2023 Lanesboro Area Visitor Guide

Make Lanesboro Part of Your Story

Nestled in the valley of the Root River, framed by majestic bluffs, Lanesboro is the treasure of southeastern Minnesota.

It is home to just over 700 residents who enjoy all the best things of living in a small town - friendly people, recreational opportunities, a strong school system and a diverse business community.

Our community is a popular vacation destination and we welcome nearly 10,000 visitors to the Lanesboro and Whalan area each year. They enjoy biking on the Root River Trail, fishing or tubing in the cool waters of the Root River or strolling through the historic downtown area and shopping in our charming stores.

This guide provides a brief look into our community and highlights some of the best parts of our region.

Ŷ Lanesboro is the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota. A local legend shared her delicious rhubarb pie recipe with several organizations and is a popular choice at the annual Rhubarb Festival. Find the recipe on page 16.

Ŷ Business owners in Lanesboro operate some of the cornerstones of our town. Read about their secrets to success on page 19.

Ŷ Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center is becoming known as the “premiere astronomy site for Southeast Minnesota.” Learn how to enjoy these beautiful night skies on page 20.

Ŷ Whalan’s Cedar Valley Resort was created with families in mind. It is the perfect gathering spot in any season. Look for fun ideas for a getaway on page 28.

“Everyone has a Lanesboro story; why don’t you stop by and create one of your own?” urges Mayor Jason Resseman. We look forward to welcoming you to Lanesboro and Whalan this year. The opportunities for fun and interesting adventures await you and your family. Come and experience the treasures of Bluff Country.

Welcome to Lanesboro!

Jason Resseman, Mayor

City of Lanesboro

lanesboro-mn.gov | (507) 467-3722

Lanesboro Annual Travel Guide

Produced by the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce in support of its members and in cooperation with the City of Lanesboro, EDA and Lanesboro Public Schools.

Contributors

Special thanks to Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce members, the City of Lanesboro, Dairyland Power Co-op, Lanesboro Public Utilities, Lanesboro Economic Development Authority and Lanesboro Public Schools for their generous financial contributions to this publication. Thank you to those who helped provide information and edits, Melisa Vander Plas, Kristen Asleson, Dan Rooney, Marti Lee Gray and Alison Leathers.

Writers

Melissa Vander Plas, Steve Harris, David Hennessey, Dan Rooney, Jonathan Levine.

Creative Direction & Graphic Design Andrzej (ahn-jay) Zalasinski, Jr.

Printing

(608) 788-2500 | lacrossegraphics.com

Photography

Barb Jeffers, Bluff Country Photogrphy, Ray Iezzi, Alison Leathers, Bailey Otto, Sarah Peterson, Peterson Creative Photography & Design, Lance Prado, Ryan Tylor, Paul Vincent, Kristi Danielson Vreeman, Andrzej Zalasinski and other chamber members.

On the Cover Starry Night (somewhere in MN) Photo Courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism / Paul Vincent.

Partners

Andrzej (ahn-jay) Zalasinski, Jr.,

Executive Director

Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce

lanesboro.com | (507) 467-2696

FEATURES

10 LANESBORO ART ATTRACTIONS CELEBRATE MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES | Lanesboro Arts and The Commonweal Theatre are celebrating with special events in 2023.

16 LANESBORO LEGEND CREATES FAVORED RHUBARB PIE RECIPE | A local woman created a popular pie recipe that is widely shared within the community.

19 LANESBORO BUSINESS OWNERS REVEAL SECRETS TO SUCCESS | Supportive community members share insights on running businesses in a small town.

20 LANESBORO SITE CONSIDERED “PREMIERE” SPOT FOR STARGAZING | Local and regional stargazers find perfect skies for viewing at Eagle Bluff.

28 WHALAN’S CEDAR VALLEY RESORT IS PERFECT DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES OF ALL SIZES | Comfortable lodging and many activities make local resort a favorite for families.

34 RHYTHM OF LANESBORO CREATES PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY | City leaders look at employment and new housing options to enhance livability.

39 THE MAGIC THAT IS LANESBORO | Author shares reflections on the people of Lanesboro.

If you’re headed here for your first visit or 20th, make sure you try out our Lanesboro App. It will provide you up-to-date, information on local businesses, including hours, amenities, and health practices. The Lanesboro App also features a user-friendly glossary to help you find what businesses have ice, hand sanitizer, sun tan lotion, snacks,

E NTERTAINMENT & E VENTS

Visit Lanesboro and find the fun!

With something exciting happening just about every week in Lanesboro, you’ll have to come back to catch them all. From unique family festivals, live music and amazing theatre, to art tours, unique shopping, pub crawls, parades and more, Lanesboro offers something for everyone. » lacc.mn/events

SPRING EVENTS:

APR 21-22 GET SQUIRRELY WITH SURLY Lanesboro | Annual Spring Pub Crawl. Enjoy Surly beer, time with friends and crawl on!

APR 28-30 BLUFF COUNTRY STUDIO ART TOUR Lanesboro Area | Annual, self-guided tour. 10am - 5pm each day.

MAY-OCT LANESBORO FARMERS’ MARKET Lanesboro, Sylvan Park | Fresh local produce and other local products. Saturdays 9am-12pm.

MAY 13 BOUTIQUE & BUSINESS CRAWL Lanesboro, downtown | Come shop Lanesboro's unique stores filled with art, clothing, gifts & more!

MAY 18-21 BLUFF COUNTRY GATHERING Lanesboro | Old-time music festival/camp with workshops, concert and square dance.

SPRING

As winter ebbs away and spring emerges across the countryside, the Lanesboro community becomes energized with activity. Wildlife is stirring, and you are certain to enjoy the sounds of many birds returning north.

— Get your Trout Stamp and head to Lanesboro for the trout opener in April for a chance to catch rainbow, brook and brown trout in some of the best streams in the country.

— Stroll through the downtown area as Lanesboro stores, restaurants, inns and other businesses extend their hours and prepare to greet you for another busy season with warm hospitality and excitement.

— Check out the produce and crafts at the Farmers’ Market, located in Sylvan Park.

— Take in a local event that celebrates our artists, musicians, actors and even the owls.

— Load up your bikes (or rent one locally) and hit the trails to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

— Seek out the wildflowers and emerging wildlife in the area.

— Take in a play during the season opener of live, professional theatre at The Commonweal Theatre Company.

MAY 29 MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM Lanesboro | Honoring our fallen comrades. Parade, patriotic music, speakers and gun salute with taps.

always the firSt Saturday in June

9 am - 3 pm • Sylvan Park, Lanesboro

8 am Rhubarb Run

9 am Farmers Market Opens

10 am Opening Ceremonies

10:30 am Rhubarb Tasting

(Prizes awarded to crowd favorites!)

9 am - 3 pm • Sylvan Park, Lanesboro Returning in 2023RhubarbRhubarbTasting Run

10:30 am Rhubarb Fashion Show

12 pm Live Music: Lonely Knees

1:30 pm Live Music: Two Harbors Ukulele Group family favorites! family favorites!

• Rhubarb Games

• Rhub-Art Opportunities

• Goat Chill-Out

• Local Vendors

• Yummy Treats!

www.rhubarbfe S tival.org www.rhubarbfe S tival.org

SUMMER

The streets of Lanesboro are bustling with activity during the summer months. Visitors flock to town to enjoy biking, fishing and hiking, which are available three seasons of the year. In the summer, it’s time to hit the river and enjoy the refreshing waters that flow through town.

— Grab a tube, canoe or kayak and paddle your way through the countryside, past pastures and homesteads, through bluffs and forests.

— Cool down with a picnic or grab a meal on one of our restaurants’ outdoor patios.

— Seek out an adventure at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center where one can enjoy a high ropes course, mountain bike trail and a network of hiking trails.

— Step into the phone booth by the Lanesboro Museum and learn more about the town’s history and the people who have lived here.

— Play pickleball, basketball, tennis in our park, or climb the jungle gym and relax on the swing. Stop and smell the flowers in our beautiful parks.

— Visit with the local community members and make new friends as you create your own Lanesboro story.

E NTERTAINMENT & E VENTS

SUMMER EVENTS:

JUN 3 RHUBARB FESTIVAL Lanesboro, Sylvan Park | Celebrate Minnesota’s sweet-tart favorite. Games, music and entertainment. 9am - 4pm.

JUN 17 ART IN THE PARK Lanesboro, Sylvan Park | Annual fine art fair, renowned for quality, variety and value. Admission is free.

JUN 19 FILLMORE CTY CATTLEMEN’S STEAK

FRY Lanesboro, Sylvan Park | $20/person, 4:30 - 7:30pm. Drive through, walk-up or dine in the park.

JUL 1-4 GIRLS' FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

TOURNAMENT Whalan | Exciting action. Refreshments available on-site. 10am - 5pm.

JUL 18-23 FILLMORE COUNTY FAIR Preston | Hosted by the Fillmore County Agricultural Society since 1865.

FALL

Fall in Lanesboro is packed with opportunities to have fun as an individual, a couple or a family.

— Take a scenic drive through the countryside, enjoying the bluffs, forests and truly unique vistas as the leaves turn bright red, yellow and orange.

— Ride the bike trail and get a view of the vibrant colors as you ride under the branches of trees that have been growing for hundreds of years.

— Explore the studios of many local artists as they showcase their work during the Lanesboro Area Art Trail.

— Check out Sylvan Brewery in Lanesboro and travel to nearby communities for wineries, distilleries and other breweries to find your perfect beverage.

— Take a scavenger hunt through our beautiful parks and outdoor recreational areas - taking in the wondrous natural resources of Bluff Country.

FALL EVENTS:

AUG 18-19, SEP 15-16, OCT 6-7 LANESBORO AREA ART TRAIL Lanesboro Area | Take a self-guided tour of area art studios.

SEP 13 WELCOMING WEEK Lanesboro | The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a celebration of new businesses and new residents.

SEP 15-16 60-MILE GARAGE SALE Trail Towns | Shop the ten towns along the Root River Trail - start in Lanesboro of course!

SEP 23 BOUTIQUE & BUSINESS CRAWL Lanesboro, downtown | Fun day of exploring the boutiques and businesses.

SEP 23 FALL BEER AND WINE FEST Lanesboro | Enjoy Oktoberfest and seasonal fall drinks at Lanesboro bars and restaurants.

OCT 7 FALL INTO LANESBORO Lanesboro | Welcome fall with activities for the whole family.

OCT 14 THE FILTHY 50 UNSUPPORTED GRAVEL BICYCLE EVENT Lanesboro | Gravel bike ride through southeastern Minnesota. Register at thefilthy50.com.

OCT 31 DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREATING Lanesboro | Dress up the kids and take them trick-or-treating throughout the downtown!

WINTER

Escaping to Lanesboro is a great thing to do in the winter. You may choose to cuddle up in a comfortable inn or put on winter layers to seek adventures in the snow. Because winter is Lanesboro’s “quiet season,” some advance planning may be necessary for you to get the most out of your stay.

If you enjoy indoor activities, here are a few ideas to consider when planning your trip.

— Research family history at the Lanesboro Museum or the Fillmore County History Center in nearby Fountain.

— Solve clues at a mystery event at the Scandinavian Inn.

— Plan a crafting retreat or arrange a class through Cheryl’s Fabric Garden, the local quilt store.

— Grab a coffee and cruise through town searching for snow sculptures created for the annual snow art contest.

— Simply sit by the fire at your lodging establishment and enjoy a good book or wonderful conversation.

— If an outdoor adventure is more to your liking, consider some good old-fashioned fun in the snow.

— Accommodations can be made for snow tubing and sledding as well as ice skating at Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan.

— Arrange a sleigh ride through the countryside.

— Grab some rods and cut a hole in the ice for some ice fishing on Lanesboro’s bass pond.

— Trek through the snow to the banks of the Root River and enjoy catch-and-release-fishing.

— Put on skis or snowshoes and check out the trails at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center or make a trek down the Root River State Trail.

WINTER EVENTS:

NOV 25 EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC Lanesboro | Holiday activities held throughout town, designed for the whole family! Support small businesses.

DEC 2 HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE Lanesboro | Live entertainment, social hour, dancing and fine cuisine.

DEC 31 NEW YEAR'S EVE IN LANESBORO Lanesboro | Special dinners and entertainment at various venues throughout Lanesboro.

FEB 9-11, 2024 LOVEBIRDS IN LANESBORO Lanesboro | Reconnect with your sweetheart with a luminary stroll, special activities and discounts.

MAR 8-10, 2024 CABIN FEVER FEST Lanesboro | Say goodbye to the winter blues by visiting Lanesboro for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

MAR 2024 INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF OWLS Houston | The only North American, full weekend, all-owl event.

A RTS & C ULTURE

Lanesboro is alive with the arts and history!

Take in a side-splitting comedy or stirring drama in a state-of-the-art professional theater. Enjoy an inspiring regional art tour or gallery opening. Catch a concert or unique film event. Delve into genealogy, historic records and stories from the past at the Lanesboro Historical Museum. » lacc.mn/arts

BLUFF COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY

310 Maple Dr | (507) 467-2122 bluffcountryphoto.com

Juried artist at the Lanesboro Arts Gallery, Barb Jeffers captures the beautiful rural landscape within the Driftless Region along with the communities, businesses and tourism of the area.

1877 PETERSON STATION MUSEUM

228 Mill St, Peterson | (507) 875-2415 petersonmn.com/peterson-museum

The museum began as just the depot, but over the years two additions have been added and a lovely garden. The artifacts are representative of the Peterson Community and is curated by John Erickson.

BLUFF COUNTRY STUDIO ART TOUR

40051 Cty Rd 12 | (651) 307-6373 bluffcountrystudioarttour.org

Art enthusiasts can find exciting treasures in the hills and valleys of Bluff Country during the annual self-guided Studio Art Tour, always the last full weekend in April.

CHERYL LAMON - ARTIST

108 Coffee St E | (507) 467-4466 cherylsfabricgarden.com

One of my greatest joys is working with bright, bold color. I blend colors to make things out of fabric and add decorative stitching to create motion and depth.

COMMONWEAL THEATRE COMPANY

208 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2525 commonwealtheatre.org

Award-winning, professional live theatre since 1989! With an enticing mix of musicals, comedies, dramas and more, there's something for everyone at the Commonweal!

HISTORY ALIVE! LANESBORO

200 Parkway Ave S | (612) 823-0776 historyalivelanesboro.org

True stories of Lanesboro performed in our historic streets by tour. No tours in 2023--back in action in 2024!

JOAN FINNEGAN FINE ARTS

34617 Cty Rd 12 | (507) 272-0254 joanfinnegan.com

Joan's studio is a short drive from Lanesboro. Her classic and playful styles of oil and watercolor paintings reflect the winding roads and unique landscape of the Lanesboro area.

LANESBORO AREA ART TRAIL

103 Parkway Ave N | (651) 307-6373 lanesboroareaarttrail.com

Artists open the doors to their studios, from 10 am to 5 pm. This self-guided tour through town and the region allows visitors to talk with artists and see their work spaces.

LANESBORO ARTS

103 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2446 lanesboroarts.org

Multi-disciplinary arts organization that serves diverse audiences through year-round programming in its galleries, at the St. Mane Theatre and in public spaces throughout the community.

LANESBORO ARTS GALLERY

103 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2446 lanesboroarts.org

Year-round non-profit art gallery presenting accessible and diverse artworks in a rotating exhibition gallery, a juried sales gallery featuring 90+ artists and artist demonstrations.

LANESBORO COMMUNITY THEATER

206 Parkway Ave N | (507) 272-2270

lanesborocommunitytheater.blogspot.com

LCT presents a winter play, a summer musical and movies in the park in the fall. Look for us on Facebook to learn about auditions and performances.

LANESBORO HISTORY MUSEUM

105 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2177

Experience the culture and values of Lanesboro's people. Three floors of history, an interactive phone booth and activities for kids. The museum is part of Lanesboro's voice to the world.

ST. MANE THEATRE

206 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2446

lanesboroarts.org/st-mane-theatre

Intimate performing arts and historic downtown 126-seat venue presenting a full schedule of concerts, film screenings, professional drama and community theatre productions.

STEVE HARRIS, WRITER

507 Fillmore Ave S | (952) 836-7904

Steve Harris, author of ''Lanesboro, Minnesota,'' is a writer and is available for freelance contract work.

SUE PARISEAU POTTERY

40051 Cty Rd 12 | (651) 307-6373

suepariseaupottery.com

Studio pottery featuring wood fired functional work. Open by appointment or during Bluff Country Studio Art Tour or Lanesboro Area Art Trail.

Lanesboro Art Attractions Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

By David Hennessey

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

v Lanesboro Arts, 103 Parkway Ave North, hosts a 30th Anniversary Group Show, June 17 through August 13, and will host a formal celebration with dates to be announced.

v Commonweal Theatre, 208 Parkway Ave North, presents its 35th season with an apprentice project in March and mainstage productions from April through Christmas.

The Lanesboro area has a rich history in the arts, with two pillars within the community - Lanesboro Arts and The Commonweal Theatre .

Both have roots in the former Lanesboro Art Council and are celebrating major anniversaries this year. Lanesboro Arts is celebrating its 30-year anniversary and The Commonweal will be observing its 35th year in 2023.

Art Gallery’s 30th Anniversary

Encouraged by the interest their work attracted, the artists looked for a more permanent space. A Lanesboro native, then living in Texas, owned another building downtown. He had hoped to develop it into a business but couldn’t convince his wife to move to Minnesota because of its wintry climate. He agreed to make the space available to Lanesboro Arts for a reasonable amount.

Subsequently, in 1993, the Cornucopia Art Center opened: its name implying the abundant diversity of arts the organization wanted to promote. At its grand opening, visitors sampled exhib -

In 1980, the Lanesboro Art Council was formed, starting the annual Art in the Park festival and assuming ownership of the St. Mane Theatre, bringing performances and films to the previously dormant space. A decade later, several artists wanted a place to display their work. They eventually had permission to use one wall of what was then the creamery, also known as the “cheese factory,” downtown.

its on both the main floor and balcony of the new space. For the first few years, the art center operated as a cooperative, serving member artists who all took turns staffing sales galleries and exhibits. Later, it hired a director and grew from representing just a few artists at the start to serving more than 70 artists today.

Merging with the Art Council in 2007 to become Lanesboro Arts, it now displays works for sale in every conceivable medium by artists from Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin and presents several art shows each year. It also presents films, music and community theatre performances at the St. Mane Theatre, and continues to host the annual Art in the Park event each June.

A regional economic asset, Lanesboro Arts is one reason Lanesboro is known to be an arts destination. In 1996, Lanesboro

Commonweal Theatre’s 35th Season

Meanwhile, in the mid-80s, volunteer enthusiasm for community performances at the St. Mane Theatre had lagged. The Art Council looked for new ways to program the space. They called on native son Eric Bunge from nearby Preston, who was in Denver studying for a master’s degree in theatre. He was asked if he would like to stage professional plays each summer in Lanesboro. He agreed to come if they made sorely needed building repairs: plastic pools on the stage collected leaks from the roof, and many seats had mold and mildew.

As repairs proceeded, Eric brainstormed names for a new theatre. Searching through the Merriam Webster dictionary, he found “commonwealth,” derived from “commonweal” meaning “for the public welfare.”

“I thought if we can’t be for the public welfare, then we shouldn’t have a theater,” he said, and that settled it.

was listed in The 100 Best Art Towns in America, and in 2014, the city passed a resolution declaring the entire town an Arts Campus. That campus now includes, among other things, the art gallery, a Poetry Parking Lot, a public library mural, wayfinding signs that promote walkability and Gateway Park, an outdoor venue for community events. z

So, in 1989, the Commonweal opened an 11-week season playing Crimes of the Heart and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It employed 10 artists for 40 performances, played to 3,000 people, and brought in $20,782, which was about $200 more than they had spent. Buoyed by this success, they decided to keep going and slowly started to attract notice.

One visitor, Dan Rooney, discovered the theatre in 1990 when he and his wife looked at posters outside the venue. One of the actors “came out and greeted us… In the Twin Cities we went to hundreds of productions, and never had someone come out to talk about a show!” They soon became regular subscribers. In 2007, the Commonweal’s new 200-seat home replaced an abandoned building, right next door to the St. Mane. Today, with a $900,000 budget, it employs about 35 artists each season, 17 of whom live in the community. It stages five mainstage shows and one apprentice production annually. The 2019 attendance of 20,000 took a hit during the pandemic but, in 2022, had rebounded to 16,000 and is projected to reach 18,000 for 2023.

With the St. Mane still going strong too, it’s not unusual for this town of less than 800 people to see two – count ‘em, two – performances being produced simultaneously, side-by-side on different stages. This is another reason Lanesboro has a reputation of being one of the best arts towns!

Oh, and what was that abandoned building that the new Commonweal replaced? The humble first home of Cornucopia Art Gallery — the creamery — also known as the cheese factory. z

T OURS & ATTRACTIONS

You’ll be swept away by all you can discover and experience here!

Whether that happens in a cave (there’s one of the country’s best here), in Amish country, in a tube, canoe or kayak on the Root River, by birding in the bluffs or by hiking or biking on the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails, Bluff Country calls out for exploration! » lacc.mn/attractions

NIAGARA CAVE + MINI GOLF

29842 Cty Rd 30, Harmony | (507) 886-6606 niagaracave.com

Seasonal. Rated one of the top caves in the US and voted Best Family Destination. Underground waterfall, stalactites, fossils and 18-hole mini golf course.

AMISH BACKROADS TOUR

100 Beacon St E | (507) 459-6999 amishbackroadstour.com

Open year-round, Mon-Sat: Drive in your car to Amish shops and sites guided by pleasant narration. Rent CD or USB flash stick at Amish Experience or Stone Mill Hotel and Suites or download at website.

BLUFFSCAPE AMISH TOURS, LLC

102 Beacon St E | (507) 467-3070 bluffscape.com

Step back in time and take a fully-narrated threehour tour to Amish farms and shops. Learn about their culture by meeting Amish farmers, families and shopkeepers.

CHURCH HILL SCENIC OVERLOOK

From the visitors center, go up Kenilworth Ave N to the summit of Church Hill. A cozy bench here provides a respite to enjoy a breathtaking view overlooking Sylvan Park and Lanesboro Dam.

COFFEE STREET WALKING BRIDGE

An 1893 railway bridge, restored for pedestrians. Continue over the bridge, through Gateway Park, to the Poetry Parking Lot at the Bass Pond.

COLORS OF BLUFF COUNTRY

COMMUNITY MURAL

206 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2446 lacc.mn/murals

Peek behind the St. Mane Theatre to see a largescale mural honoring the community's heritage and creativity. Collaboratively designed and painted by locals, kids and artists. It's a great photo op!

HISTORIC FORESTVILLE

21899 Cty Rd 118, Preston | (507) 765-2785 mnhs.org/forestville

Come and explore the choices and changes that faced the inhabitants of this area-from ancient civilazations to today's residents. Round out the visit with a game of croquet or horseshoes on the lawn.

HISTORIC LANESBORO: SELFGUIDED TOUR

Take a self-guided tour of historic Lanesboro landmarks, buildings and B&Bs. Learn about the people and places of Lanesboro. All walkable from downtown. Pick up your map at the visitor center.

INTERNATIONAL OWL CENTER

126 E Cedar St, Houston | (507) 896-6957 internationalowlcenter.org

Experience big and small live owls up close and personal at the only owl education center in the USA!

LANESBORO 1868 STONE DAM

One of only six gravity arch dams left in the US. It was created by immigrant craftsmen using mortar-less limestone blocks. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

LANESBORO POETRY PARKING LOT

(507) 467-2446 | lacc.mn/poetrypl

A unique initiative that weaves poetry into the social and municipal infrastructure of Lanesboro. The lot features 15 winning poems from a 2014 Haiku contest.

LANESBORO STORYTELLING

TELEPHONE BOOTH

105 Parkway Ave S

This decommissioned phone booth was relocated to the Lanesboro History Museum and repurposed as as storytelling kiosk. Pick up the phone and press a number to hear a story about Lanesboro's rich past.

LANESBORO SYLVAN PARK

Sylvan Park (est 1881) has two trout-stocked ponds, modern playground equipment, shelters, campground and a beautiful bluff setting.

MEDALLION WALKING TOUR

(507) 467-2446 | lacc.mn/medallion

A game of creative hide-and-seek and a social studies lesson! Find 20 iron medallions throughout the town. Pick up your map at the Visitors Center or Lanesboro Arts Gallery.

SCANDINAVIAN INN MYSTERY NIGHTS

701 Kenilworth Ave S | (507) 467-4500

scandinavianinn.com/mystery-nights

Clever mysteries held in historic B&B. Think Agatha Christie, but without the murder. Think 1940s, with your character actively participating in an evening of deception and intrigue.

D INING & S PIRITS

Bon appétit and dine al fresco — in Lanesboro!

The area offers a wide variety of friendly restaurants, cafes, sweet shops, a brewery, and pubs, providing delicious food, award-winning pie, ice cream, bakery treats, fine wine, cold beer and specialty spirits. » lacc.mn/eat

AMERICAN LEGION POST #40 $

103 Elmwood St E | (507) 467-3440 | lanesboroamericanlegion.org

ANOTHER TIME ICE CREAM PARLOR $

100 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-3556 | anothertimeicecream.com

AROMA PIE SHOPPE $

618 Main St, Whalan | (507) 467-2623 | facebook.com/aromapieshoppe

CLARA'S EATERY $$

111 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2200 | claraseatery.com

GRANNY'S LIQUOR $

113 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2700 | grannysliquor.com

HAWAIIAN SHAVED ICE $ 401 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2253 |

JUNIPER'S $$

109 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-4040 | junipersrestaurantmn.com

PEDAL PUSHERS CAFE $$

121 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-1050 | pedalpusherscafe.com

SYLVAN BREWING $

100 Beacon St W | (507) 467-4677 | sylvanbeer.com

WHALAN DEPOT $

722 Alley Dr, Whalan | 1-507-703-6144 | whalandepot.com

*Price Range: $ $0-7 | $$ $8-17 | $$$ $18+ | New LACC Member | New Business in Town

Lanesboro Legend Creates Favored Rhubarb Pie Recipe

Long before Lanesboro was designated the Rhubarb Capital of Minnesota, Beatrice

“Bea” Teigen Burmeister was utilizing the sweet and tart stalk to make her locally famous rhubarb pie.

According to her daughter, Heidi Dybing, Burmeister was making her delicious pie her entire life, perfecting a recipe that continues to be shared throughout the community.

Bea was a wife to Keith, mother to Heidi and Tanya, a music teacher for several generations of students in the Lanesboro School system and a friend to many.

Beyond sharing her love of music with her classes at school, she also taught private piano lessons and served as a choir director at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her 37-year tenure as a teacher enriched the musical talents of numerous students, many of whom still perform today.

In addition to her musical legacy, Burmeister’s rhubarb pie is a legendary part of Lanesboro’s community as it was served at church functions and Sons of Norway gatherings for many years. Her recipe has been shared through circles of friends and different organizations, making it a favorite of the Lanesboro residents and visitors, alike. The pie booth at Art in the Park begins the day stocked with 60 pies made with her recipe and those pies are the first to sell out - every time! Multiple pies are served at the annual Rhubarb Festival and Burmeister was frequently a friendly face found at the booth.

Her daughter believes the secret to the pie is the bit of cream that is added, which causes the filling to become a custard when mixed with the egg. “Everyone who made pies for the pie booth took the recipe from Art in the Park, and now that is all they ever make too,” Dybing said.

Burmeister died in 2017 but will long be remembered for her musical gifts and her rhubarb pie recipe. “She was a complete giver,” Dybing said. “She never thought she was giving enough. She served as the unofficial welcome wagon in town, giving a sour cream almond coffee cake to new residents. She was extremely welcoming and kind.” z

By Melissa Vander Plas

S HOPPING & S PECIALTY R ETAIL

Visit our merchants to find trinkets, treasures and tasty treats! From fine to funky, practical to quirky, Lanesboro businesses offer it all. You’ll find bicycle accessories, camping supplies, DNR licenses and crosscountry ski passes, fair-trade items, jewelry, apparel, artisan goods and inspiration for your quilting project. Browse home décor and fine art or sample a locally-grown treat. » lacc.mn/shop

AMISH EXPERIENCE

105 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2992

e2boutiquemn.com

Open year-round. Books, specialty foods, Willow Tree, jewelry, clothing. Bike and camping items.

BOOK TROUT

115 Parkway Ave N | (269) 994-3600

OPENING THIS YEAR (by late summer) A specialty book store with a focus on science and nature topics. Limited refreshments. Space for community gatherings.

LANESBORO BP FOOD SHOP/S&A PETROLEUM, INC

100 Sheridan St W | (507) 467-2121

sapetroleum.net

Your small town convenience store with quality gas, groceries, snacks and DNR licenses. 24-hour pay-at-the-pump available.

CEDAR HOLLOW GIFT SHOP

905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000 cedarvalleyresort.com

Open year-round. Our quaint gift store offers a unique variety of area products, handcrafted items and seasonal apparel, accessories and jewelry. Five minutes from Lanesboro.

CHERYL'S FABRIC GARDEN / HANDCRAFTED BOUTIQUE

108 Coffee St E | (507) 467-4466 cherylsfabricgarden.com

Open year-round. Come and see Cheryl's beautiful quilts on display, with many of them for sale. Fabric, thread and notions available. Sewing classes and quilting retreats also available.

E2 BOUTIQUE

117 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2994 e2boutiquemn.com

Open year-round. Affordable trendy fashions for all ages. Come in and see our wide variety of kids and adult fashions and gifts.

LOCAL IGA FOODS STORES

Full-service grocery providing fresh produce, meat, bakery and deli products, including local favorites, including Spring Grove Soda, Norsland Lefse and more.

IGA FOODS - HARMONY

55 Center St W, Harmony | (507) 886-2225

myharmonyfoods.com

IGA FOODS - PRESTON

105 Fillmore St W, Preston | (507) 765-2465

myprestonfoods.com

IGA FOODS - RUSHFORD

400 S Mill St, Rushford | (507) 864-2878

myrushfordfoods.com

LANESBORO FARMERS' MARKET

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 450-9659 facebook.com/LanesboroFarmersMarket

A farmers' market in the heart of bluff country offering customers fresh, local produce, canned goods, baked items, honey, maple syrup and goat milk soap.

LEAFY LEGACY HERB FARM

33949 Golden Dr | (612) 823-0776

facebook.com/leafylegacyherbfarm

North of Lanesboro on the river. Our herbal products for the kitchen are grown and handcrafted on our farm. We create herbal teas, herb-infused drink syrups and herbal salts.

PARKWAY MARKET & COFFEEHOUSE

201 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2500

TheParkwayMarket.com

Corner grocery and coffeehouse bringing good food to Lanesboro. Interesting produce, chocolates, cheese, groceries and sundries.

PLANETBRICK.COM LEGO SETS & PARTS

201 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2500

planetbrick.com

Web-based company that sells used toy parts, primarily LEGO brand items.

STONE MILL CLOTHING & GIFTS

100 Beacon St E | (507) 467-8663

stonemillsuites.com

Open year-round. Discover unique clothing, jewelry, Baggallini, Amish baskets, cards and home decor. Amish Backroads Tour CD available for rent.

WINDY MESA

102 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2198

windymesajewelry.com

Seasonal - Authentic Native American jewelry and art.

Lanesboro Business Owners Reveal Secrets To Success

The Lanesboro business community is built upon the tradition and consistency set forth by long-time businessmen and businesswomen. Each of these individuals operates their businesses with a strong foundation formed by community mindedness and knowing what their customers need and desire. Adding in a touch of “Minnesota nice” solidifies the successful business model.

“You have to listen to your community, and your customers, and it seems a bit obvious, but be nice!” said Lori Bakke, owner of Granny’s Liquor. “I’ve lived in the area my whole life, and the recipe is simple: have your doors open when you say you will, be warm and inviting. Customer service is so important.”

Prior to Granny’s, Bakke ran Grandma’s Garden, a flower shop in town for years. “We have amazingly friendly folks here, and I think that makes the difference. We’re a collaborative bunch, and we hope to grow that collaboration beyond Lanesboro, to work more with our neighbors nearby to grow the whole region.”

Hal Cropp, executive director at the Commonweal Theatre for 28 years and with the theatre for 30, had a vision for Lanesboro since the day he arrived in town. “When I moved to town, a lot of people were just discovering Lanesboro,” he said. “The adventurers that lead people to new destinations were just discovering Lanesboro at the time.”

But even as new people were coming to town everyday, Cropp and the Commonweal leadership knew the same thing Bakke did. “From the beginning we wanted to be established as a regional resource, our target audience is within an hour’s drive of Lanesboro, and this focus on the local community has created stability for us,” Cropp said.

He and his Commonweal colleagues continually strive to do the very best they can to ensure the theatre company has top-notch artistic talent. As important as that is, Cropp also explained that building and maintaining relationships with people in the community is always a top priority.

“This is a unique community that really responds to the art we produce,” he said. “Usually when an actor gets stopped on the street, it’s ‘Hey I saw you last night. It was great!’ But, in Lanesboro, it’s different. I still remember the first time this happened, I was stopped by someone who recognized me and instead of ‘Hey, I saw the show last night, and you did a great job,’ she proceeded to interrogate the choices my character made. We had a fantastic conversation, we may have disagreed,

By Jonathan Levine

but I walked away knowing that if you do good work, the community will care.”

Andy Bunge, owner of the Cottage House Inn and Bunge Construction, grew up in Preston, and came to Lanesboro when he needed to expand his woodworking shop.

“I had a place in Preston, but I needed more space and I heard tourism was coming to Lanesboro,” he said.

A few years later they began construction on The Cottage House Inn. “There were bed and breakfasts for folks who could drop $150 for a weekend. But there was no place for families or senior citizens,” he recalled.

When Bunge relocated to Lanesboro, they were still converting the railroad tracks into the paved Root River Trail. Because tourism was in its infancy, he recalled advice he had been given by his grandfather: If you go into business, produce your product with the best of your ability and charge fairly; the money will come. And, if you live within your means, you will be happy.

“So that’s what I did for both my construction business and in terms of service with the Cottage House,” he said.

Barb Soma, owner of the Amish Experience and E2 Boutique, has always known her target audience was going to be tourists.

“When we opened, Lanesboro was already a destination, and you could tell it was only going to grow,” she said. “So, we knew we had a tourist-facing opportunity. But what has been absolutely wonderful about this community is how supportive they’ve been. We have so many local, regular customers.”

Her advice to new business owners reflects her own experience, mirroring the community spirit and camaraderie of longtime owners. Soma encouraged, “Work together and embrace the community. We support each other’s businesses, and it’s awesome!”

As for customer service, Soma said, “Word of mouth is still our best advertising. We pride ourselves on giving every guest a wonderful experience. You have to always be friendly and always be willing to do so.”

The Lanesboro business owners create a strong foundation for success through experience and knowledge they are willing to share with those interested in creating new ventures and storefronts in town. Collaboration is key and it is widely accepted that if one succeeds, all will succeed. z

Lanesboro Site Considered “Premiere” Spot For Stargazing

Amateur astronomer Ray Iezzi has been a stargazer since he was about 10 years old. “I love the outdoors, and there’s this whole world above us,” he said.

For him, viewing the heavens on a clear night is primarily about beauty and philosophy. “The light coming to my telescope may be 60 million years old!,” he said. “It’s (about) appreciating nature, beauty and wonder.”

Luckily, for a wonder-filled view of the night sky, he doesn’t have far to go. According to Rochester Astronomy Club Vice President John Attewell, Lanesboro’s Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center “is the premiere astronomy site for Southeast Minnesota.”

Though the astronomy club holds regular night-viewing parties in several places, Eagle Bluff is its “location of choice” because it has little light pollution, he said.

This, in fact, makes a huge difference. “Most people don’t know that a lot of objects in the sky are as large as the moon, but you just can’t see them because they are so dim,” he said. “The Andromeda Galaxy is three times the size of a full moon. You usually can’t see it because you don’t live in a dark spot.”

By David Hennessey

But all you need is that dark spot and a clear night. “Just getting out there is the first step,” Iezzi said.

If you want to enhance the experience, you don’t need a telescope, but can simply use a pair of binoculars, Iezzi noted. They have a wider field of view than telescopes, so they are good for looking at stars. Scopes are generally more suited to looking at the moon, planets or deep sky objects, but because they have a narrower field of view, they can be more difficult to aim at the object(s) one may want to see.

He also pointed out that there are many stargazing resources available online. Cleardarksky.com provides the best viewing times in a certain area. Cloudynights. com is a general site for both beginners and experienced sky watchers. Astrobin.com posts photos from amateur astronomers. If you want your own planetarium on your computer, check Stellarium.org.

There are also various phone apps for stargazing, such as SkySafari Pro. According to the web article, “How to Use Your Smartphone to Study the Stars,” at highpointscientific.com , “Most stargazing apps turn your smartphone into a visual guide. By using your location,

The Andromeda Galaxy is 2.5 million light years away and will collide with our Milky Way Galaxy in 4 to 5 billion years.

Photo by Ray Iezzi

The Fireworks Galaxy, 22 million light years away.

Photo by Ray Iezzi.

“.... I wander’d off by myself, In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.”

~ Walt Whitman, from “When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer”

(it) can help you identify stars, planets and satellites. When you move your phone to a specific spot in the sky, the image on the app will move with you and display an exact replica of what you are looking at.”

A great introduction to stargazing is attending a viewing party, or “star party,” where beginners can benefit from the knowl edge base of experienced amateur astronomers and sample their many types of equipment. The Rochester Astronomy Club spon sors them, often at various locations, all open to the public. Each summer, it plans at least two viewing parties at Eagle Bluff, usually in the parking lot. To find out when star parties are scheduled in 2023, go to the Calendar Page on rochesterskies.org, the Rochester Astronomy Club website.

Attewell recommends doing three main things before attending a star party. First, read the club’s posted article, at RAC Night Sky Viewing Events,” posted on rochesterskies.org Second, check their calendar one or two hours before sunset to see if the event had to be canceled due to weather. Decisions to cancel are made close to dusk because cloudy afternoon skies will often clear up quickly after dark. Third, “dress warmer than you think you’ll need to be, even in summer,” “You’re outside at night and you’re standing still a lot.” interested in staying, the star parties at Eagle Bluff can go until 2 or 3 a.m. because it’s such a good viewing site. (There is a porta potty on site.)

For information about other activities at Eagle Bluff, visit their website, eaglebluffmn.org

Anytime you’re outside on a clear night, look aloft in wonder: much of that light comes from millions of years ago. You are peering deep into ancient time. z

ONLINE RESOURCES:

cleardarksky.com: Best viewing times in certain area

cloudynights.com: General site for both beginners and experienced sky watchers

astrobin.com: Posts photos from amateur astronomers

stellarium.org: A planetarium comes to life on your computer

SkySafari Pro: An phone app for stargazing

28097 Goodview Drive, Lanesboro, MN 55949

O UTDOOR R ECREATION

Adventure abounds in the gorgeous Driftless Region of Southeastern Minnesota!

Hop on a bike and ride on the famous 60-mile, paved Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley State Trails; grab a canoe, kayak or tube and take a trip down the Root River; grab your rod and reel and cast your line for fly fishing in a cold stream, or simply play a round of golf. Enjoy the view and let the river take your cares away. » lacc.mn/outdoors

EAGLE BLUFF ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER

28097 Goodview Dr | (507) 467-2437

eaglebluffmn.org

Let our professional guides help you reach new heights on our ropes course or explore Bluff Country on our nine miles of hiking, mountain and fat tire biking and snow-shoe/ski trails.

CEDAR VALLEY OUTFITTERS

905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000

cedarvalleyresort.com

Cedar Valley Resort offers rentals for canoes, kayaks, tubes, bikes, cross-country skis, snow-shoes and snow-tubes. Must be 18 years old to rent equipment or with a responsible adult.

EAGLE CLIFF CAMPGROUND OUTFITTING

35455 St Hwy 16 | (507) 467-2598

eagle-cliff.com

Eagle Cliff Campground offers a variety of rentals, including bicycles, canoes, kayaks and tubes. Two- or four-hour trips and shuttle service available.

GATOR GREENS MINI GOLF

439 Half St, Whalan | (507) 251-5101

cyclin-inn.com

Come play a relaxing game of miniature golf. It is a great way to take a load off your bike seat. Located right on the Root River State bicycle trail, it is the perfect opportunity to take a break.

LITTLE RIVER GENERAL STORE

105 Coffee St | (507) 467-2943

LRGeneralStore.com

Lanesboro's original outfitting and bike shop (37 yrs). Bicycle sales and rentals, tube rentals. Full line of bike accessories, clothing and gift items. Shuttle service available (restrictions apply.)

ROOT RIVER ROD CO. FULL SERVICE FLY SHOP

116 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2101

rootriverrodco.com

Open year-round. Full-service trout fishing shop: gear and guides. Custom bamboo rod maker and vintage tackle dealer.

Snuggle in and relax at one of our beautiful inns!

Proclaimed the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of Minnesota” in 2009, Lanesboro offers a diverse array of lodging choices! Whether you prefer something historic, comfy cozy, or something with an artist’s aesthetic, Lanesboro has the room for you. Use this guide to find quality accommodations and the preferred amenities you’ve come to expect. » lacc.mn/stay

BERWOOD HILL INN $160-225

22139 Hickory Rd | (612) 867-3614 | berwood.com

JAMES A. THOMPSON HOUSE B&B $150-175

401 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2253 | jamesathompsonhouse.com

OAKENWALD TERRACE B&B $120-230

218 Winona St SE, Chatfield | (507) 867-3806 | oakenwaldterrace.com

ANNA V'S B&B $160-250

507 Fillmore Ave S | (507) 424-9021 | annavbb.com

O'LEARY'S BED & BREAKFAST $85-130

707 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3737 | olearysbandb.com

SCANDINAVIAN INN BED & BREAKFAST $170 701 Kenilworth Ave S | (507) 467-4500 | scandinavianinn.com

HOTELS & INNS COTTAGE HOUSE INN $75-175

209 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2577 | cottagehouseinn.com

GREEN GABLES INN $90-230

303 Sheridan St W | (507) 467-2936 | greengablesinn.us

ROOT RIVER INN & SUITES $75-190

106 Parkway Ave S | (507) 273-4100 | RootRiverInn.com

STONE MILL HOTEL & SUITES $90-210

100 Beacon St E | (507) 467-8663 | stonemillsuites.com

A GUEST HUS MOTEL $79-125

610 Parkway Ave S | (507) 438-5546 | aguesthus.com

COFFEE STREET INN $73-198

303 Coffee St E | (612) 599-2964 | coffeestreetinn.com

EAGLE CLIFF HOTEL $85

35455 St Hwy 16 | (507) 467-2598 | eagle-cliff.com

HISTORIC SCANLAN HOUSE INN $115-225

708 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2158 | scanlanhouse.com

RESORTS

CEDAR VALLEY RESORT $150-1250

905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000 | cedarvalleyresort.com

Lanesboro Area Chamber Spotlight Member

Make yourself comfortable and enjoy your stay!

Lanesboro has several apartments and whole house rentals that provide a comfortable respite. Options include downtown apartments, cottages on the river or homes in the country. » lacc.mn/stay

COZY QUILT COTTAGE $150-230

23824 Holly Rd | (507) 459-8722 | cozyquiltcottage.com

CYCLIN-UP INN $150-300

920 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 251-5101 | cyclin-inn.com

RIVERSIDE SUITES $199-259

208 Ashburn St E | (507) 459-0940 | lacc.mn/riverside-suites

Area Chamber Spotlight Member | New LACC Member

Select your perfect site to create your home away from home!

Lanesboro and the area’s campgrounds are the most scenic and peaceful in Minnesota. With a wide variety of campsites, do everything from roughing it to glamping — all in the beautiful Driftless region. If you crave nature, campfires, river activities and more, you belong here. » lacc.mn/camp

AREA CAMPGROUNDS

EAGLE CLIFF CAMPGROUND $28-38

35455 St Hwy 16 | (507) 467-2598 | eagle-cliff.com

OLD BARN RESORT & RESTAURANT $26-130

24461 Heron Rd, Preston | (507) 467-2512 | barnresort.com

LANESBORO RIVERVIEW CAMPGROUND $20-30

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722 | lacc.mn/colcamp

LANESBORO SYLVAN PARK CAMPGROUND $20-30

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722 | lacc.mn/colcamp

Lanesboro Area Chamber Spotlight Member

Whalan’s Cedar Valley Resort is Perfect Destination for Families Of All Sizes

By Steve Harris

For the last 50 years, Jim Glesne’s family has carried on a tradition. “We call it family camp,” he said. “Our extended families get together the last week in June to have fun and make memories.”

Where they do that — for the last 20 years — is a big part of their fun: they gather at Cedar Valley Resort in Whalan, Minn.

“Cedar Valley works great for us,” Glesne said. He is a retired minister now living in Decorah, Iowa. “We’ll have anywhere from 30 to 60 people attend and the resort’s central location helps facilitate travel. Relatives come from the East and West Coasts, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin. One year, we even had people from India and Kenya. We ride bikes and enjoy the Root River in canoes, kayaks and tubes. We fish, play games, visit and just relax. It’s a fantastic family bonding time.”

Rip Fernholz of Overland Park, Kansas, agrees. The Fernholz family made their first trip to Cedar Valley last summer. “Sixty-nine family members came, 37 of them under the age of 18,” Fernholz shared.

“We called it ‘Fernfest’ and it was wonderful. Cedar Valley didn’t just exceed our expectations — it exceeded our hopes. The facilities, the activities, the hosts and staff – it was literally perfect.”

Families love Cedar Valley. Maybe that’s because “family” is in its DNA. The owners, Larry and Sheryl Johnson, created the resort on stunning Bluff Country property that has been in the Johnson family for generations.

“My grandfather bought the land in the 1920s,” Larry explained. “Later, my dad, Gene, had his mink farm here. When I was growing up, our family went to resorts each summer and I always thought that would be a cool way to make a living. In 1988, Sheryl and I started thinking seriously about it and made some goals. Our dream has come true.”

The Johnsons’ dream grew into an award-winning resort destination that now welcomes close to 6,000 guests each year, enjoying a full-range of lodging options and amenities for all ages. Many guests, like the Glesne and Fernholz families, come to Cedar Valley in family groups.

That’s not by chance, Larry said. “We created Cedar Valley with families in mind. We originally lived in a two-bedroom mobile home on the property. Later, we moved but decided to offer that house as a rental. We figured 30 rental nights that first year would indicate good potential. We booked 100! Families have remained a priority.”

Priority guided planning. “We wanted a resort that gives families room to connect and play,” Larry continued. “We wanted big cabins where people would feel comfortable. We could have squeezed in more but decided against that. It has worked well.”

Very well, indeed. Today, Cedar Valley Resort has 11 rustic, logsided cabins (all built between 2001 and 2014) that can accommodate from two to 38 guests. Big Timber is the largest lodge with more than 5,000 square feet, two furnished kitchens, eight bedrooms and six bathrooms.

There are playgrounds for kids, basketball courts, two pickleball courts, sand volleyball, disc golf and outdoor games. All of that is within a frisbee toss of the Root River State Bike Trail that winds through the property, while the Root River meanders alongside. Convenient on-site outfitting services provide rental bikes (e-bikes coming soon), canoes, kayaks and tubes. An ice rink, cross-country skis and snowshoes make for winter fun. Cedar Valley is also fully accessible.

Growth has been steady through the years and post-covid numbers have been some of their best. Why are return rates well over 50% and waiting lists common? It’s more than nice lodging and amenities, Larry noted. “We put ourselves in the place of our customers. From their first phone call, to their arrival, to

“We work hard to create a fun but peaceful atmosphere, a fun escape from the busy lifestyles many families have today.”

- Sheryl Johnson, Cedar Valley Resort

departure, we want guests to have a positive experience. Our staff is amazing and takes great pride in their work. We do all we can to make sure people enjoy their time with us.”

That shows, Glesne said. “Cedar Valley is top-notch in every respect. We can’t say enough good things about Larry and Sheryl and their staff. They bend over backwards to serve their guests.”

Fernholz highlights their flexibility as well. “They let us set up a Slip ‘n Slide; our kids loved it!”

Others notice that as well. In 2013, Larry and Sheryl Johnson were named “Operators of the Year” by the Minnesota Resort and Campgrounds Association.

“We’re pleased that so many families enjoy Cedar Valley,” Sheryl said. “We work hard to create a fun but peaceful atmosphere, a fun escape from the busy lifestyles many families have today.”

One returning family told the Johnsons that they had given their kids a choice for their next vacation. They offered Disneyland and Branson, the mom told Sheryl, but the kids all said they wanted to go back to Cedar Valley! “That tells you something!,” the mom said.

It tells the story of a special place, a family-run business helping other families create lifelong memories. Today, Larry and Sheryl’s daughter and son-in-law oversee Cedar Valley’s day-today operations and their son returned this year to join the team.

“God has blessed us in so many ways,” said Larry. “We’re glad to share the blessings of Cedar Valley Resort.”

For more information about Cedar Valley Resort, visit its website (cedarvalleyresort.com), email (info@cedarvalleyresort.com) or call 507-467-9000. z

E VENT V ENUE

Bring your next event or meeting to Lanesboro!

Schedule a conference, reunion or retreat in the unique setting of Historic Lanesboro or Whalan. It’s all available — from conference facilities and entertainment to catering, team-building, group tours and more — make your group event truly memorable. » lacc.mn/venues

LANESBORO COMMUNITY MEMORIAL CENTER

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722

lanesboro-mn.gov

Open year-round. Perfect for business conferences, reunions, weddings and dances. Capacity is 400 people.

SONS OF NORWAY - HEIMBYGDA LODGE

200 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-0100

Open year-round. Newly renovated rental available for groups and family gath erings. Full kitchen. Capacity: 100 or 60 at tables. Call for rates.

THE RUSTIC HEARTH EVENT CENTER

905 Bench St, Whalan | (507) 467-9000

cedarvalleyresort.com

Surrounded by the bluffs, the event center has all the ambiance and amenities for your group's next event: 2,000 square-feet of meeting space with stone fire place, two breakout rooms, catering kitchen, a/v and deck.

C OMMUNITY & L OCAL S ERVICES

A strong community creates happy residents!

Lanesboro’s thriving business community supports residents and visitors alike. Area businesses provide services you get in the big city, but with the charm of a small town. Come for a day, stay for a lifetime! » lacc.mn/local

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MINNESOTA BUILDING CONTRACTORS

102 Parkway Ave S | (507) 206-9607

minnesotabuildingcontractors.com

Roofing and remodeling professionals.

ACENTEK TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION

207 E Cedar St, Houston | (888) 404-4940 acentek.net

AcenTek, a member-owned cooperative, is your local provider for voice, video, internet and business solutions. Serving communities in southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and Michigan since 1950.

BARB'S CARPET CARE

310 Maple Dr | (507) 467-2122

Barb's Carpet Care will make your home or business look its best.

BLUFF COUNTRY PROPERTIES - REAL ESTATE , Peterson | (507) 577-1121 bluffcountryproperties.com

We specialize in rural recreational proporties and hobby farms. Combining 25+ years of passion for hunting and recreating in the outdoors with business experience to maximize rural land market value.

BUNGE CONSTRUCTION, INC

100 Alley Dr | (507) 251-7952

Licensed general contractor (MN Lic. #7867) serving Preston, Lanesboro and Harmony area with residential and light commercial construction services since 1980.

CYNDY GOVE, COUNSELOR REALTY

34001 Enfield Rd, Peterson | (507) 250-2910 cgove.counselorrealtyofrochester.com

I am here to help with all your real estate needs and assist you in making informed decisions about your property.

F & M COMMUNITY BANK

100 St. Anthony St N, Preston | (507) 765-3823 fmcommunity.com

We make banking easy! Simplify your banking with these easy-to-use services: online banking and bill pay, mobile app featuring instant balance, remote mobile deposit and person-to-person payments.

FILLMORE COUNTY JOURNAL

136 St. Anthony St S, Preston | (507) 765-2151 fillmorecountyjournal.com

A free-distribution weekly newspaper delivered to over 17,000 households in Fillmore, Houston, Mower, Olmsted and Winneshiek counties, reporting on city, school and county news.

GOOD JOB SERVICES

808 Auburn Ave S | (507) 450-6030

'Eric is, by far, the best painter in the area. He is meticulous and efficient. His attention to detail is what sets him apart. He's who to call if you want the job done right.'' -- Nancy

Martinson

GREGORY BONOW, THRIVENT FINANCIAL

102 Sheridan St W | (507) 522-3620 connect.thrivent.com/greg-bonow

A Thrivent Financial representative helping people in the Lanesboro area be wise with money and live generously.

HERO INSURANCE AND PLANNING

207 Parkway Ave N | (507) 268-4370 hero-insure.com

Hero Insurance & Planning: Integrated Wealth Management and Insurance Planning firm. We are a trusted fiduciary advisor. Investment, estate, retirement, insurance, philanthropy planning.

JOHN NELSON, RE/MAX RESULTS

202 Hwy 16, Rushford | (507) 216-1140

johnnelsonrealty.com

Definitive big picture outlook on real estate, combined with notable reputation for attention to detail, passion and expertise in his business is evident to both buyers and sellers alike

KELLY PRINTING & SIGNS

21142 US Hwy 52, Preston | (507) 765-9805

kellyprintingandsigns.com

At Kelly Printing & Signs we strive to give you professional service and products with a smalltown atmosphere. We are your headquarters for advertising and fundraisers.

KRAGE INSURANCE & PREBLE FARMERS MUTUAL

205 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-3309

We have helped people buy all kinds of insurance since 1970: home, auto, farm, crop, business, life and health and Medicare supplements. We also help people buy and sell homes, farms and businesses.

LANESBORO CAR WASH & LAUNDROMAT, LLC

102 Ashburn St E | (507) 951-7451

Year-round, self-serve two-bay car wash and a laundromat with eight-20lb washers and dryers and one 35lb washer and dryer. Change machine available.

MERCHANTS BANK

118 Parkway Ave N | (507) 467-2145 merchantsbank.com

Merchants Bank offers business, ag, SBA, home and consumer loans, lease financing, business and personal checking and savings accounts. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

MIDWEST VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS

41597 120th St, Mabel | (507) 421-5493

midwestvirtualassistants.net

Providing superior business support services so you can focus on the task at hand - growing your business! Travel arrangements, administrative support, social media and event planning and much more!

MIENERGY COOPERATIVE

31110 Cooperative Way, Rushford | (507) 864-7783 MiEnergy.coop

MiEnergy is a wholesale electricity provider to the City of Lanesboro.

PAMELA RISTAU, CPA

209 St. Anthony St S, Preston | (507) 765-2180 pamristaucpa.com

Accountant and tax preparer specializing in tax returns, payroll, bookkeeping services for individuals, small businesses, agriculture operations, trusts, estates and non-profit organizations.

PRESTON SPECIALTIES, INC

103 Coffee St W | (507) 467-2137

prestonspecialties.com

Protecting your products from the inside out. Specializing in corrugated and composite structures, we custom design packaging to meet your specifications.

VIS PLUMBING & HEATING, INC

105 Sheridan St W | (507) 467-2240

visplumbingheating.com

A family-owned business that started in 1965. We offer a full line of plumbing and heating services for residential and commercial building needs. 24-hour service.

COMMUNITY

CITY OF LANESBORO

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-3722

lanesboro-mn.gov

Contact our office for all your camping, building rental or utility questions. We can also assist with planning and zoning or city regulation questions.

CITY OF WHALAN

224 2nd Ave, Whalan | (507) 467-2212

cityofwhalan.weebly.com

Alongside the Root River Trail System and the beautiful Root River, Whalan offers a wealth of cultural, year-round recreational and sporting opportunities.

EAGLE BLUFF NATURE PRESCHOOL

28097 Goodview Dr | (507) 467-2437

eaglebluffmn.org/preschool

The Eagle Bluff Nature Preschool kindergarten readiness program is designed for children ages 3-5 and uses environmental education to support the development of the whole child.

LANESBORO AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & VISITOR CENTER

100 Milwaukee Rd | (507) 467-2696

lanesboro.com

Your information source for the Lanesboro area. Located downtown on the Root River State Trail. Find a place to stay, menus, maps and event announcements. Free guest Wi-Fi.

LANESBORO AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PO Box 370 | (507) 696-1884 smifoundation.org/lanesboro

Nonprofit 501c(3) that serves the Lanesboro area by strengthening today and building a better tomorrow. The mission is to be a good neighbor by investing in the vitality of the people and community.

LANESBORO PUBLIC LIBRARY

202 Parkway Ave S | (507) 467-2649 lanesboro.lib.mn.us

Excellent full-service library, open Mon-Sat. Comfy chairs and Wi-Fi. Ongoing book sale. Summer programming. Visitors welcome.

LANESBORO PUBLIC SCHOOL AND CHILDCARE CTR

100 Kirkwood St E | (507) 467-2229 lanesboro.k12.mn.us

LPS offers an excellent core-course education, affordable in-house daycare and preschool, a strong community connection and a caring and safe environment.

LIFE STYLE, INC (507) 467-2222 | (507) 451-8524 | tdd (507 451-0704 Spacious smoke-free rentals for seniors (62+) or people with disability. Pets allowed with deposit. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SYLVAN MANOR APTS

503 Parkway Ave S lifestyleinc.net/sylvan.asp

KENILWORTH APTS

607 Kenilworth Ave S lifestyleIncnet/kenilworth.asp

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ACTION FITNESS

102 Coffee St E | (507) 272-0549 actionfitnesslanesboro.com

Action Fitness is the complete workout center whether you are looking for free weights, exercise machines or classes! We have it all! Open 24 hours, seven days a week!

JEN YOU 1 TOUCH

401 Parkway Ave S | (507) 517-1119

Licensed massage therapist offering neuromuscular treatment sessions based on individual needs. Focused on serving local clientele in Lanesboro and the surrounding area.

LIVESTOCK & AGRICULTURE

FILLMORE COUNTY AG SOC / COUNTY FAIR

413 Fillmore St E, Preston | (507) 273-1481 fillmorecountyfair.com

Host of Fillmore County Fair since 1865. This multi-generational event is a reflection of the values, culture, history, heritage and dreams of all who call Fillmore County their home.

FILLMORE COUNTY CATTLEMAN'S ASSOCIATION

25012 Mulligan Rd, Wykoff

facebook.com/FillmoreCountyCattlemens Organization founded by beef farmers that supports the state and national beef industries and hosts an annual steak fry in Sylvan Park.

LANESBORO SALES COMMISSION

402 Coffee St E | (507) 467-2192

lanesborosalescommission.com

Family-owned and operated business specializing in providing a fair, competitive market for livestock buyers and producers. We look forward to serving your livestock needs.

WORSHIP

BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

200 Kenilworth Ave S | (507) 467-3344

staronthehill.com

Bethlehem Lutheran Church is located on the hill overlooking Lanesboro and is a congregation of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Everyone is welcome!

ELSTAD LUTHERAN CHURCH

37784 Dogwood Rd | (507) 765-3621

elstadlutheranchurch.org

A welcoming small church in rural Lanesboro, surrounded by the fields and hills of southeastern Minnesota. Worship schedule is seasonal. Check website or Facebook for schedule.

WHALAN LUTHERAN CHURCH

903 Oak St, Whalan | (507) 467-2159

Whalan Lutheran Church is serving the community and engaging and encouraging others through a life-changing journey. Alternating start times each month.

Rhythm of Lanesboro Creates Perfect Place to Live, Work and Play

There is a rhythm to Lanesboro that can’t be fully appreciated from a short visit. That’s because it’s a rhythm that changes — from day to night, from weekday to weekend, from season to season.

Lanesboro is a small town filled with beauty, with quiet mornings where you can step outside and really hear the sounds of nature and dark nights where you can see the stars in a way that just isn’t possible in more urban areas.

For a small town, however, Lanesboro takes on attributes you would typically expect to find in much larger communities — with a prominent arts presence; live theater and musical entertainment; a plethora of outdoor activities; shops, restaurants and a brewery.

All of this contributes to the fact that, on a given day, visitors and part-time residents may double or triple the town’s population. That ability to behave as a small town and a much larger community make Lanesboro an attractive place to live, work and play.

In recent years, the rapid growth of remote work, has prompted people to rethink their living situations, with many seeking smaller communities. With its changing rhythms, Lanesboro offers the space, safety and sense of community of a small town — while still offering amenities often reserved for larger cities. This has resulted in a need for additional housing in Lanesboro.

Efforts to address the interest in additional housing in Lanesboro are happening on multiple fronts. The city has annexed over 140 acres on the southeast end of town for a future housing development. Current plans call for single-family patio homes, as well as

By Dan Rooney

some executive lots, according to Michele Peterson, Lanesboro City Administrator.

A second development would provide lots for approximately 10 homes on seven acres on a new cul-de-sac off of Auburn Avenue, according to Joe Goetzke, a Lanesboro City Council member who also serves on the Economic Development Authority. These large lots (one-third acre or larger) would be adjacent to the golf course and feature a holding pond. Additionally, for those seeking to rent, the former Methodist church on Parkway Avenue is being converted into apartments. For a town with a full-time population that hovers around 700, these developments represent substantial growth possibilities.

"These new housing developments will be a great addition to the community of Lanesboro,” said Goetzke. “Adding housing stock will invite more families to live in town, offer additional housing options for current residents to grow into, expand our tax base, add more diversity and vibrancy to the community, and,hopefully help attract more year-round, locally-oriented businesses to open here – positive growth, which is a win-win for everyone!"

Lanesboro is a community that is poised for growth, but its rhythm remains — the rhythm of nature on a quiet morning; the rhythm of the bikers, hikers, floaters and fishers along the river on a summer afternoon; the rhythm of shoppers, music, theater, and arts; the rhythm of a community of people that know and care for one another. Stay a while and join the rhythm of this special community. z

We moved to Lanesboro full time in 2013, because of its focus on history, art and nature. There are not many places that have a focus on one of those things, and Lanesboro focuses on all three!

Jane Peck, Resident

We’re coming up on our first full year in Lanesboro, but from the second we first walked into the building, it felt like we were home. We felt truly embraced by the community and other business owners. Lanesboro has been such a great place to run a business because of that community support.

Christina Evenson, Lanesboro Business Owner

I was born and raised here in Lanesboro, and I can say it is a beautiful place. I love the river and the bluffs, the whole topography, feeling nested in the bluffs. And there’s truly so much to explore, whether that’s getting out on the bike trail, or fishing down at Bass Pond. Lanesboro is a beautiful, friendly and welcoming place, to visit and to live and raise a family.

Drew Darling, Lanesboro Lifelong Resident

I’ve been here eight years, and whether it’s the people in town or the customers at Amish Experience, everyone is so nice. There is something about the nature of the area that seems to bring out the best in folks. I, in particular, recommend getting out and hiking in the woods and hunting for a wide variety of mushrooms.

Wanda Miller, Lanesboro Resident and Retail Employee

This Business Directory is sponsored by generous contributions from the City of Lanesboro, Lanesboro Public Schools and Lanesboro EDA. Thank you!

This Business Directory is sponsored by generous contributions from the City of Lanesboro, Lanesboro Public Schools and Lanesboro EDA. Thank you!

Who are we and what do we do?

The Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting the Lanesboro and Whalan communities to potential visitors throughout the state and beyond. We welcome visitors and share information about our area through our visitor center, located right on the bike trail at 100 Milwaukee Road.

The Chamber collaborates with other local boards, committees and organizations to create a place where families can make a home, find gainful employment and find success and fulfillment in their lives.

The Chamber has developed a strong partnership with the business community, industries and individuals to ensure a healthy economic base. We encourage cooperation, engagement and communication from our members to make it work.

The Chamber team is dedicated to sharing our region’s unique stories - in promotional materials, on our website and through local news sources. We hope you like what you have seen in our visitor guide and will plan a trip to see us soon. We invite you to become part of our story, so Lanesboro can become part of yours.

OUR NEIGHBORS

Hop in the car or on your bike. Go exploring! These trail towns are a short trip from Lanesboro. » rootrivertrail.org

PRESTON 10 miles by bike • 8.4 miles by car prestonmnchamber.com

FOUNTAIN 11 miles by bike • 9.7 miles by car fountainmn.org

HARMONY 22.5 miles by bike • 13.6 miles by car exploreharmony.com

WHALAN 4.6 miles by bike • 4.8 miles by car rootrivertrail.org/site/rrt-whalan-landing.php

PETERSON 13.5 miles by bike • 14.4 miles by car petersonmn.com

RUSHFORD AND RUSHFORD VILLAGE

18.3 miles by bike • 18.7 miles by car • rushfordpetersonvalley.com

HOUSTON 31.1 miles by bike • 29.5 miles by car houstonmnchamber.com

This Business Directory is sponsored by generous contributions from the City of Lanesboro, Lanesboro Public Schools and Lanesboro EDA. Thank you!

Lanesboro Area Chamber Spotlight Member | New LACC Member | New Business in Town | Find LACC Member (in bold) on our map.

The Magic That Is Lanesboro

“The people of Lanesboro are passionate about their town. They know there’s something special and unique here and they want to help preserve that. That’s the mark they want to make and the legacy they want to leave. They want to help sustain the magic that is Lanesboro.”

“People love this town. They get involved in it. The level of volunteer participation and energy here is remarkable. Like the river that runs through it, there’s a momentum in this place that may rise and fall at times, but shows no signs of stopping…”

From “Lanesboro, Minnesota,” by Steve Harris

Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 348

Lanesboro, MN 55949

(507) 467-2696

lanesboro.com