Things to Do in Winona
Winona is a quintessential college town located along the banks of the Mississippi River and limestone bluffs of Southern Minnesota. Amtrak's newly commissioned Borealis route rolls past the picturesque hillside and along the waterways connecting Winona to the Twin Cities and Chicago.
Find out why its vibrant community is worth a visit below....
Shopping
ORNO Gift + Home
Proudly showcasing one-of-a-kind items that spark joy, ORNO makes gift-giving for any occasion a breeze. Grab a friend and become BFF’s on the spot with its permanent jewelry selection in-store.
Green Thumb Artistry
Welcome to the jungle in this house-plant lover’s paradise! From unique finds like terrariums to hanging plants and succulents, this store is full of flora and fun.
Heart’s Desire
Pop into this historic corner shop for home decor, food and accessories. The warm, knowledgeable staff will make your shopping experience worth the trip.
Loft on Third
A hip women’s clothing store with all the trendy accessories and shoes for your wardrobe.
Yarnology
The art of knitting has been around for centuries but is having a renewed moment. With funky colors and patterns strewn around the store, this cozy living room — paired with a passionate and knowledgeable staff — offers all-things knitting and crocheting for the novice or experienced hooker.
Outside Activities
Bluffside Park
Bring your bike and lace up your boots to hit Bluffside Park’s single track mountain biking and hiking trails around Holzinger Lodge. The wide variance in difficulty and trail type throughout the park makes it an ideal location for both beginners and experts. Throughout the Bluffside region, there are miles of premier hiking trails, and picturesque lookouts.
Garvin Heights Overlook
This expansive overlook is around 540 feet above the city and offers sweeping views of the Mississippi. Lined by hardwood forests, an old oak savanna and a restored goat prairie, it can be reached via a winding road or a hike up 378 man-made steps on the upper part of the trail.
Lake Park
This park has you covered for family-fun activities in every season. No boat? No problem; rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and more at Lake Lodge Recreation Center throughout the summer. In the winter, lace-up some rental skates and take to the natural ice rink or rent snowshoes for a stroll. When spring is in the air, bike or walk around the scenic Lake Park paths encircling Winona’s East and West Lakes and bring the kids out to enjoy “Every Child’s Dream,” an inclusive, 16,000+ square foot accessible playground overlooking the bluffs.
Levee Park
Many of Winona’s community events take place right along this waterfront park. Enjoy the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in the summer and WinonArts’ Live at the Levee event or test out your climbing skills on two manmade boulders. They’re free, open to the public, and located on the east end of Levee Park.
Food & Drink
Bloedow Bakery
Bloedow Bakery has served its signature donuts since 1924, along with a daily rotation of rolls and breads that helped it land on Saveur’s list of the country’s top 50 bakeries.
Blooming Grounds
With two locations in downtown, it’s easy to grab a gourmet coffee from your favorite barista at Blooming Grounds Express or Blooming Grounds Downtown (BGDT). But make no mistake at BGDT, it’s not just about the coffee; with an extended evening menu of beer, wine, pizza and other small plates, BGDT is an inviting space for food and fellowship, community gatherings and live music.
Muddled Thyme
Muddling means ‘well blended’ and that’s the feeling of this elevated cocktail and wine bar. The hand-crafted cocktails are made with Winona’s own Watkins extracts. And the brick oven-baked, Neapolitan-style pizzas, appetizers, salads, and decadent desserts are drool-worthy.
Nosh Scratch Kitchen
A real farm-to-table kitchen focused on fresh ingredients from the region, this Mediterranean-influenced American cuisine is so good that travel and food TV star Andrew Zimmern called it one of his favorites.
Peter’s Biergarten
Open May through October in the heart of downtown, this family-friendly spot is a fun place to hang outside while enjoying craft brews, ciders, wine and seasonal beverages. Try out a yard game or enjoy local music under the stars.
Sapori di Sicilia
Step into Winona’s replica of an Italian café, featuring house-made pastas and gelatos, daily baked goods, and Italian ice that treats your tastebuds to a tour de Sicily.
Festivals & Events
Boats & Bluegrass
Get passes early for this legendary music festival on the banks of the Mississippi River each September. Held on the beautiful Prairie Island Campground just a short drive from downtown, the festival’s two main stages and group campgrounds are surrounded on three sides by the Mississippi River. National musicians, on-site camping, and family camaraderie make this a festival that sells out every year.
Great River Shakespeare Festival
Plan to be in town between mid-June and late July to witness one of the finest Shakespearean theater companies in the country. The Great River Shakespeare Festival entertains more than 10,000 people annually and has put on two plays every summer for more than 20 years.
Winona Ice Fest
The steep bluffs of the Mississippi River valley paired with Minnesota’s fun-yet-frigid winters makes Winona the perfect backdrop for ice climbing. The annual Winona Ice Fest at the second biggest ice park in the country features approximately 100 climbing routes. Beginner and expert climbers are both encouraged to enjoy the festival’s live music and local programming, guided and themed climbs, vendors and more.
Things to Do
Glorious Glass Tour
This self-guided tour highlights the many historic buildings, churches and neighborhoods that helped Winona earn its reputation as the “the stained-glass capital of America”. Download the adventure app eAtlas to view a digital map and see the sites in-person.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Built on the banks of the Mississippi River, this museum features engaging art inspired by water from many different eras and mediums. Enjoy a picnic on the museum’s riverwalk, which is surrounded by a breathtaking prairie garden.
Sugar Loaf Bluff
Winona’s iconic rock formation sits around 500 feet above the city. Part of Winona’s storied past and very active present, the quarried limestone built much of Winona 150 years ago. Today it is enjoyed via biking and climbing routes to the towering top with sprawling views of the river valley that make it worth the climb.
Watkins Heritage Museum & Store
A real made-in-America story, the Watkins Heritage Museum & Store offers visitors a view into the company’s more than 150-year history with displays of old products, advertising, photographs and other memorabilia. The museum offers free admission and is connected to the Watkins Store that sells over 350 different Watkins products including Watkins Vanilla and Watkins Liniment.
Places to Stay
Alexander Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Located within walking distance of downtown, the Alexander Mansion is a luxuriously restored Victorian masterpiece offering wine and snacks in the evening and a four-course breakfast every morning.
AmericInn by Wyndham
This hotel offers a heated swimming pool and hearty free breakfast, along with glasses of wine and pints of beer at its attached pub.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Winona’s newest hotel offers a view of Sugar Loaf bluff, delicious complimentary breakfast, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor patio and indoor swimming pool and hot tub.
