Enjoy Winter on the Root River Trail
Cross-country skiing along the Root River Trail is a big draw for winter guests at our Minnesota Bed and Breakfast.
Many of the winter guests at our Lanesboro hotel stay with us at this time of year to take advantage of the breathtaking opportunities for cross-country skiing along the Root River Trail, which runs east-west through Lanesboro and several other Southeast Minnesota Bluff Country river towns. Its 30 miles of converted railroad tracks are as popular among skiers and snowshoers in winter - as they are with bicyclists in summer.
Our Minnesota hotel is the perfect place for winter recreation enthusiasts to begin and end a day of adventure in the snow. You'll start off with a peaceful night's rest in one of our cozy guest rooms, historic in theme, yet modern in comfort and amenities, as well as a delicious pastry made fresh from the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe. And you'll wind down each day with dinner and drinks in nearby Lanesboro. Make your plans to play in our winter wonderland and book your room today at our Lanesboro Hotel!
Cross-Country Skiing Along the Root River Trail
Old railroad trestles lend a historic majesty to the Root River Trail.
There's something special about taking your sweet time sliding along a smooth surface of snow in country stillness, while taking in the stunning views to be had from the soaring limestone bluffs above the Root River Valley. You can go quite a ways along the 30 miles of set track that spans from the Isinours Forest Recreation Area in Preston - to the bridge outside of Houston, then to where the trail links up with the Harmony-Preston Valley state trail system. There, you'll find another 18 miles of groomed ski track.This awe-inspiring experience can be yours! Here are a few things to watch for and keep in mind when you do:
Wondering what natural delights you'll see along the Root River Trail in winter? Besides the stunning vistas along the river bluffs, you may see eagles along the river as well as wintering flocks of robins and bluebirds. Keep an eye out for river otter tracks.
Want to try cross-country skiing, yet have never done it before? Take a class through the Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Lanesboro.
Eagle Bluff also offers fun group activities along the Root River Trail in winter. Anytime there are eight or more inches of snow on the ground, you can join one of its "Places Seldom Seen" outings for skiers, snow shoers and hikers on exclusive and scenically stunning Eagle Bluff land - that’s not open to the public.
Have you tried geocaching? This GPS-guided treasure-hunting adventure has developed into an enduring American pastime. Eagle Bluff puts its delightful spin on this activity, with "geo-snacking" for hidden goodies along the Root River Trail, and for those 21 and over, "geo-schnappsing." Sounds like a perfect way to stay warm in the cold!
Coming in early FEBRUARY? If so, go to Whalan, just a few miles east of Lanesboro, for its annual photography-friendly candlelight ski. For one evening on the first weekend of the month, luminaries light up a half-mile of the Root River Trail for an evening of transcendent magic in Bluff Country.
Check each day's trail conditions before you head out here.
Be sure you get The Great Minnesota Ski Pass HERE before you go as it’s required.
Need to rent snowshoes? Rent them from our hotel and enjoy the trails.
Stay at our Lanesboro HOTEL for Your Winter Adventures
There's no better way to warm up after a day of frigid fun along the Root River Trail than in our Coffee Commons at our Lanesboro Hotel, with a cup of complimentary hot coffee, tea or cocoa. After, add in a short stroll for dinner around Lanesboro, a town positively bursting with historic charm. Make your plans for an awe-inspiring winter getaway of a Root River Trail adventure, and start by booking your room today at our Minnesota Hotel!