Lanesboro: The Place to Live, Work, Play

My husband and I visited Lanesboro and we liked it so much, we bought a house!

- Kathy Thiss, Lanesboro Resident

You know the saying, “It takes a village,”, well, Lanesboro would be honored to be your village. This little village works together everyday through volunteerism, activism, entrepreneurism, and a genuine concern for each other. The region’s karst topography includes vast underground rivers constantly moving and shaping the rock beneath our feet, and Lanesboro has that same river of energy from business owners, City government, Lanesboro EDA, the public school, non-profit organizations, residents and more that is constantly and diligently shaping the community for the better.

Lanesboro is a fantastic place to run an online business. We have incredibly fast fiber internet, and the post office is just down the block.

Caleb Lauritsen-Norby (Business Owner)

Just as the whole world experienced the challenges, heartaches, and silver linings of 2020, Lanesboro did too. The lockdown happened right as Lanesboro was ready to welcome back visitors for the start of the 2020 tourist season, farmers were preparing to plant, and the school year was coming to a close. Although there were many moments of uncertainty and trying to accept a total lack of control, the community rolled up its sleeves to listen to one another, gather and share the most up to date science and information, and make the best of an adapted tourist season and very different year.

Businesses quickly and thoughtfully changed their operation plans to prioritize the health and safety of their staff, visitors, and local customers. Three new businesses forged ahead and began in 2020: Root River Unwined, Spellbound Atelier, and Sylvan Brewing. With optimism and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, three more new businesses were established at the start of 2021: Loubelle’s Ice Cream and Sandwich Shoppe, Whalan Depot, and The Guest Hus. Visitors still came to Lanesboro in 2020, and our tiny town proved itself once again to be a sought after reprieve from everyday life and a chance to find pleasure in the here and now through outdoor recreation, art, dining, shopping, and relaxing in one of our Inns or B&Bs.

Despite the challenges of 2020, major community projects continued with optimism and perseverance to ensure stability for current and future generations. Our 153 year old stone arch dam (only one of six left in the country and originally built by Norwegian immigrant stone masons), completed a renovation in the Fall of 2020, a promise for future generations to be able to harness the power and beauty of the river and its waters. Lanesboro Public Schools began its multimillion dollar renovation and addition project, with its brand new daycare facility (originally began in 1988, the first public school district to open a daycare in Minnesota!) opening up after Christmas break and the rest of the renovations to be completed in early 2021. This too is a promise for Lanesboro’s current and future families and children that the town prioritizes and recognizes the importance of education and care from cradle to graduation and beyond.

The Lanesboro Economic Development Authority (EDA) provides opportunities for businesses and community members through loan funds, programs and resources. The Lanesboro Entrepreneurial Action Network (LEAN) is a new subcommittee of the EDA which works to provide technical assistance and tools to existing and new businesses. LEAN was formed following a three-year Rural Entrepreneurial Venture project. The City of Lanesboro is a great resource to contact about housing development and any relocation questions. These organizations are excellent resources for business owners, residents, and future residents.

Our corner of the world prides itself in being a collaborative, welcoming, and vibrant place to live, work, and play. There are opportunities for families, individuals, retired folks, artists, and more, to visit for the day or to put down roots and become involved in a community that strives to be inclusive and improve upon itself. Just like the always-moving underground rivers beneath our feet, that river of energy in Lanesboro is constantly flowing with ideas, action, momentum, and positivity. Come hop on that river, and be a part of our village!

To learn more about economic development in Lanesboro, watch this video: » lacc.mn/cedardt20

lacc.mn/cedardt20

Lanesboro is a great place to work for a number of reasons. Lanesboro has a great sense of community and collaboration. People are really willing to work together, support each other and understand that by doing so we all succeed! I have such a passion for this beautiful little city and am so happy to have my business in Lanesboro!

Lori Bakke (Business Owner)

Lanesboro is a great place to work and live and visit. I grew up in Southeast Minnesota during the farming era. People were and are really willing to work together, support each other and understand that by doing so we all do better. Lanesboro is a beautiful little city with a sense of arts and history and agriculture. Bravo Lanesboro!

Don Lukkason (Lanesboro Resident)

We moved to Lanesboro from Saint Paul in 2018 and love living in this community! With a great daycare & school system and friendly atmosphere, it's a great place to raise a family. Add to that ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, arts & culture, and community events, there's something for everyone. Our family from the cities loves visiting!

Joe Goetzke (Lanesboro resident & transplant)

We do an annual group rent-the-Inn bicycling weekend in Lanesboro. The quaint, historic town is centrally located on the paved bike trail system. We love sitting out on the deck with friends for a morning coffee or evening refreshments. Easy walking distance to a variety of restaurants, shops and a great little local theatre. Biking, hiking and kayaking make for an adventurous long-weekend.

Daryl Hinz (Longtime Lanesboro Guest)