Dining and Lodging Options in the Root River Trail Towns

Root River Trail Towns offer many dining experiences, from breakfast to dinner and from meals on-the-go to multiple-course dinners served in tranquil settings—and everything in between. Traditional fare of burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, and more can be found in several towns, but each restaurant has its distinct and tasty flare. Experience ethnic cuisine from Norwegian lefse, German sausages, or Mexican enchiladas. Enjoy steak, fish, lobster and more seafood options at various locations as well. Don’t forget dessert—the area is known for its pie and ice cream shops. Whatever your appetite, you are sure to find remarkable dining experiences during your stay. Root River Trail Towns have nearly every type of accommodation while you enjoy the many activities along the State Bike Trail and Root River. Visitors seeking to spend the evening, a weekend, a week or longer will find several lodging options from bed and breakfasts, resorts, inns, motels, cabin or apartment rentals, and private or public campgrounds. Accommodations can be found in the towns or out in the countryside between towns.

Check out www.rootrivertrail.org or the towns’ websites found inside for details on dining and lodging.

Each community will give you a “taste” of their town with different activities, food, music and much more! Enjoy what is special about each community while you pedal your way through the beauty of Bluff Country along the Root River.

Visit our website for a full listing of events!

Three Weekends After Labor Day In September

1st Weekend: Lanesboro, Peterson & Whalan

2nd Weekend: Harmony, Preston, Fountain

3rd Weekend: Rushford, Rushford Village & Houston

Bike or hike your way through the Root River Trail System and enjoy all of the wonderful features of each community along the trail.

www.rootrivertrail.org

Root River Trail Towns is a not-for-profit group consisting of representatives from the towns along the Root River State Trail in Southeast Minnesota. We share ideas, resolve issues of common interest to our communities, and conduct joint activities to promote the tourism, visitor and business potential of the natural and community resources of the Root River State Trail, Root River, and surrounding area.

R t River Trail Towns

Harmony

Preston

Fountain

Lanesboro

Whalan

Peterson

Rushford

Houston

Rushford Village

Preston, also known as "Minnesota's Trout Capital," is a welcoming family-fun destination offering visitors a variety of

entertaining, educational, and recreational activities to choose from including: 60 miles of paved bike trails, hiking, fishing, dining, history & much more! Now’s the time to “Get Hooked On Preston, MN”!

www.prestonmntourism.com

Fountain is the western terminus of the Root River Trail System. At the top of a gentle rise, Fountain has plenty to offer trail users, including one of the finest furniture stores in the state of Minnesota. You'll also find a local bank, places to eat, a family grocery store, a museum and genealogy library situated within walking distance of the trail head. Our city park has 2 covered picnic areas, restroom, baseball diamond, volleyball & basketball courts, a play equipment area for children, and of course ... a drinking fountain.

So much awaits you in our friendly community! Visit fascinating Niagara Cave, enjoy an Amish tour and explore our unique antique & gift shops! Delight in excellent restaurants and lodgings during your stay with us. Stop in our Visitor Center at the Harmony Trailhead before you begin your bike ride through a beautiful pastoral setting. Let us help you find Harmony in your life!

www.exploreharmony.com

Houston is surrounded by beautiful bluffs and borders the Root River, offering an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts to hunt, fish, canoe, snowmobile, hike, ride horseback, cross-country ski, snowshoe, bird or nature watch and bicycle, with golfing, swimming and camping facilities nearby. Houston’s Trailhead Park offers parking, camping, outdoor shelters, a natural playground, a bandshell and a wonderful Nature Center with modern, clean restrooms and showers. Opening soon is the International Owl Center, featuring Alice the Great Horned Owl and other live owls.

www.houstonmnchamber.com

Whalan was once a bustling railroad community and home to many N o r w e g i a n immigrants. Its many historic buildings

house a museum, art gallery, restored filling station and world famous pie shop, plus much more. Whalan is also famous for its Stand Still Parade held on the third Saturday in May. The parade doesn’t move...spectators do. For complete details, visit www.standstillparade.org.

Named as one of Smithsonian Magazine’s Top 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA, Foder’s Travel Magazine’s Top 10 Most Charming Towns to Visit, Northland Adventurer Magazine’s Top Three Midwest Communities, Star Tribune’s Best Girlfriend’s Getaway, ArtPlace’s Top 12 Small Town Arts Communities in the USA and a whole lot more, Lanesboro is well recognized as the hub of Bluff Country. Come see why! More information at 507-467-2696 or www.lanesboro.com.

Amid the powerful bluffs of the Rushford Peterson Valley lies the City of Peterson, and we’re ready for visitors. With a variety of lodging or

9 RV campsites, Peterson is a perfect spot from which to venture and is directly on the Root River Trail. We have an outfitter and are within walking distance to the Root River. Dine at famous Burdey’s Café, enjoy concerts at our bandstand, watch local artists, enjoy our Legion, or tour the museum and fish hatchery.

www.petersonmn.org

The City of Rushford Village, nestled between bluffs and state forest, encompasses thirty-three square miles

and surrounds the cities of Peterson and Rushford. A National Scenic Byway, Highway 16, runs through Rushford Village along the Root River State Trail and Root River. Fish, tube or canoe the river from several launch sites. Snowmobile extensive bluff and valley trails in the winter. We welcome you!

www.rushfordpetersonvalley.com

Visit this scenic valley, abundant in wildlife and year-round, outdoor fun. Bike the Root River State Trail, hike the Magelssen Bluff trails, play at Creekside Park, enjoy Root River activities, shop various stores, experience local restaurants, and stay awhile—with camping, bed & breakfast, or motel lodging. Stop at the Rushford Historic Depot & Visitor Center, 401 S. Elm St., or visit www.rushfordpetersonvalley.com.

HOUSTON

RUSHFORD VILLAGE

RUSHFORD

PETERSON

LANESBORO

WHALAN

FOUNTAIN

PRESTON

HARMONY