Find Fall Fun for the Whole Family Over MEA Weekend in Lanesboro, MN
October 1, 2024
Looking for the perfect way to spend Minnesota's MEA weekend? Look no further than Lanesboro—a hidden gem packed with fall activities, adventure, and entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're leaf-peeping on the Root River Trail or sipping local craft beer while enjoying live music, Lanesboro has something for everyone.
Family Fun: Big Springs Pumpkin Farm and Root River Trail
Start your weekend with some wholesome family fun at Big Springs Pumpkin Farm, where you'll find pumpkins, hayrides, and all the fall vibes you can handle. Start with the corn maze, where there are 5 miles of trails through 11 acres of ten foot tall corn. You can choose a 10 minute adventure, a 30 minute one or traverse the whole thing (in about an hour) Then, fuel up at the concession stand, grab a pumpkin and a bouquet of sunflowers and make your way to Lanesboro proper. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, grab your bikes and explore the Root River Trail. The autumn air is crisp, the leaves are at their peak, and the views are absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect way to get outside and soak in the season.
Adventures for Thrill-Seeking Families: High Ropes at Eagle Bluff
For kids (and adults!) who crave a little more adventure, the High Ropes Course at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is a must. Maneuver 30 feet in the air at this adrenaline-pumping challenge that will have your kids climbing, balancing, and zip-lining through the treetops. It’s an unforgettable experience for the little thrill-seekers in your crew. Ropes courses are open 1-4 PM on Friday and 9 AM-12 PM on Saturday. Tickets are available here for $40. And before or after you climb the course, be sure to trek along some of the nearly 10 miles of hiking trails at Eagle Bluff, that are free and open to the public.
Fuel Up: Kid-Friendly Snacks, Family Meals, and Date Night Dining
No weekend adventure is complete without delicious food and drinks! Start your day with a pumpkin spice latte at Paddle On Coffee & Maker Emporium (they have smoothies and breakfast items too). For the littles, stop by Clara’s Eatery for fun and creative snacks like the Bunny (fresh seasonal veggies), Monkey (sweet seasonal fruit), and Puppy (a variety of meat and cheeses) plates, perfect for young kids. For another family-friendly meal option, head to Pedal Pushers Café, where fresh, local ingredients come together in crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone will love. With everything on the menu from burgers and fries to chicken pot pies, there’s something for everyone at Pedal Pushers.
And for parents looking for a more elevated dining experience, treat yourselves to Juniper’s Restaurant—where you can indulge in expertly crafted dishes, perfect for a cozy date night.
And don't forget about desert - while the temperature is getting cooler, a sweet treat from Another Time Ice Cream Parlor is yummy no matter the weather!
For the grown-ups, Root River Saloon and Granny's Liquor offer a selection of spirits for your nightcap after the kids are asleep.
For the Creatives: Poetry and Art Trail
If you have budding writers or artists in the family, there’s plenty of inspiration in Lanesboro. Lanesboro Arts is sponsoring a poetry writing workshop on Thursday and an Open-Mic reading with Su Whang, where kids who love literature and writing can dive deep into creative expression. They’ll learn different poetic forms, and then Su will teach them how to break them! Plus, it’s the final weekend of the Lanesboro Area Art Trail, a self-guided tour of local artists' studios. This is your chance to get a behind the scenes look at how the (art) sausage gets made. You will meet the makers, see some amazing artwork, and for those creative kiddos, they can get a peak at what it’s like to be a professional artist and even pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
As you make your way to Whalan to check out their stop on the art trail, don't forget to visit the historic Whalan Depot gift and snack shop to refuel as evening sets in. And no visit to Whalan is complete without a stop at Treasures on the Trail, a shop that specializes in gifts that have all been handcrafted by talented artisans
Live Music Every Day: The High Court Pub and Sylvan Brewing
Music lovers rejoice! The High Court Pub has live music lined up all weekend. Catch the Mike James Duo on Friday, they blend jazz, country and acoustic rock and Mike Munson on Saturday who will bring his amazing one-of-a-kind bluesy guitar rhythms for some great tunes. Plus with the most taps in town and great food (the Pub Burger is highly recommended) it’s a great spot for your Band kid. Over at Sylvan Brewing, Sunday brings Kid Dakota, a Minneapolis based critically acclaimed musician and fixture of the Minneapolis music scene, to the stage during their Sylvan Sunday event, complete with the Reubens and Things food truck—so you can grab a bite while enjoying the show. It's a weekend of rock, roll, jazz, and blues, with something to match every musical taste.
Fun & Educational Tours: Bluffscape Amish Tours
For a more peaceful pace, take a step back in time with a Bluffscape Amish Tour. These tours offer a glimpse into the Amish way of life, with stops at local farms and shops where you can purchase handmade goods, home-baked treats, and more. It's a beautiful, thoughtful way to round out your weekend with a little cultural exploration.
For Parents & Older Kids: The Commonweal Theatre
Parents, if you’re looking to sneak away for a bit of grown-up time, or for parents of teens who need some entertainment you won’t want to miss Commonweal Theatre Company's two amazing productions running in repertory. For some lighthearted laughs, check out Neil Simon’s Rumors, a door-slamming farce full of adult humor about entitled people in the 1980’s (PG-13, with a bit of swearing). If you’re in the mood for something deeper, go see Doubt, a powerful drama about moral uncertainty and the Catholic Church, featuring stellar, tour-de-force performances by Caty Glynn and Jeremy Van Meter. (*Note: Doubt deals with sensitive subject matter but has no swearing.)
So Much Family Fall Fun to Discover!
From hiking & biking trails to farm-to-table dining, Lanesboro is brimming with things to do. Whether you’re here for a day or the entire long weekend, the variety of activities ensures that every family member will find something they love. And, with the stunning backdrop of fall colors, you’ll want to come back every year.
So, pack up the family and head to Lanesboro this MEA weekend. With pumpkins, poetry, and plenty of adventure, it’s sure to be a getaway you won’t forget!