Wenneson Historic Inn

The Historic Wenneson Inn was built in 1904 along the tracks of the Southern Minnesota Railroad, now the beautiful Root River Bicycle Trail. Built by businessman W. A. Wenneson, the hotel served rail travelers coming through Peterson for many years. The building changed hands several times also serving as a boarding house and eventually apartments. It then sat empty for about ten years. In 1994 we completely restored and renovated it to bring it back to its historical beauty and charm. In 2001 the carriage house was converted into four rooms, making nine rooms with private baths available for guests (two have whirlpool baths), and our third-floor suite has two bedrooms and a sitting room, dormers and window seats overlooking the courtyard and hills.

We invite you to come sit on the front deck and watch trail activity. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the fountain and numerous song birds in the courtyard. In the evening watch the sun set over the western hills. Don’t worry about mosquitoes—there are virtually none here in Peterson—so you can enjoy the outdoors all evening. While indoors relax in your room decorated with antiques and period furnishings, enjoy reading a book in the parlor by the fireplace, or play a game of Cribbage or Scrabble in our light filled sitting room. We look forward to having you as our guest. —Barry and Pam Erickson, Innkeepers

Root River Area

Biking, rollerblading, hiking, golfing, bird watching, canoeing, tubing and fishing are all just minutes away on the beautiful Root River Trail and Root River. The Wenneson is centrally located on the Root River Trail in Peterson. The River, along with canoe, kayak and tube rental, are a short walk from the Wenneson. Bike east to Rushford and Houston one day and the next go west to Whalan, Lanesboro, Fountain, Preston and Harmony. In the winter you can cross county ski or showshoe on the groomed trails. For a great homecooked breakfast or lunch or yummy pie, Judy’s Country Kitchen is less than a block away. Friday night is her famous fish fry! You can also immerse yourself in early Peterson history at the Peterson Depot Museum.

Of all the places I have ever stayed (which are many), this is the most charming and lovely! I enjoyed and appreciated your wonderful antiques and the way you so beautifully used them to add to the charm of your rooms. I hope to be back again sometime. - - - Alma (Redlands, CA)