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

Last Updated 4/29/2026 • Posted in The Latest from Lanesboro & Whalan, Lodging, Lanesboro, Spotlight

Exterior of the Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota, showing two historic-style buildings with front porches decorated with patriotic bunting and hanging ferns in the evening light.

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.

Hanging round sign for the Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota, featuring illustrations of fishing and biking, mounted on a porch with trees in the background.

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.

Five adults smiling and standing together on a shaded patio at the Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro, surrounded by greenery and outdoor seating.

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.

The Coffee Street Inn in Lanesboro illuminated at night, with porch lights glowing, hanging ferns along the railing, parked cars on the street, and a full moon rising above the trees.

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.

A red classic Chevrolet Chevelle SS with its hood open, showcasing the engine at a car show in Lanesboro, with green park space and spectators in the background.

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 ride bicycles across a historic bridge on the Root River Trail in Lanesboro, surrounded by summer greenery.

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: [email protected]
Phone: (612) 599-2964
Facebook & Instagram: @coffeestreetinn