A Local’s Guide to Renting at Lake Lodge Recreation Center
If you’ve spent any time walking the path around Lake Winona, you’ve probably noticed the little lodge tucked along the shore, with paddleboards leaning against the wall and bikes lined up out front. That’s the Lake Lodge Recreation Center, and it might be the most underrated way to spend an afternoon in Winona.
What’s Actually Here
Lake Lodge isn’t a restaurant or a museum — it’s a rental hub for getting out onto (or around) the lake. On any given day you can walk up and rent:
- Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards
- A “liberty boat” or sit-on-top kayak
- Bicycles, plus there’s a bike repair station on site if you need it
- Ice skates and snowshoes once winter rolls around
There’s also a small lineup of yard games — croquet, bocce, table tennis — for anyone who’d rather stay on dry land. Basic amenities like parking, restrooms, and WiFi are all there too, so it’s easy to make a half-day of it.
Renting: Daily or Seasonal
You’ve got two ways to do this. If you’re just in town for the weekend or want to try paddleboarding once to see if you like it, you can rent equipment for a daily fee, no strings attached. If you’re local, or you know you’ll be back again and again, a seasonal or annual membership is worth a look. *Kids four and under are free
- Enter the lodge via the W Lake Street entrance (free parking available on W Lake Street or in the nearby Veteran’ Memorial Park/Lake Bark Bandshell Parking Lots).
- Check in at the help desk to purchase your day/annual pass, fill out the waiver, etc.
- Important to note:
- All membership and day pass sales are final
- All participants must sign a waiver and check in with Lake Lodge staff at every visit
- Each person needs to purchase a day pass or have a valid yearly pass
- Individuals under 16 must have a parent/guardian sign waiver and accompany them on the lake
- Individuals under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign waiver
- No alcohol is allowed
- Important to note:
- Retrieve equipment & listen to important instructions/return policy
- Have fun!
When to Go
Lake Lodge runs on a seasonal schedule rather than staying open year-round. It’s typically active in January–February and again May–September, with hours running weekday afternoons and evenings and slightly longer hours on weekends — though it’s always worth double-checking the current schedule before you head over, since hours can shift depending on weather conditions.
Why It’s Worth It
What makes Lake Lodge stand out isn’t fancy amenities — it’s how easy the whole thing is. You don’t need to own a kayak or haul a bike rack to enjoy Lake Winona; you just show up. The trail circling the lake makes for a great warm-up walk or bike ride, the bandshell nearby hosts live concerts on Wednesday evenings during the summer, and the bluffs framing the lake make for one of the better views in town, especially from out on the water.
Whether you’re a Winona regular or just passing through, it’s a low-effort, low-cost way to spend a few hours outside. Grab a paddleboard, take the long way around the lake, and see why locals keep coming back.