2024-2025 Visitor Guide

32 I Winona, MN A Guide to Historic Bluff Country
Expansive panoramas, stately bluffs rising against the
edges of thick, forested valleys, and in the middle of it all,
a city on a massive sandbar along the powerful Mississippi
River. Winona is a quintessential river city rich in history,
culture, arts, architecture, and natural beauty.
Home to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife &
Fish Refuge, the river provides a backdrop
for limitless wildlife — literally
millions of birds — and aquatic life
on the Mississippi River Flyway. At
Great River Bluffs State Park, dense
hardwood forests and native wildflower
prairies frame the valley below.
Named one of the “Best Places to
See Fall Color” by CBS Minnesota,
it’s no wonder why it has also been
chosen one of National Geographic’s
“World’s Greatest Driving Tours.”
Looking out from the highest vantage
point, 450 feet above the city,
is the famous Sugar Loaf landmark,
which resulted from limestone quarrying
in the 1880s. Native American legend ties the site to the
well-known cap of Dakota Nation Chief Wapahasha, turned
to stone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be keen to hike trails up the
bluff to its base, offering a dramatic view point.
Across the bluff sits Garvin Heights Park with inspiring outlooks,
hiking, and restored goat prairies. Below, encircling Lake
Winona, is Lake Park, home to the C.A. Rohrer Rose Garden,
Veterans Memorial Park and Bandshell. Levee Park allows an
up-close encounter with the Mississippi River. Occasionally,
paddlewheel and other historic riverboats still dock here.
Walking tours of historic homes, churches, banks, and
courthouse highlight the culture of early settlers. Astounding
glass art within the city has earned Winona the designation of
Stained Glass Capital of the U.S. along with
the largest stained glass studio company.
Attractions such as the Minnesota Marine
Art Museum, Polish Cultural Institute
and Museum, Watkins Heritage Museum,
and Winona County History Center continue
the storytelling of Winona’s past and
present.
Fine and performing arts thrive
in Winona. Area artisans’ diverse works
are showcased in a variety of places, and
many of the artists participate in the Bluff
Country Studio Arts Tour, Theatre du
Mississippi, a professional company, the
Performance Center at St. Mary’s University,
Winona State University Arts, Theatre,
& Dance, and MN Conservatory of the Arts continue to grow
the development and production of arts programs.
Festivals are a popular draw to Winona. Mid West Music Fest
(May), Dixieland Jazz Festival (July), Minnesota Beethoven
Festival (June-July), Steamboat Days (June), six-week Great
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