Buffalo Bill Trailhead | Lanesboro

Buffalo Bill Trailhead – In Detail

The Buffalo Bill Trailhead in Lanesboro, Minnesota, serves as a small but culturally significant launch point for outdoor recreation and local festivities. It merges community spirit, regional history, and scenic trail access into one location near the heart of downtown Lanesboro. Though physically modest-a stretch of trail marked by signage and adjacent to Lanesboro’s visitor amenities-it plays a central role in both year-round trail use and the annual Buffalo Bill Days celebration.

Location and Setting

The Buffalo Bill Trailhead is located close to the Lanesboro Visitor Center, near Parkway Avenue South, and just steps from Sylvan Park. It borders the Root River State Trail, one of Minnesota’s most popular multi-use trail systems. This strategic positioning allows the trailhead to function as a convergence point for:

Recreational trail users (hikers, cyclists, walkers)

Festival participants during Buffalo Bill Days

Event runners and organizers for the Buffalo Roam 5K

The surrounding landscape features mature trees, scenic views of bluffs and the river valley, and easy access to downtown Lanesboro shops, cafes, and lodging.

Historical Background

While the physical trailhead is relatively new, its name and significance are rooted in Lanesboro’s 19th-century brush with a larger-than-life American icon: Buffalo Bill Cody.

Buffalo Bill visited Lanesboro in the late 1880s, reportedly staying with his friend Dr. Frank “White Beaver” Powell, a showman and doctor who performed with Cody in Wild West shows. This connection formed the basis for what later became Buffalo Bill Days, Lanesboro’s most prominent summer festival. Today, the trailhead name and the 5K “Buffalo Roam” race commemorate this local legend's colorful history.

Trail Access: Root River State Trail

The trailhead directly connects to the Root River State Trail, a 42-mile paved pathway stretching through southeastern Minnesota's Bluff Country. From this point, users can travel:

East toward Whalan, Peterson, and Rushford

West toward Preston via the connecting Harmony-Preston Valley Trail

Trail uses include:

Biking

Walking and running

In-line skating

Cross-country skiing in winter

The trailhead offers a smooth and scenic start to any outing, with relatively flat grades, scenic limestone bluffs, bridges over Root River tributaries, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It’s ideal for both short strolls and full-day cycling excursions.

Buffalo Bill Days & Buffalo Roam 5K

Buffalo Bill Days, held each August, is a multi-day celebration that transforms Lanesboro into a vibrant hub of parades, music, food, and community spirit. The trailhead becomes the starting point for the annual Buffalo Roam 5K, a signature event that draws hundreds of participants of all ages.

Buffalo Roam 5K Features:

Starts and ends at the Buffalo Bill Trailhead

Scheduled for Saturday morning, typically 8:30 AM

Options for both a 5K and a 1-mile family fun run/walk

Route partially follows the paved trail and some local streets

Open to all skill levels, from competitive runners to casual walkers

Participants receive t-shirts, and top finishers earn medals or prizes

Festive, welcoming atmosphere with refreshments and community support

This race is a highlight of the festival and draws visitors from across the region. The trailhead itself becomes a bustling, energized gathering place on race day.

Visitor Amenities Nearby

While the Buffalo Bill Trailhead itself is more of a designated location than a staffed building, nearby facilities enhance the experience:

Restrooms and water available at the nearby Lanesboro Visitor Center

Parking in adjacent public lots or streets

Bike racks and benches near the trail

Informational signage about the Root River Trail and Buffalo Bill history

Picnic areas available at Sylvan Park just a few feet away

Shops, cafés, and lodging all within walking distance downtown

The proximity to so many services makes this an ideal spot to begin a trail adventure or enjoy downtime during a community event.

Why Visit the Buffalo Bill Trailhead?

Cultural Connection: It serves as a living tribute to Buffalo Bill’s historical ties to Lanesboro.

Trail Access: Offers seamless entry to the Root River State Trail system.

Festival Hub: Acts as a central node for activity during Lanesboro’s largest annual celebration.

Scenic Environment: Nestled among limestone bluffs and rolling farmland with easy access to the river.

Convenient Base: Perfect for both active recreation and leisure near town attractions.

In essence, the Buffalo Bill Trailhead is more than a start line-it’s a symbolic space that captures Lanesboro’s blend of history, community, and outdoor charm. Whether you’re joining the Buffalo Roam race, cycling the trail, or enjoying the festivities, it’s a spot that unites tradition with active rural life in southeastern Minnesota.