By Colin FosterUpdated November 2026
Readers searching for bike trails in Lanesboro MN usually want one of two things: a clear map of the rail trails around town, or a guidebook that lays out routes, distances and places to stay across the region. This list compares six books and guides that cover the Lanesboro area and the surrounding Minnesota and Wisconsin trail network. The selection is based on published specifications, the reputation of each publisher, the regional scope of each title, and the patterns owners tend to mention in their feedback, such as route clarity, level of detail and whether the book is still useful for planning. None of these picks were ridden or tested by the author.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBIKING ACROSS MINNESOTA: SCENIC TRAILS, CHARMING TOWNS AND UNFORGETTABView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Minnesota-specific trail planningMinnesota Bike Trails: Where to Ride in MN and Western WIView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for statewide route historyBicycle Trails of MinnesotaView on Amazon - 4
Best for riders crossing into WisconsinBiking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail RidesView on Amazon - 5
Best for Pacific Northwest rail trail fansRail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse TrailsView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick for rail trail riders in WisconsinBest Rail Trails WisconsinView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Biking Across Minnesota: Scenic Trails, Charming Towns and Unforgettable Adventures in the Land of 10,000 Lakes | Multi-day touring in Minnesota | Trip narratives tied to specific towns and trails |
| Minnesota Bike Trails: Where to Ride in MN and Western WI | Trail-by-trail planning | Focus on where to ride across MN and western WI |
| Bicycle Trails of Minnesota | Statewide route overview | Broad coverage of Minnesota routes |
| Biking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail Rides | Riders extending trips into Wisconsin | Fifty curated rides in one volume |
| Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Idaho, Oregon and Washington | Rail trail riders outside the Midwest | Rail trail focus across three states |
| Best Rail Trails Wisconsin | Rail trail riding close to Lanesboro | Rail trails concentrated in Wisconsin |
Biking Across Minnesota: Scenic Trails, Charming Towns and Unforgettable Adventures in the Land of 10,000 Lakes
BIKING ACROSS MINNESOTA: SCENIC TRAILS, CHARMING TOWNS AND UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURES IN THE LAND OF 10,000 LAKES
Best for: Multi-day touring in Minnesota
This book suits riders who want to plan a tour that moves from town to town rather than a single day loop. Its focus on towns and scenery makes it a good companion for overnight trips that include the Root River corridor around Lanesboro.
Key specs
- Subject: bike touring across Minnesota
- Organized around trails and towns
Pros
- Strong narrative approach that connects trails to towns
- Useful for multi-day itinerary building
- Covers the state, not just one trail
Cons
- Less useful for very short, single-day route planning
- Route detail varies from chapter to chapter
Bottom line: A strong pick for riders building a multi-day Minnesota tour that starts or passes through Lanesboro.
Minnesota Bike Trails: Where to Ride in MN and Western WI
MINNESOTA BIKE TRAILS: Where to ride In MN and Western WiI
Best for: Trail-by-trail planning
This title is aimed at riders who want to know exactly where they can ride in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It fits people who are choosing between several trails and want a regional overview before committing to a route.
Key specs
- Coverage: Minnesota and western Wisconsin
- Focus on where to ride
Pros
- Regional scope that includes both states
- Practical focus on trail access
- Good for comparing options around Lanesboro
Cons
- Overviews can be less detailed than dedicated route guides
- Owners sometimes want more elevation and surface information
Bottom line: The most direct choice for riders who want a regional map of trail options around Lanesboro.
Bicycle Trails of Minnesota
Bicycle Trails Of Minnesota
Best for: Statewide route overview
This book is useful for riders who want a broad picture of Minnesota cycling routes before narrowing down a trip. It works well as a reference for planning a longer route that may include the Lanesboro area.
Key specs
- Coverage: Minnesota statewide
- Route overview format
Pros
- Statewide scope
- Helpful for comparing regions
- Good starting reference for new trail riders
Cons
- Printed route information can date quickly
- Less focus on any single trail
Bottom line: Best for riders who want a statewide reference and plan to verify details with current trail authority maps.
Biking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail Rides
Biking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail Rides (Trails Books Guide)
Best for: Riders extending trips into Wisconsin
Lanesboro sits close to the Wisconsin border, so many riders combine Minnesota and Wisconsin routes. This book offers fifty rides in one place, which makes it a practical choice for cross-border trips.
Key specs
- Fifty road and trail rides
- Coverage: Wisconsin
Pros
- Large number of curated rides
- Useful for cross-border planning
- Mix of road and trail options
Cons
- Covers Wisconsin only, not Minnesota
- Route details may need updating against current maps
Bottom line: A good add-on for riders who plan to extend a Lanesboro trip across the river into Wisconsin.
Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Idaho, Oregon and Washington
Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Idaho, Oregon & Washington
Best for: Pacific Northwest rail trail fans
This guide is for riders who already know rail trails and want to compare the Lanesboro corridor against routes in other regions. It is not a Minnesota guide, but it is useful for understanding how multiuse rail trails are documented.
Key specs
- Coverage: Idaho, Oregon and Washington
- Focus on multiuse rail trails
Pros
- Thorough rail trail focus
- Useful for comparing trail formats
- Well suited to riders who enjoy rail trail travel
Cons
- No coverage of Minnesota trails
- Limited direct value for local Lanesboro planning
Bottom line: A useful comparison read for rail trail enthusiasts, but not the first pick for Lanesboro-specific planning.
Best Rail Trails Wisconsin
Best Rail Trails Wisconsin (Best Rail Trails Series)
Best for: Rail trail riding close to Lanesboro
Many of the most popular rides near Lanesboro are rail trails, and several are within a short drive of the Wisconsin side of the river. This guide focuses on those corridors, making it a natural companion for rail trail days.
Key specs
- Focus: rail trails in Wisconsin
- Part of a rail trail series
Pros
- Concentrated on rail trails
- Relevant to nearby Wisconsin corridors
- Easy to use for single-day planning
Cons
- Limited to Wisconsin
- Does not cover Minnesota trail details
Bottom line: The best fit for riders who want rail trail day rides in Wisconsin within reach of Lanesboro.
Buying Guide
Regional scope
Check whether a book covers Minnesota, Wisconsin or both. Lanesboro is close to the state line, so a guide that includes western Wisconsin can be more useful than one limited to a single state.
Good picks for this: Minnesota Bike Trails and Biking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail Rides
Trail type
Rail trails, road routes and mixed-surface trails need different planning. Decide whether you want a rail trail focus or a broader mix before choosing a book.
Good picks for this: Best Rail Trails Wisconsin and Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest
Trip length
Single-day rides need a clear route and access information. Multi-day tours need town-by-town planning and places to stay. Match the book to the type of trip you plan.
Good picks for this: Biking Across Minnesota and Bicycle Trails of Minnesota
Level of route detail
Look for distances, surface notes and access points. Overview books are good for ideas, while detailed guides help with actual navigation on the day.
Good picks for this: Minnesota Bike Trails and Bicycle Trails of Minnesota
Currency of information
Trail names, surfaces and services change over time. Check publication dates and confirm current conditions with official trail managers before you ride.
Good picks for this: Biking Across Minnesota and Best Rail Trails Wisconsin
Use alongside maps
A book is most useful when paired with a current digital or paper map. Use the guide to choose routes, then confirm them on up-to-date trail maps.
Good picks for this: Minnesota Bike Trails and Best Rail Trails Wisconsin
FAQ
What are the main bike trails near Lanesboro, MN?
The area is best known for the Root River State Trail and the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail, both rail trail corridors. Confirm current conditions with the Minnesota DNR before you ride.
Are the trails around Lanesboro good for beginners?
Many rail trails in the area are flat or gently graded, which suits newer riders. Check surface and grade information in whichever guide you use, and start with an out-and-back ride.
Do I need a guidebook if I already have a map?
A map shows where trails go, while a guidebook often adds route ideas, distances and places to stay. Many riders use both.
Can I combine Minnesota and Wisconsin trails from Lanesboro?
Yes. The town is close to the Wisconsin border, so cross-state rides are possible. Choose a guide that covers both states if you plan to do this.
How often should I check trail conditions?
Check before each trip, especially in spring and after heavy rain or snow. Trail managers post closures and surface updates on their official pages.
Are these books enough for a multi-day tour?
They can help with route ideas, but multi-day tours also need lodging and resupply planning. Pair a book with current lodging information and trail maps.
Conclusion
For a broad Minnesota plan, Biking Across Minnesota and Minnesota Bike Trails are the strongest starting points. Riders focused on rail trails near Lanesboro will get more from Best Rail Trails Wisconsin, and those extending rides into Wisconsin should consider Biking Wisconsin: 50 Great Road and Trail Rides. The two Pacific Northwest and statewide reference titles suit riders who want comparison reading or a general reference. For more route planning ideas, see Madison Bike Trails Map: 7 Routes and Where to Find Official Maps and Milwaukee WI Bike Trails: A Guide to Routes, Distances and Where to Stay.
Sources
- Official Minnesota DNR information on state trails, including the Root River and Harmony-Preston Valley corridors
- Federal guidance on rail trail and multiuse trail planning and safety (nps.gov)
- Federal bicycle planning resources and guidance on shared-use path design (dot.gov)
Related reading
- Sedona MTB Bike Trails: 7 Routes With Miles, Climbs and Tips
- Sedona Arizona Bike Trails: A Route Guide With Miles, Climbs and Where to Stay
About Colin Foster
Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our bike touring & bikepacking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
