The Perfect Weekend Getaway in Minnesota

A couple biking together on the Root River Trail while enjoying a weekend getaways near Minneapolis/St. Paul

The Best Weekend Getaway Near Minneapolis/St. Paul

The Twin Cities are a wonderful place to live and work, but sometimes, getting out of the city and tuning out for a weekend is exactly what you need.

This summer or fall, it's time you discover the most charming and beautiful weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul! Lanesboro is a short two-hour drive away from the city, and this is one of the things that makes it an ideal candidate for a weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul.

More than being an easy destination to get to, though, Lanesboro is loaded with charm. It's located in the beautiful southeastern part of the state and home to various cute shops, charming restaurants, plenty of Amish farms in the rural countryside, and the famed Root River Trail. It's a wonderful place to unplug and spend some uninterrupted time with your sweetheart.

Lanesboro is a great place to escape from the stress and worries so many of us face in everyday life. Here is just a taste of what's waiting for you in the picturesque community of Lanesboro, MN:

  1. You'll want a bike while you're visiting Lanesboro.  You can bring your own or rent one from the Little River General Store. Afterward, hit up the popular Root River State Trail and enjoy a scenic ride through the bluffs of the Root River valley, visiting the charming Root River Trail Towns along the way. It's one of the most beautiful trails in the midwest and one of the top reasons to make Lanesboro your go-to spot for the best weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul.

  2. Biking isn't the only great way to explore the Root River Valley.  You can also rent a kayak or canoe from Little River General Store, Root River Outfitters or Driftless Trading Post and hit the Root River State Water Trail. It's a great way to see this scenic beauty from a new vantage point - and keep cool during the summer!

  3. Walk, browse, and enjoy the charming world of downtown Lanesboro. It's filled with great shops, delicious restaurants, a wonderful History Museum, and even places to get sweet treats like Another Time Ice Cream Parlor, Clara’s Eatery or Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe.

  4. Stop by the Lanesboro Farmers Market to get fresh veggies, eggs, plants, fruits, jams and jellies, baked goods, and more! This is a great way to get a sense of the community and slow down and enjoy the time away during your weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul.

  5. The entire point of taking a weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul is to get out of your everyday rut and experience new things, right? There's no better way to do that than visit working Amish Farms. There are plenty of them in the Lanesboro area. Take a step back in time with a Bluffscape Amish Tour, or go at your own pace there with the Amish Backroads Tour.

  6. A weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul is meant for delicious dinners out and imbibing. For that, Lanesboro doesn't disappoint! Check out Junipers, with celebrated chef Tyler Shipton (from Travail, Borough and Hotel Ivy). He chose to land in Lanesboro to open Junipers in 2021. You’ll enjoy crafted apps, salads and entrees while enjoying the view of the river and tressel bridge. Head to Root River 102 , where they serve products from local farmers, brewers, and vintners in a relaxed atmosphere, or go to the Old Village Hall right on the the Root River trail. Sylvan Brewing is the first brewery in Lanesboro in over 100 years, and Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery is a beautiful spot to taste wine, talk about wine, and have a fun experience.

Picture of bed and couch in light filled room

Relax in this guest room while enjoying a weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul at this hotel, downtown Lanesboro, MN.

The Best Place to Stay in Lanesboro, MN

There are no recipes for the perfect weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul, but there are a few things that will make it undeniably better.  To start, there's finding great lodging. You won't find anything better than our #1-rated Hotel in the heart of Lanesboro, MN.  Our historic, yet modernly updated inn offers you an upscale step back through time. It's your perfect retreat away from the world.

Along with our comfortable guest rooms and beautiful grounds, we also offer a remarkable pastries from the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe. Get a sweet start for your explorations of the area. With all of the fun and relaxing things to do in Lanesboro, combined with a stay at our historic inn, it won't take long to agree that Lanesboro is the perfect choice for a weekend getaway near Minneapolis/St. Paul! Book your room at our top-notch hotel in Lanesboro, MN today!