Bloomington-Normal Ski & Snowboard Club

Anyone been to Lanesboro, MN and the Root River Trail? I thought it might be a good place for a Club Summer Trip. They have 60+ miles of paved trail so lots of biking or rollerblading available. The Root River offers trout fishing, canoeing, tubing, or kayaking. Located in Amish country in SE Minnesota it would probably be a 5 - 6 hour drive for us. If you think this sounds attractive post a reply and get your friends to post as well so Alise knows there's interest and can consider this as an option. Thanks.

Have read about the trail and the area and sounds like a great place for a 3 or 4 day weekend bike trip.[/quote]

I would be interested in doing a Summer trip to Root River Trail in SE Minnesota.
Carol

Root River State Trail
Location: Between Fountain to Houston, southeast of Rochester
Distance: 42 paved miles; connects to the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley Trail
Description: As you bike through this beautiful valley, you cross dozens of bridges over the Root River and its tributaries. The view from this shady, secluded trail includes limestone cliffs, small pastures and fields, and wooded bluffs. Hawks and turkeys are not unusual sights.

About a quarter mile down the trail in the city of Fountain, watch for a sinkhole—formed when limestone eroded beneath the surface. Fountain is the “Sinkhole Capital of the U.S.A.”

Most of the trail is fairly level, but hills between Rushford and Houston should provide a good workout. The small communities of Fountain, Lanesboro, Whalan, Peterson, Rushford, and Houston—located along the trail—are part of Root River Trail’s appeal.

Lanesboro, the “little town in the valley,” attracts thousands of bikers every year. The main street is a designated historic district, home to the excellent Commonweal Theatre Company, as well as a winery, art gallery, canoe outfitter, and concerts at Sylvan Park. There’s no shortage of down-home cafes and quaint B&Bs in these towns. One of the most popular stops along the trail is a phenomenal pie shop in the quiet village of Whalan.

For more information: Call the DNR at 651-296-6157 or 1-888-646-6367, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us. Map online.

You can find out more on rootrivertrail.org. Also if interested in the trip let us know what weekend would work best for you. July 3rd to 6th and August 14th to 17th have been mentioned so far.

We have 8 people interested in the July 4th weekend so that will be the one we set up the trip for. July 3rd to the 6th will be the days with details coming later on where we will stay and costs. Let us know if you would like to join this trip as soon as possible so we can make the appropriate reservations. Costs will probably run $40 to $55 per night per person. Would be less if people share a quad room ( only 2 beds ). Should be a fun trip!