Welcome to Peterson a lovely stop on the bike trail with a range of interesting places to stay.
The City Campground is popular, the Historic Wen Inn (formerly the Andor Wenneson) is large enough for wedding parties and family reunions or select one of 10 rooms for your private getaway, Our Abnb Historic Mobile Station, Geneva’s Hideaway that has 2-bedroom apartment style short-term and long-term lodging, and VRBO Root River Cozy Cottage.
If you decide to visit us, you will find we are a perfect home base - we are within easy driving distance from many places for you to enjoy as day trips.
Drive east on MN State Highway 16 that has been designated as Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway. Within 5 minutes you will be in Rushford where you can purchase nearly anything you need from auto parts to flowers or groceries. Stop at the Creamery for some bowling and huge ice cream cones with pizza. Love authentic Mexican food? El Barco’s is open all three meals. Love Nordic Food? Norsland Lefse is a must. Travel east when leaving this bustling town and stop for a beverage and spectacular view from the Ferndale Golf Course Club House, and then on to Houston – home of the International Owl Center.
Drive west out of Peterson and just around the corner is The Boutique Station, a must stop and place to shop while enjoying a free glass of wine. Ten miles later is Whalan which is full of surprises and a delicious slice of pie (in season). Four miles later is the arts community of Lanesboro known for shopping, eating, professional theater, and much more.
Drive to Harmony for an authentic experience with the Amish Community of SE MN. AND near Harmony, is Niagara Cave with a miniature golf course to extend the day after the spectacular tour in the Cave.
Take a drive to Preston and drive through the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, then bowl or do a self-guided, 9-hole trout fishing course constructed to introduce trout anglers to a 0.8 mile stretch of blue ribbon trout water in the South Branch Root River. More time? Discover Historic Forestville, or Mystery Cave, a completely different experience from Niagara Cave.
A day trip to Fountain gives you time to explore the home of the Fillmore County Historical Museum and the Karst Brewing, LLC, in the heart of karst country. Walk a bit of the bike trail to watch for sink holes after you ask Fillmore County Historical Museum why Fountain is the sink hole capital of the United States. Two restaurants are a great place to relax after your busy day.
Before you leave for you day trip, stop at the Peterson Station Museum and Visitor Center to pick up brochures and maps and learn more about these “best kept secrets of Minnesota.”
If closed, all of the Root River Trail Towns have Visitor Centers with helpful literature.
