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Step Into the Story: A Self-Guided Journey Through Lanesboro’s Past with Talking Trail

Talking Trail signs posted near the Lanesboro Dam, with the waterfall flowing in the background along the Root River.
Experience the story at the Lanesboro Dam—one of the many stops along the Talking Trail where history meets the beauty of Bluff Country.

September 30, 2025

 

If you’ve ever wished you could step back in time or hear the untold stories behind Lanesboro’s landmarks, Lanesboro Talking Trail makes it possible. This self-guided audio experience turns our historic small town into a living museum—connecting you with local history, culture, and character through the power of audio and storytelling.

Map of Lanesboro Talking Trail stops with numbered locations and story titles, showing where visitors can find interactive signs across downtown and nearby sites.
Follow the Lanesboro Talking Trail by looking for signs at these locations around town—each one unlocks a story from Lanesboro’s past - brochures available at the Lanesboro Visitor Center and History Museum

What Is the Talking Trail?

Lanesboro Talking Trail is an interactive walking tour that uses your mobile phone to bring local history to life. At dozens of stops throughout the community—ranging from the iconic Stone Dam and Root River Trail to cultural gems like the Commonweal Theatre and Lanesboro History Museum—visitors can scan a QR code or dial a phone number to hear engaging stories tied to each site.

These short audio segments feature stories written by local author and historian Steve Harris. The 2-3 minute audio clips include insights you won’t find on traditional plaques. You’ll learn about the area’s Native heritage, the rise of Lanesboro’s Victorian-era architecture, and the role the Root River has played in shaping this Driftless Region town, among much more.

Blue Lanesboro Talking Trail sign with the message ‘Experience the Story,’ a phone number, QR code, and logos for the Lanesboro Historical Preservation Association and Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, located on a street with shops and outdoor seating in the background.
Discover Lanesboro’s past on the Talking Trail — a self-guided audio tour that brings local landmarks and stories to life right from your phone.

How Visitors Can Use It

Exploring the Talking Trail is simple and flexible:

  • Look for the Signs – At each designated site, you’ll find a Talking Trail sign with a phone number and QR code.

  • Choose Your Format – Call the number and follow the prompts, or scan the code with your smartphone for a mobile-friendly page.

  • Go at Your Own Pace – Stops are spread across town, so you can take them in as you stroll and explore this scenic town.

  • Mix & Match – Whether you want a 10-minute snapshot of history or a full afternoon of exploration, you can create your own personalized tour.

Historic black-and-white photo of downtown Lanesboro, Minnesota, in the 1920s showing a crowd gathered as the Langlie Brothers Grocery and Confectionery building is moved on beams to make way for a new bank.
In the 1920s, workers in Lanesboro moved the Langlie Brothers Grocery and Confectionery building 45 feet south—while keeping the store open—so a new brick bank could be built on the corner / Photo courtesy Lanesboro History Museum

Why It’s Worth Adding to Your Visit

Lanesboro Talking Trail isn’t just about dates and facts—it’s about stories that connect past to present. You’ll hear about immigrant families who built the community, artists who shaped Lanesboro’s cultural identity, and natural features that still define Bluff Country today. It’s an easy, engaging way for families, couples, and solo travelers alike to deepen their visit without the need for a scheduled tour.

Sepia-toned 1879 photograph showing Buffalo Bill Cody and Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell seated with a group of Native American men, women, and a child; handwritten inscription along the bottom includes the date and a note signed "Noⁿp Ska."
Buffalo Bill Cody and Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell with Native American companions, 1879 — an early glimpse into the relationships that shaped the mythos of the American West / Photo courtesy Lanesboro History Museum

Plan Your Experience

When you arrive in Lanesboro, keep an eye out for the blue and white Talking Trail signs throughout town. All you need is a mobile phone and a sense of curiosity. Visit the Lanesboro History Museum or Lanesboro Visitor Center to grab a brochure and map of the trail, then explore at your own pace!

👉 Ready to start your journey? Explore the full list of stops and stories at talkingtrail.com/lanesboro-mn. Or download from the App Store (iOS) at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/talking-trail/id1235723519.

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