bradley Band, Matt & Brenda Stier, and Nite Shift bring a wide range of styles to the stage.
Performances in 2025 include Nite Shift on June 28, Root River Jam on July 26 and a full afternoon of music on August 16 featuring multiple acts. It’s a perfect stop for bikers on the Root River State Trail or anyone looking for a peaceful, small-town music experience with a killer view.
🎶 Rhythms on the Root: Summer Evenings Well Spent
Hosted by Lanesboro Arts, Rhythms on the Root is a beloved outdoor concert series that brings the community together through live music, warm summer air, and the natural beauty of Lanesboro’s riverside. These family-friendly concerts take place in Gateway Park just across from downtown over the Historic Coffee Street Walking Bridge —right alongside the scenic Root River.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets as they kick back and enjoy performances from an eclectic lineup of regional musicians. Whether it’s folk, blues, bluegrass, or Americana, each show offers something special—and the vibrant ribbons swaying from the stage backdrop add a touch of whimsy to the laid-back setting. The sole performance for the 2025 Rhythms on the Root concert series will be Saltydog on July 12.
🎧 Final Notes
Lanesboro and Whalan may be small, but their music scenes are big in heart and talent. From riverfront patios to bluffside gazebos, from brewery stages to pub lofts, there’s always something worth hearing.
So next time you visit, don’t just follow the river—follow the sound. Check our calendar for all upcoming events >>