The Root River State Trail, Root River Water Trail, and Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway connect a collection of Bluff Country communities (called Root River Trail Towns) shaped by rivers, limestone bluffs, local culture, and small-town hospitality. While each town along the trail offers its own character and scenery, Lanesboro sits at the heart of the experience—making it the perfect home base for exploring Bluff by bike, car, kayak, or canoe.
Known as the “The Best of Bluff Country,” Lanesboro combines outdoor adventure with arts, dining, shopping, and small-town energy in the heart of Bluff Country. Located near the center of the Root River State Trail system, Lanesboro makes an ideal starting point for day rides in multiple directions.
From downtown, riders can easily access the trail, rent bikes locally, enjoy riverside dining, browse locally owned shops, or spend the evening at the Commonweal Theatre.
The town’s walkable downtown, scenic river setting, and direct trail access make it one of Minnesota’s premier bike destinations. Many visitors choose to stay in Lanesboro while exploring the surrounding Root River Trail towns throughout their trip.
Just a short ride east of Lanesboro, Whalan offers one of the most relaxed and scenic stops along the Root River State Trail. Surrounded by limestone bluffs, farmland, and river views, the ride between Lanesboro and Whalan is especially popular with families and casual riders.
Despite its small size, Whalan has become a favorite Bluff Country stop for trail travelers. Visitors can browse local goods at Treasures on the Trail, stop at the historic Whalan Depot, enjoy a slice from the beloved Aroma Pie Shoppe, or stay nearby at Cedar Valley Resort along the Root River.
During the summer, Whalan also hosts the popular Music in the Bluffs concert series, bringing live music and a laid-back community atmosphere to the heart of Bluff Country.
Nestled along the Root River, Peterson offers a peaceful trail-town atmosphere with scenic river views and easy access to outdoor recreation. The ride between Peterson and Lanesboro features some of the region’s most beautiful stretches of bluff and river scenery.
Visitors exploring Peterson will find a charming small-town setting surrounded by rolling hills, wooded bluffs, and scenic countryside typical of southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless landscape. The town is also home to Tiger Trail Lefse Chip Co., a uniquely local Bluff Country business known for its crisp lefse snacks and Scandinavian-inspired flavors. As riders explore downtown Peterson, they may also spot whimsical gnome displays scattered throughout the community, adding another layer of small-town personality to the trail-town experience.
Just outside of Peterson along Highway 16, Boutique Station offers another popular stop for visitors exploring the Root River Valley, featuring boutique shopping and locally curated goods in a scenic Bluff Country setting between Peterson and Rushford.
Known for its dramatic bluff scenery and strong outdoor recreation culture, Rushford sits along the western portion of the Root River Trail system. The surrounding area offers scenic rides, river access, hiking opportunities, and sweeping Bluff Country landscapes.
Rushford also serves as a gateway to some of the larger valley and bluff systems in southeastern Minnesota, making it a popular stop for visitors exploring beyond Lanesboro. Nearby overlooks at Magelssen Bluff provide expansive views of the Root River Valley and surrounding bluff country scenery.
Located just outside Rushford in the scenic Root River Valley, Rushford Village offers a quieter glimpse into Bluff Country’s rural landscapes and small-community character. Surrounded by wooded hillsides, limestone bluffs, and winding country roads, the area reflects the peaceful pace and natural beauty that define southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless Region.
Its location near the Root River and surrounding trail communities makes Rushford Village a scenic stop while exploring the broader Root River Trail system, whether by bike, car, or scenic backroad drive through Bluff Country.
Located near the eastern end of the Root River Trail corridor, Houston is surrounded by steep bluffs, wooded hillsides, and scenic river valleys. Outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives all contribute to Houston’s connection to the broader Bluff Country experience.
Houston is also home to the International Owl Center, a unique attraction dedicated to owl education, conservation, and interactive exhibits featuring one of the region’s most recognizable birds of prey. The surrounding area is especially popular for visitors exploring southeastern Minnesota’s natural landscapes, Driftless terrain, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Located southwest of Lanesboro along the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connection, Preston serves as a gateway to additional biking, trout fishing, and scenic Driftless Area experiences.
As the county seat of Fillmore County, Preston blends outdoor recreation with historic small-town character. Surrounded by cold-water trout streams, wooded valleys, and rolling farmland, Preston is especially popular with anglers and visitors exploring southeastern Minnesota’s interconnected trail system between Lanesboro and Harmony.
Each spring, Preston hosts the annual Trout Days celebration, a longtime community tradition featuring events, activities, and festivities that celebrate the region’s strong trout fishing heritage.
Connected to the Root River Trail system via the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, Harmony offers another way to experience Bluff Country by bike. The ride south from Lanesboro toward Harmony passes through scenic farmland, river valleys, and rolling Driftless landscapes.
Harmony is also known for Amish heritage experiences, local shops, and nearby natural attractions that draw visitors exploring southeastern Minnesota. Visitors can browse locally owned shops like Bee Balm Boutique or experience the surrounding countryside through guided Amish tours that highlight the traditions and rural landscapes of southeastern Minnesota.
During the summer, the community comes alive for its annual Fourth of July celebration, one of the region’s most popular holiday weekends featuring festivities, entertainment, and small-town community traditions.
Located near the western end of the Root River State Trail, Fountain serves as a popular access point for biking and outdoor recreation in Bluff Country. Surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and scenic Driftless landscapes, Fountain offers easy access to both the trail and nearby rural backroads popular with cyclists and scenic drivers.
Often referred to as the “Sinkhole Capital of the U.S.,” the area surrounding Fountain showcases the unique geology that defines southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless Region. Visitors exploring the area will also find local spot Sugar Creek Vineyard and Meadery, quiet countryside scenery, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere that makes Fountain a natural stop while exploring Bluff Country.
Known as the “Gateway to Bluff Country,” Chatfield sits northwest of Lanesboro and offers another scenic entry point into the Root River Valley region. Historic architecture, rolling farmland, and nearby outdoor recreation opportunities make Chatfield a popular stop for visitors exploring southeastern Minnesota.
The drive between Chatfield and Lanesboro highlights many of the scenic bluff and valley landscapes that define the region. Chatfield is also home to the Chatfield Center for the Arts, a restored historic venue that hosts live music, theater performances, exhibits, and community events throughout the year, adding another layer to the area’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
Can you bike between Root River Trail towns?
Yes. The Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connect several Bluff Country communities through a network of paved bike trails and scenic routes. Many visitors stay in Lanesboro and take day rides to nearby towns like Whalan, Peterson, Preston, and Harmony.
Which Root River Trail town is best for staying overnight?
Lanesboro is one of the most popular overnight destinations along the Root River Trail system thanks to its combination of lodging, dining, bike rentals, arts, shopping, and direct trail access. Many visitors use Lanesboro as their home base while exploring surrounding Bluff Country communities.
How far is Whalan from Lanesboro on the trail?
Whalan is located about 5 miles east of Lanesboro along the Root River State Trail, making it one of the most popular short rides for families, casual cyclists, and visitors looking for a scenic Bluff Country experience.
Can you ride from Lanesboro to Harmony by bike?
Yes. Riders can travel from Lanesboro to Harmony using the Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connection through Preston. The route passes through scenic farmland, river valleys, and Driftless landscapes.
What makes the Root River Trail system unique?
The Root River Trail system combines paved biking trails, scenic river valleys, limestone bluffs, small-town stops, and outdoor recreation opportunities in one connected Bluff Country experience. Few trail systems in the Midwest offer the same mix of scenery, accessibility, and vibrant trail-town culture.
What are the best things to do along the Root River Trail?
Popular experiences include biking between trail towns, stopping for food and shopping, exploring Bluff Country scenery, trout fishing, paddling the Root River, visiting local attractions, and enjoying live arts and events throughout the region.
Do I need to move my car between trail towns?
Not necessarily. Many visitors stay in Lanesboro and explore surrounding communities by bike using the connected trail system. Others choose to drive scenic Bluff Country roads between towns while using Lanesboro as a central basecamp.
