Things to Do in Red Wing
Driving into Red Wing is an experience unto itself. Nestled in the Bluff Country area along the Wisconsin border, the city is surrounded by tree-rich groves, scenic pastures, and the winding, rushing water of the Mississippi River.
Red Wing offers visitors more than just gorgeous natural experiences, though. It also grants easy access to its rich history, quaint downtown district, and iconic stoneware. Despite having a population of around 16,000, Red Wing punches well above its weight as a getaway destination, whether you’re on a day trip or weekend away.
Here’s everything you need to do next time you’re in Red Wing.
Things to Do
Red Wing is home to a surprising number of small museums. They include the American Ski Jumping Museum and Hall of Fame, the Aliveo Military Museum, and the seasonal Red Wing Marine Museum.
Two compact museums centered on Red Wing’s storied history are essential stops. The Pottery Museum of Red Wing showcases the city’s nationally renowned pottery, from familiar stoneware to the rare “lunch pieces” that potters would make during midday breaks. It’s a window into why those pots became such treasured commodities.
When shopping downtown, pop into the city’s other best-known industry at the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum. While it’s a shoe store at street level, the top floor houses a small but fascinating museum that includes the Guinness-certified world’s largest boot. Standing 20 feet tall, the 2,300-pound boot is selfie-ready. (Literally; there’s a digital selfie station next to it.)
Red Wing always has art on display with events and festivals throughout the year, even during frigid winter months. February’s Big Turn Music Fest always draws people out into the snowy streets, with live music scheduled throughout downtown for two days in the dead of winter.
If you’re not arriving during a festival, the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts is a popular stop for a night out any time of year. Its calendar is loaded with live music, theater, family events, film screenings, and comedy nights.
Food & Drink
Even if you aren’t staying at the St. James Hotel, its Scarlet Kitchen & Bar is a top spot for an upscale dinner. Run by executive chef Cory Dufour, it emphasizes local ingredients and adventurous entrées with eye-popping plating. Alternatively, head to the St. James basement for a drink at its speakeasy-style cocktail lounge, The Port. It offers a luxurious atmosphere, what it calls “authentic Prohibition” cocktails, and an impressive collection of small-batch whiskies.
Mere blocks from the St. James sits Red Wing Barrel House, which lays claim to being the oldest bar in Minnesota. While that accolade may suggest a room full of surly lumberjacks and sawdust floors, that’s not what you’ll find. Instead, it’s a modern, dimly lit space with an expansive drink menu. It’s also the home of the locally beloved Beer Cheese Pizza.
When you need a quick pitstop downtown, Mandy's Coffee and Café is perfect for a quick coffee or salad. If you’re making a longer stopover, grab a book from its Fair Trade Books display; the full bookstore is just around the corner.
Similarly, Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop, across the street from Mandy’s, has award-winning donuts and coffee. Count yourself lucky if you’re in town when Hanisch offers its pączki, overstuffed donuts with rich, delicious dough.
Away from downtown, the Red Wing Brewery serves its own pizza, calzones and beer. It became the city’s first local brewery in more than 60 years when it opened in 2012. Red Wing Brewing doesn’t can or bottle its beer, so its taproom is the only place you’ll find Remmler’s Royal Brew (a rebooted historic recipe from 1896!), Red Wing Premium or Jordan Creek IPA.
Shopping
Red Wing’s historic downtown district is scenic and quaint. The streets are lined with locally owned, often unique shops, as well as the aforementioned Red Wing Shoe Store and its giant boot.
Highlights of the downtown shopping area include the upscale menswear store Heimie’s Haberdashery, the women's boutiques Phileo Style and Forever Adored, Red Wing Olive Oils and Vinegars, health food headquarters Simple Abundance, and Fair Trade Books.
Away from downtown, the West End offers scattered antique and pottery shops near the Pottery Museum.
Outdoor Activities
The Bluff Barn Trail at He Mni Can-Barn Bluff Regional Park is an essential hike in Red Wing. The trail takes roughly an hour, offers easy parking and features a pair of incredible lookout points. It’s also a nice, if busy, spot to watch Fourth of July fireworks.
While you are far from roughing it on this trail, the path can get quite steep. Sturdy shoes and a camera are recommended.
For a longer hike that winds through Red Wing’s gorgeous natural surroundings, the Cannon Valley Trail is built along the old Chicago Great Western Railroad line, with 19.7 miles of paved paths and incredible scenery through Cannon Falls, Welch, and Red Wing. The path reflects the region's natural beauty. The trail is suitable for bikers, hikers, and cross-country skiers in the winter months.
Places to Stay
There are hotels and a handful of bed-and-breakfasts in the area. But the crown jewel of local stays is the historic St. James Hotel. Built in 1875, the building offers a gorgeous view of the Mississippi River, particularly from its patio. The rooms capture that historic feel, and with the available views and downtown location, you get the absolute best of Red Wing in all its details.
