Outdoor Adventures

Bluff Country Winter Wonder

With or without snow, there is plenty to do outdoors to stay active and take in that rarified winter air! There is nothing like the beauty found in bluff country when winter snow is the backdrop for bluffs filled with the red oak leaves and evergreen trees. Get outdoors to take in the natural wonders of bluff country.

Cross-Country Skiing

Sections of the Root River State Trail and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail are groomed by the Minnesota DNR for cross-country skiing. The groomed sections are usually portions near a trailhead (from downtown Lanesboro or the Preston trailhead, for example). Just remember to get a cross-country ski pass if you are over age 16 to ski on groomed trails. The Lanesboro BP gas station sells these passes. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, just outside of Lanesboro, has trails open to the public as well.

Snowshoeing

• Bring your snowshoes and hike around Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, or drive just outside Lanesboro to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center.
• Isinours Management Unit, part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, has wonderful trails to hike or snowshoe. It is located off County Highway 17 between Lanesboro and Preston. Take the road that follows the state bike trail to find the trailhead for parking.

Fat Tire Biking

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, just outside of Lanesboro, has fat tire bike trails open to the public.

Hiking

Strap on your winter boots, and get ready to get your steps in! There are some great trails to trek on in and around Lanesboro.

• At Sylvan Park at the base of the bluff and right above the pond, you will find a short trail in the woods that leads you to the campground.
• Check out Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, just outside of Lanesboro. 
• Isinours Management Unit, part of the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, has wonderful trails to hike or snowshoe. It is located off County Highway 17 between Lanesboro and Preston. Take the road that follows the state bike trail to find the trailhead for parking.

Winter Catch & Release

Stop into Root River Rod Co., an all-in-one fishing shop, for gear, advice, and guide services.  These friendly experts are ready to help anglers of all skill levels.

Ice Fishing

The bass pond off of County Highway 8 boasts ice fishing. The Lanesboro Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament happens on the bass pond in February. Check out Sylvan Park, which has an ADA-accessible fishing pier for catch and release in the winter.