Steve Harris
–Illustrated by Lisa Gaunky–
–Foreword by Theo St. Mane–
(This book is available for sale on-line, in local stores, and via mail).
“…a heartwarming and ingenious book!”
Some people call Lanesboro one of the Minnesota’s best-kept secrets. Yet nearly 20,000 visitors make their way each year to this delightful bluff-country village in the southeastern corner of the state to bike, hike, fish, swim, tube, kayak, golf, camp, immerse themselves in art, theater and live music, enjoy fine dining, and more. Lanesboro is a secret worth sharing!
This book—written by a local innkeeper—takes you on a fun, friendly, personal tour of the past, places and people of Lanesboro. You’ll discover the secret of its bluffs, caves and sinkholes; the power of a railroad in mid-19th century America; why Buffalo Bill (and his close friend, Dr. “White Beaver” Powell) often met up here; the story of the town’s historic (hydroelectric) stone arch dam, and how a small group of inspired people “dreamt” this community on paper—then made it reality!
Chapter titles include:
· You’ve Entered the Driftless Zone!
· Mystery in a Farmer’s Field
· Lanesboro’s Grand Hotel
· A Morning at the Sales Barn
· A Ride on an Amish Tour
· A Play at the Commonweal Theater
· Lanesboro at 150!
The places of Lanesboro, many still present in original red-brick buildings and stately Victorian homes, make its rich history accessible. The people of the town (population 754 give-or-take a dozen) are Midwest friendly and eagerly welcome you on your first visit or your twentieth. The Root River, and the Root River State Bike trail (60 miles of paved asphalt acclaimed as one of the finest biking routes anywhere) both wind through the center of town. Your hardest decision may be which direction to travel! (One of the state’s best pie shops is right down the trail in nearby Whalan, if that helps).
“Lanesboro, Minnesota,” enhanced with the beautiful line drawings of Sparta, Wisconsin, illustrator Lisa Gaunky, will introduce you to this world. This book will also help you remember and celebrate the “simple pleasures” of Lanesboro! Great for gifts, too.
“Lanesboro, Minnesota” is available on-line at Amazon and E-Bay. It is also for sale in local shops, including:
· The Lanesboro Arts Gallery
· The Peddler
· Pedal Pushers Cafe
· Root River Rod Company
· Iron Horse Outfitters and Inn
· The Cottage House Inn
· Cedar Valley Resort Gift Shop (Whalan)
· Various B & Bs and Lodging Establishments
(Thank you to all the shops and vendors for selling “Lanesboro, Minnesota”!)
