The 6 Best Places to Hike and Bike In & Around Lanesboro, Minnesota
March 31, 2025
If you’re looking to hike and/or bike, and you’re in Lanesboro, Minnesota, then you probably already know that you’ve hit the jackpot. Whether you’re seeking scenic vistas, a little exercise, or an excuse to eat pie (or all of the above), we’ve got something for you. Buckle up, because we’re diving into six of the best spots to hike and bike in and around our quirky, adventurous little town.
1. Root River State Trail (Biking, Hiking and More!)
The Root River State Trail is a national treasure: a well maintained, smooth, paved path with river views, rolling hills, and the treat of pie. That's right, folks, when you hit Whalan (Lanesboro's neighbor a mere 4.5 miles away), you’ll be greeted by shops with handcrafted gifts, historical charm, and yes sweet, delicious pie.
Biking or hiking from Lanesboro to Whalan, you will love the journey, with the aforementioned rolling hills, vibrant forests, and as a bonus you’ll cross the bridge over the confluence (where the North and South branches of the Root River meet). Plus, if you’ve been exploring the area on foot, the pie at the end will make it all worth it (and possibly worth two slices).
That being said, the Root River State Trail is about as picturesque as you can get in either direction from Lanesboro. Headed west towards Preston is like shifting through a slide show of views and vistas. We’re talking classic Midwestern beauty: limestone bluffs, more rolling hills, and oh, that sweet, sweet fresh air.
For those adventurous folks who want to add more miles to their ride, you can visit all of the Root River Trail Towns: all the way west to Fountain, south to Preston, Harmony and beyond on the Harmony Preston-Valley section, and past Whalan to the east to visit Peterson, Rushford, and ending in Houston.
2. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (Hiking & Mountain Biking)
Eagle Bluff ELC is one of Minnesota’s best Outdoor Learning Schools, but not everyone knows that its campus is open to the public from dawn till dusk. With a fantastic mix of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and just generally basking in the beauty of the Driftless Region, this place has it all. Nearly 10 miles of hiking trails and 4.5 miles of mountain biking trails (which are groomed for winter fat tire biking—yeah, you read that right), throw in high ropes courses and indoor rock climbing, Eagle Bluff is like the Swiss Army knife of adventure activities.
The singletrack mountain bike trail is a favorite among bikers looking for something chill and flowy—nothing too crazy, just smooth berms and sweeping views of the Root River Valley. Plus, it’s free for everyone, because we Minnesotans are all about accessibility. Oh, and in case you didn’t know, Eagle Bluff is also the epicenter for the Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail project. So, you can hike on their trails now and keep an eye out for even more adventure coming soon. Seriously, this place is a gem.
3. Isinours Forestry Unit – (Hiking & Mountain Biking)
Just a stone’s throw (or a pedal’s push) from the Trail Junction further west along the Root River State Trail, is Isinours Forest Management Unit, a peaceful spot of preserved forest. If you’re a fan of serene spots to take a breather, this is your go-to stop. The park is just a couple of tenths of a mile past the Root River Trail junction, and the trail literally goes through the park—talk about convenience. If you’ve got the legs for it, these trails are your ticket to truly feeling the Driftless vibe. It’s not as busy as the Root River trail, which is why it’s such a nice hidden gem. Just don’t forget to stop and appreciate those outcroppings—they’re rocks, yes, but fancy rocks. (Seriously though, Karst formations are really cool and unique to the Driftless. Ancient limestone shaped by thousands of years of water and wind erosion-dissolving the bedrock and creating caves, sinkholes, etc. So yeah, fancy).
4. Bunny Trail in Lanesboro's Sylvan Park – (Hiking & Dog Walking)
You can enter the Bunny Trail in Sylvan Park behind either campsite. This simple little walking trail is often overlooked, but is Lanesboro’s perfect little jaunt for a pup or a young one. This little trail follows the ridge behind the park. It’s perfect for people-watching or letting your dog enjoy some new scents. It's short, sweet, and easy to navigate. It’s all about relaxing, taking in the fresh air, and maybe even trying to spot a bunny or two. (I can’t guarantee you’ll see any, but I like to dream.) If you’ve got a pooch tagging along on your adventure, the Bunny Trail is going to be your new best friend. Your dog will thank you for the walk, and they might even enjoy the scent of the campsites along the way. After all, everyone deserves a break!
5. Talking Trail (Coming Soon!) – Hiking (with a Side of History and Storytelling)
Now, hold on to your ten gallon hats because this one’s a game-changer. Talking Trail is coming to Lanesboro! Talking Trails is a self-guided walking tour that combines history, culture and a bunch of awesome stories told by professional voice actors. It’s basically your very own Lanesboro-themed audio book—except you get to wander around the town while you listen.
Lanesboro’s Talking Trail will of course have our Lanesboro spin on things. Local historian and author Steve Harris (who, by the way, literally wrote the book on Lanesboro) has teamed up with the Lanesboro Historical Preservation Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and community members to craft stories that feel authentically Lanesboro. And those professional actors? In our case they’re a part of the Resident Ensemble from the Commonweal Theatre, because if anyone can bring the town’s history to life with the right mix of charm and cheek, it’s them.
And the cool thing is each spot will have a sign with a QR code that will provide multiple ways to engage with these stories. So you can take the 45 minutes to an hour to walk the full tour (30 sites, fewer stops) or you can just snap that code when you see the signs and learn as you do your Lanesboro, your way.
6. Historic Forestville (Hiking & History)
Hiking at Historic Forestville is an immersive experience blending history and natural beauty. Nestled within Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, the trails guide you through picturesque landscapes of wooded valleys, limestone bluffs, and gently flowing streams. As you wander the paths, you'll encounter remnants of the 19th-century pioneer village, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful walk or a more challenging trek, Historic Forestville’s hiking trails promise stunning vistas and a deeper connection to Minnesota’s heritage. Round out your visit with a game of croquet or horseshoes on the lawn!
Whether you’re looking for a casual bike ride with a side of good food, a hike that’ll give you a good view (and maybe a little workout), or a historical tour with a twist, Lanesboro’s got something for everyone.
So, grab your gear, hop on a bike, lace up those hiking boots, and get ready to explore the best that this quirky little town has to offer. Happy adventuring!
Check out more ideas to experience outdoor adventure in our area >>