Scandinavian Inn

Fantastic B&B. This inn is charming, pretty, and clean. And the breakfast is insane. They accommodated our last minute changes and vegan diet with aplomb. Peter and Vicki were incredibly kind and helpful making plans to see the area nearby. They are terrific hosts and the place seems to attract interesting and nice individuals who you get to share a breakfast with. Although we were only there for a short visit, my girlfriend and I remember the Scandinavian Inn as one of the best parts of our cross country trip. A really special place well worth anyone’s time. We hope to go back someday soon.

With a limited amount of vacation time, I need to make every night count. I am so glad that I discovered 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.

We have stayed in many B&Bs across the US and Canada, and this one ranks among the best. The house is lovely, and the public rooms welcoming. Vicki served coffee, tea or hot chocolate in the evening, and made sure that a morning pot of coffee was in the hallway outside our room before breakfast. We stayed two nights in early October when the autumn colors were in full array.
Breakfasts were wonderful and indeed elegant, featuring produce grown locally or in their own garden. Peter served dishes in courses, informing us about the ingredients and a little bit about the recipe. There was a Scandinavian «flare» to the homemade jams, spices and flavoring of the egg dishes. They even make their own maple syrup.
Peter mapped out a lovely country road road trip for us, so we could get photos of farms and autumn colors. Peter packaged up the extra breakfast muffins for us, and we enjoyed them for our lunch atop the rooftop gazebo after our morning tour of the countryside.
Bedooms are simply furnished, beds comfortable and the cotton sheets lined-​dried outside. Everything fresh and clean. Great place to stay in Lanesboro.

This is a fabulous inn. Peter and Vicki are most gracious hosts, and the rooms and public gathering spaces are wonderful. We stayed two nights, and give this inn the highest praise. The breakfasts were elegant including several courses of dishes made with fresh ingredients. We especially loved the crustless Persian Quiche! The rooftop gazebo is a special treat, too. You can see all of Lanesboro from there. This inn is a great place to stay while biking on the scenic trails in the area

Just got back from a 3 night stay at this beautiful victorian B&B. Super nice and knowledgable owners and AMAZING breakfasts! Beds comfy, rooms and bathrooms clean, breakfast delicious and beautifully presented. If I’m ever in the area again I will definitely stay there. Located near the bike trail and they can provide bike storage if you need it.