Trailhead Inn ico

Trailhead Inn

Hotels Near Of MeMinnesotaFillmore CountyPrestonCenter Street Southeast

112 Center St SE, Preston, MN 55965, USA

4.0

We were hiking state parks in southeastern MN and found the Trailside Inn to be a perfect location for us. The room was spacious, clean and the beds were very comfortable. I would definitely return for another stay when I am in the area. Good communication from the owners also☺️

L Carlson
  • Overview
  • (507) 765-2460
  • www.trailheadinnpreston.com

Trailhead Inn Introduce

For Minnesotans who love to get outside and explore the state's beautiful landscapes, the Root River Trail system in southeastern Minnesota's Bluff Country is a well-known gem. Whether you're an avid cyclist, a passionate hiker, or a family looking for a scenic day trip, finding a convenient and comfortable place to stay is key. The Trailhead Inn in Preston is a "hidden gem" that has become a go-to lodging choice for many who frequent the area. This article provides a comprehensive and factual overview of what makes this inn such a popular and well-regarded option, catering specifically to the needs and interests of local users.

The Trailhead Inn is an independently owned and operated establishment that prides itself on providing a clean, spacious, and friendly place to rest and recharge. Its name is no coincidence; the inn is located directly on the Preston Trailhead of the Harmony-Preston Valley State Bike Trail, which is part of the larger Root River State Trail system. This unique location is a major selling point for bikers and hikers alike, allowing them to step out of their room and immediately begin their adventure. The inn's focus on simple, yet essential, amenities and a straightforward, easy booking process makes it a stress-free choice for travelers.

Customer reviews consistently highlight the inn's best qualities. Guests praise the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms, the comfort of the beds, and the excellent communication from the owners. The fact that the inn is pet-friendly is another significant advantage, allowing Minnesotans to bring their beloved four-legged companions along on their trips. This combination of a prime location, thoughtful amenities, and a focus on guest satisfaction has earned the Trailhead Inn a loyal following and a reputation for being a great value in the area.

This article is designed to be an informative guide for local users, helping them learn more about a business that is integral to the local tourism and recreation scene. We will delve into the inn's unique location and accessibility, the practical services it offers, and the key features that set it apart. Our goal is to provide a detailed, balanced, and engaging overview that encourages you to consider the Trailhead Inn for your next Minnesota adventure.

The Trailhead Inn's location is a major factor in its popularity. Situated at 112 Center St SE, Preston, MN 55965, USA, the inn is uniquely positioned directly on the Root River State Trail system. This makes it the ideal lodging for cyclists, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who want to be as close to the action as possible. You can literally roll out of bed and onto the bike trail, which is a convenience that few other places can offer.

Beyond its immediate connection to the trail system, the inn’s location in Preston offers easy access to a variety of other attractions in Minnesota's scenic Bluff Country. Preston, known as "Minnesota's Trout Capital," provides great opportunities for fishing in the Root River. The inn is also just a short drive from several state parks, including Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park and Whitewater State Park, which are perfect for hiking and exploring unique geologic formations. The town itself has a charming downtown area with restaurants, coffee shops, and local businesses that are easily accessible from the inn.

For those traveling by car, Preston is a convenient hub located on Highway 52, making it an easy drive from cities like Rochester and other parts of Minnesota. The inn's location in a quiet area, with a large neighboring park, provides a peaceful atmosphere for guests to relax after a day of exploring. The easy-to-use keypad check-in process, which is communicated by the staff prior to arrival, also makes the experience simple and "painless," as noted by a reviewer. This combination of a prime recreational location and straightforward accessibility makes the Trailhead Inn a practical choice for any itinerary.

Services Offered

  • Keypad Check-in: The inn utilizes a convenient, self-service check-in system with a keypad code provided by the owners prior to arrival, making the process quick and easy for guests.

  • Good Communication: The owners are noted for their excellent communication, providing a sense of comfort and support to guests throughout their stay, from booking to check-out.

  • Pet-Friendly Accommodations: The Trailhead Inn is a pet-friendly establishment, allowing guests to travel with their dogs and enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area with their furry companions.

  • Complimentary Amenities: Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, providing essential conveniences for guests who want to store snacks or prepare simple meals.

  • Free High-Speed WiFi: Wireless internet access is available throughout the inn, ensuring that guests can stay connected and plan their daily adventures.

Features / Highlights

  • Direct Trail Access: The inn's most significant highlight is its location directly on the Root River Trail system, offering unparalleled access for bikers, runners, and walkers.

  • Spacious and Clean Rooms: Guests consistently praise the rooms for being spacious, clean, and very comfortable, providing a great place to relax after a long day of outdoor activities.

  • Varied Room Options: The inn offers a variety of rooms to suit different needs, including standard double queen rooms, single queen rooms, and a king jacuzzi suite.

  • Proximity to Local Attractions: The inn is conveniently located near a variety of attractions, including state parks, caves, a neighboring park, and the charming businesses of downtown Preston.

  • Outdoor-Focused Design: The inn has a dedicated deck that overlooks the bike trail, creating a pleasant space for guests to relax and take in the view.

Contact Information

Address: 112 Center St SE, Preston, MN 55965, USA

Phone: (507) 765-2460

For Minnesotans, the Trailhead Inn is the perfect base camp for exploring the state's beautiful Bluff Country. It's an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a solo trip to enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation the state has to offer. The inn’s direct access to the Root River Trail system is a huge advantage for local cyclists and hikers who don't want to waste any time getting to their destination. The pet-friendly policy also makes it a great choice for those who love to include their dogs in their travels, allowing for a more inclusive and enjoyable experience.

The combination of a clean, comfortable, and spacious room with the convenience of a prime location makes this inn a highly suitable option for locals. It's an opportunity to visit a "hidden gem" that provides excellent value and a seamless experience. By choosing the Trailhead Inn, you're not just booking a room; you're securing a home base for adventure and relaxation in the heart of one of Minnesota's most beautiful regions. The fact that guests say they would "definitely return" speaks volumes about the quality and appeal of this unique local establishment.

Trailhead Inn Photos

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Trailhead Inn Location & Map

112 Center St SE, Preston, MN 55965, USA

Reviews

We were hiking state parks in southeastern MN and found the Trailside Inn to be a perfect location for us. The room was spacious, clean and the beds were very comfortable. I would definitely return for another stay when I am in the area. Good communication from the owners also☺️

Jun 09, 2025 · L Carlson

This hidden gem was such a great find! Easy access, huge park neighboring, clean and very spacious room. Booking was easy and the check in process was painless. We will stay again if we are ever in the area. Also, pet friendly!

Nov 10, 2024 · Ellie Ganser

Central to downtown, bike trail, and trout streams. Bike the Minnesota Bike trail through hardwood forests and alongside bubbling brook trout streams for magical workouts.

Apr 26, 2025 · Connie Newgard

Excellent value, great location, friendly service--and CLEAN. It's not a fancy hotel, but it's exactly what you need if you're in the area to bike and explore the area. We enjoyed our visit this past weekend and plan to come again later in the year. There is an ice cream shoppe attached, a park with grills across the street, and you can't get much better than lodging RIGHT on the root river trail. Rooms are spacious, but as other reviewers have stated the walls are pretty thin. We brought a fan along for white noise and had no problems at all.

May 30, 2023 · Heather Johnson

We spent 4 days, the room was clean. Prices are fair. Loved there was a table and chairs in the room.Only complaint would be the refrigerator was wobbly and froze most of our food. Other then that we really enjoyed our stay. Hiked at 2 state parks and visited a few of the neighboring towns. We will be back,love the location. Loved the town. We liked that we had access to grills and could eat our meals in instead of eating out.

Jul 23, 2023 · Anne Wagner

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