Staying in Decorah, I decided that a kayak adventure would be a fun side trip. I called Chimney…read moreTock Camp Ground and they had a spot for me that morning. There are three options for trip length. I picked the 9 mile trip. When arrived there wee several groups of eager canoeists and kayakers getting ready, grabbing paddles and life jackets. You can bring your own if you like. Checking in, the owners were very helpful and friendly. They gave great instructions about the paddle. The river is as fantastic. It is clear as a bell and there were only a few low spots. We were told that the river was down, which really wasn't a problem. Pricing was reasonable. I didn't camp here, but it was very well maintained and super family friendly. Bring your fishing pole, sun screen and enjoy this fabulous river.

Some friends and I visited this campground for the first time during the last weekend in June. We…read morerented two cabins next to each other for 7 of us, which I'm glad we did because even though we could have made one cabin work, the two beds in the loft area were just way too hot to comfortably sleep. Overall a very good experience. Pros - Cabins were clean, beds were comfortable - Cabins had AC - Staff was very friendly, knowledgeable, accomplished, and most importantly transparent with us when the river levels were higher than the recommended depth for kayaking. They handled it perfectly: communicated the facts, the risks, and then let us make the decision ourselves. We ultimately decided to stick with our plan to kayak and Im so glad we did because we had a blast. - Porto potties were cleaned regularly. - Showers on site Cons - Camp store is expensive. We were annoyed with how much the fire wood cost us, especially since it was kept outside and was damp from all the rain. - Bed sheets were damp. - Cabins had sinks but no faucet with running water. Overall would definitely visit again. Tip: if you're renting a cabin, cabin 20 is probably the most ideally situated (kind of secluded, surrounded by trees and shade, plenty of outdoor space for games, etc., close to a couple porto potties).

Communication was by phone but they were very friendly and accommodating…read more Arrival and check-in was easy. Directions to amenities were clear. We just had a tent so nothing fancy and we didn't use electricity, but our stay was pleasant.

This is a VERY well maintained campground. The grass was cut, the bathroom and showers were clean…read more The camp store was nice to have. The staff didn't bother you but were very helpful if you needed something. Though alcohol is officially allowed, there were no loud parties or guests. This is predominantly an RV and trailer campground (with a lot of seasonals), we tented with some friends that had an RV (horse camping). A great place to go.

Shout out to the staff at Cedar Valley Resort, especially Lucas! Recently we were biking the Root…read moreRiver Trail and heard the sounds of laughter and fun coming from the Cedar Valley Resort. The place looked so inviting. The first things I noticed were a sand volleyball game going on, ladies out riding bikes around the trail in front of the resort, a caregiver and child out for a walk on the trail, a fun giant chessboard game on the yard, beautiful well kept cabins, well maintained grounds, and very organized area stocked with bikes, kayaks, tubes, and supplies while riding up to the convenience store and office. Attention had been paid to every detail from signage, to landscaping displays, and definitely to the training and choosing of staff. Every member of staff that we spoke with treated the resort as if they were the owner and we were their most important client. That kind of hospitality training is hard to come by and rarely seen. This place is a gem and the offerings that go along with it are breathtaking. Scenery for nature lovers, photography, birding, and artist refuge for painting. Trails for biking, hiking, and snowmobiles. Water activities whether floating, kayaking or fishing. Within blocks or a few miles of museums for history buffs and a block away from world famous homemade pie that is absolutely delightful. There is absolutely something for every person of any age. Then to absolutely top it off, Lucas, from the convenience store office after hours delivered our keys to us at our campground that we inadvertently left when we stopped on our way back to our campground in neighboring town. With staff that goes above and beyond like that for people who they met for 10 minutes and remember them from the numbers of people who come through every day is astounding ... Well done Lucas, your generosity and kindness moved your 5 star resort to an over the top resort that has no competition. You have a loyal fan base that is willing to spread the word far and wide.

We have been having our Family Reunion at this resort for 16 years now. It is always spotless…read more We started the year that Big Timber was built and started with one cabin and now we rent three. We keep busy by riding bike on the Root River bike trail and floating down the Root River. They rent bikes of all sizes and burleys. They also rent canoes, kayaks, and inner tubes. There is a playground with swings and slide for the small kids and volleyball and pickle ball courts for older people. When we ride bikes to town we ride to the ice cream shop with the small kids or to the brewery with the older kids. if you do not like to ride bikes you can get ice cream at the office there or at the pie shop just a block away.

We didn't actually lodge here but we had a great experience! This is on the Preston trailhead of…read morethe Root River Trail. It was near our meetup point for our group of bicyclists. While we waited for our friends, we walked to the river (also conveniently located by Trailhead) and watched a fisherman bring in his trout from fishing under the bridge. ANGLERS-please note-close fishing. We went in for some tasty sweet cold treats-and Icee and a cone. The staff there were wonderful! They took our large bill and gave us change from our treats! Thank you! We will be back to stay sometime-maybe with our snowshoes!

We loved loved loved the trailhead inn! First off - we stayed off season and so had the entire…read morefacility to ourself. The rooms were big, well appointed, and clean. The staff were very helpful and accommodating. There are some historical rail equipment on site, a park across the parking and bike trails as well. Bonus is that it's pet friendly which helped my family out on our huge cross country road trip. This is a place to stay an extra day or two and recharge when you're on the road. Situated near downtown Preston, there was a great grocery store nearby and a laundry mat as well. No coin machine in the laundry mat. Up the road there is a bar/restaurant/bowling alley. They have great taco salads, Philly cheese steaks, and the three meat pizza was pretty decent and loaded with meat. Point blank: we would stay at the trailhead inn again and you should too. Bonus: there are maps to an Amish country store where you can get quality baskets, leather goods, jams and jellies, and pickles.

We made a last-minute decision to come to Lanesborough to check out the town and do some cycling…read more We were able to book the Harmony room. It was a room with two beds, 2 chairs, spacious enough. What we really enjoyed the most was the two relaxing chairs just outside of our door overlooking the landscape. We were also next-door to the commons, which is a great place to pop in to get some ice water, coffee , tea, hot chocolate - 24/7 a day. There was plenty of seating on the grounds, but our favorite was the hammock. It can be a little challenging to get in and out, but it's very restful once you're settled in. Check-in is at 3 PM but they allowed you to park on the premises starting at 1 PM. That's about the time we arrived so we parked and walked the town. This Inn has split levels so there can be lots of stairs depending on the location of your room. It was an enjoyable stay; we walked everywhere and never used our car. We appreciated the $5 gift card per person we receive for food at Paddle On Coffee.

Four couples met here. Two of us got the top level apartments so we had the deck to ourselves and a…read moreplace to gather and cook in the living area. The problem was the weather! It was cool and cloudy. We grilled the first night and 8 of us fit comfortably in the living room of Cedar. Two couples' rooms were small with no closets. Everything was clean and well-maintained. Grounds are beautiful. Hosts Jim and Pam were friendly. They provide coffee and bagels in a lounge area. They recommended a breakfast spot and it was good. There are lots of steps for the five levels. The bike storage room is nice and the guys played bags while the gals shopped. We considered a fire in the pit area. Parking is tight but close. The location is great for easy access to trails and eating places.

I had a wonderful stay. The room was very clean and the owner was very helpful and accommodating. I…read moreextended my stay a day longer than I had planned due to the relaxing environment and great room.

We had a very strange experience here. We reserved through Hotels.com, but when we arrived at the…read moreInn our room was occupied. The owner told us we didn't have that room and gave us another, smaller room. When I complained about it, he told us to leave! We found another very friendly inn just down the street. I've never experienced anything like this before.

With a limited amount of vacation time, I need to make every night count. I am so glad that I…read morediscovered this wonderful B&B in one of Southeast Minnesota's most gorgeous towns. The first time I stayed at Scandinavian Inn was 2009; the last time was this past weekend. I initially was attracted to the place because of their commitment to serve only free range eggs and locally raised meats at their breakfasts. I've since learned many more reasons to love this inn. Breakfast The breakfast at the Scandinavian Inn is probably the best one in all of Lanesboro if not Fillmore County. On our first morning we were served Persian Quiche (crust-less), which contains free range local eggs, Swiss chard, spinach, tofu and other delicious ingredients. Along with it was coffee, warm cornbread right from the oven, a selection of homemade jams and jellies, fresh fruit, orange juice, and ham steak from a local farmer whose livestock range free in naturally stress-free pastures. Our second morning's breakfast was similarly as big and included oven-baked French toast with homemade syrup made by Peter and Vicki (the inn's owners) as well as chocolate chocolate-chip muffins, lemon bread, fresh raspberries from the inn's gardens, and rommegrot--a rare Norwegian treat. Bed I am picky where I sleep, and need a firm mattress. My wife prefers a more cushy sleeping experience. We were both quite satisfied. Rooms at the inn are tastefully decorated in period pieces (the inn was built in 1892). While some are attracted to the Bed and Breakfast because of its commitment to sustainability--for example, it draws heavily from geothermal heating and cooling rather than constant AC--this may worry some who are used to the creature comforts. However, with our window open and two fans available to us, the room was quite pleasant and in fact one night we found ourselves reaching for the comforter / quilt beautifully adorning our antique bed. It should be noted that one bedroom has its own dumbwaiter, whereby breakfast is served in the room and not communally with the other guests. Hosts The inn is owned and run by Peter and Vicki, world travelers who have been to Egypt, Morocco, Japan, Nepal, and beyond. Their experience in the Peace Corps and as upstanding Minnesotans serves them well in their roles of host and hostess. Guests are made welcome by an initial tour (the house is quite big and a tour is welcome and needed) as well as by the smaller things: fresh coffee brought upstairs an hour before breakfast, personal recommendations, and a willingness to share their music, art and conversation. House In the Bed & Breakfast capital of Minnesota, Lanesboro is in no short supply of beautiful Victorian style houses. There are a few things that set Scandinavian Inn apart from the others: -located in quietest part of town -green-minded (no power lawn mower, sheets and towels air dried, etc.) -rooftop gazebo (great place to enjoy a glass of wine or just stare at the stars) -tastefully appointed common areas with antique couches, a piano, books, cd collection and stereo The Town If the Root River State Trail is a necklace, stringing together Bluff Country villages for some 60 miles, then Lanesboro is its crown jewel. The town has a waterfall, regional theater that is quite good (and I am a theater snob), winery with delicious wines made from (mostly) local ingredients such as apples and rhubarb, art gallery, restaurants, shopping and more. If you want a laid back weekend away, Lanesboro is an excellent choice.

My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary weekend in this beautiful home! We truly enjoyed our…read morestay. The house was clean, the room was lovely, the food was delicious, and our hosts were gracious! I was delighted by all the unique touches, from the antiques, the phone booth in the hallway, and the tower gazebo, to the handmade soap and homemade maple syrup! Peter and Vicki put time, creativity and care into each breakfast, not simply feeding us. We enjoyed riding our bikes into Preston, a night at the Commonweal Theatre, ice cream at Clara's (try the London Fog!) and a trip to the local farmers market on Saturday.

My wife and I (and our dog) stayed here in our teardrop trailer this past summer, and absolutely…read moreloved it! It's so primitive and peaceful compared to the typical RV campsites we usually stay in - back to the basics out under the stars the way camping should be... Wonderful hosts and large primitive sites make this place unique and special! We'll definitely be back!