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Why Opening Night at the Commonweal Theatre Is the Best Show in Town (And the Perfect Excuse for a Lanesboro Getaway)

Three people toast drinks in a small-town bar, with liquor bottles and neon signs in the background.

There’s something undeniably electric about an opening night performance. The anticipation, the buzz, the first time the actors feel the energy of a live audience—it all combines to create a one-of-a-kind experience. At the Commonweal Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Lanesboro, that electricity doesn’t stop when the curtain falls. On opening nights, the celebration continues with a lively post-show reception, where audience members are invited to mingle with the cast and crew, enjoy wine and snacks (including a famously addicting punch), and toast the beginning of a new artistic journey. It’s immersive, joyous, and the best way to experience live theatre.

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What’s the Connection Between William “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Lanesboro, MN?

Black and white vintage photo of four men from the late 1800s, all wearing wide-brimmed hats and suits. Two are seated and two are standing behind them. The man on the left is wearing a light-colored suit and cowboy hat; the others are in darker suits. They have mustaches and long hair, styled in the fashion of the Old West. The background features an arched doorway.

If you’ve spent any time in Lanesboro, you’ve probably heard Buffalo Bill’s name come up once or twice (or a dozen times). From a bluff named in his honor to the town’s biggest summer celebration, Buffalo Bill Days, his legacy looms large here. But what exactly is the connection between this legendary Wild West showman and our scenic little town in bluff country? The answer is a fascinating mix of fact, folklore, and frontier-sized personality—and it all starts in the late 1870s.

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Small Towns, Big Sounds: Tuning into the Live Music Scene in Lanesboro and Whalan, MN

Live music with people on the patio of Sylvan Brewing

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.

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7 Ways to Satisfy Your Summer Sweet Tooth in Lanesboro and Whalan

A smiling girl holding a large ice cream cone stands in front of a colorful storefront with pink, green, and blue trim. Two other children are near a walk-up service window in the background.

Looking for a little post-pedal sugar? These seven stops in Lanesboro and Whalan deliver everything from pies to whoopie pies, fudge to floats, and ice cream cones to candy counters. Whether you’re here for the day or the week, there’s always something sweet waiting—no excuse necessary.

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Skip the Shipping, Savor the Experience: Shop Local in Lanesboro & Whalan

Two women standing in Stone Mill Clothing & Gifts in Lanesboro, MN

In a world where two-day shipping is king and algorithms decide what we want before we even know it, there’s something deeply refreshing about strolling down the charming main streets of Lanesboro and Whalan. These small towns in Southeast Minnesota are home to a vibrant collection of boutiques, artisan shops, and local markets where every item tells a story—and every purchase strengthens a community.

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8 Reasons to Use Your PTO for a Mid-Week Getaway in Lanesboro & Whalan, MN

Two women riding their bikes on the Root River State Trail in Lanesboro, MN

Looking for the perfect excuse to finally use that hard-earned PTO? A mid-week getaway to Lanesboro and Whalan, nestled in the heart of Southeast Minnesota’s beautiful Root River Valley, is calling your name. Whether you’re craving peaceful bike rides, cozy cafes, or simply a slower pace of life, there’s no better time to recharge. Skip the weekend crowds and treat yourself to a refreshing break—you’ve earned it!

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