Ask a local

(She’s a real, verified Winona lifer. Since 1981, right after Thriller came out.)

I have worked for Visit Winona since 2008 and am the Visitor Services Coordinator. I have made Winona my home since graduating from Winona State University in 1981. My engagement in the community gives me a perspective and understanding of Winona which helps me answer a variety of questions that come from people interested in visiting Winona.

Ask A Local

Emily Kurash

Dining, Shopping, Lodging Expert

Mandi Olson

Family Travel

Patrick Menton

Outdoor Spaces

Jamie Schell

Arts & Entertainment

Mary Farrell

General Questions

Dining/Shopping/Lodging/Nightlife +

I am looking for ideas for local coffee shops or cafes (near Saint Mary’s University).
We would like to be able to sit down at a restaurant, not fast food or a Walmart, and possibly have a variety of menu options with some adult beverages.
Is there a hotel on the Mississippi River?
Is there a restaurant that serves Polish food?

Entertainment & Arts +

Can I tour a stained glass studio, and where can I see stained glass windows?
Are there any Mississippi River cruises?
When can I see fireworks in Winona?
Do you have a trolley or bus tour of Winona?

Family & Pet Travel +

My family is thinking about moving to Winona. We love the outdoors. Can you tell us about living in the area and what areas are good to live in?
Where can I camp with an RV in/near Winona in October?
What are some things to do with younger children?
Where can I rent a canoe or kayak in Winona?
Is there any place to rock climb in Winona?
Where can I go swimming?
What parks allow dogs?

General Questions +

Where are ATM machines located?
Does Winona have an airport?
Is there Amtrak service to Winona?
Where are the nearest airports?
What are some ways to get around Winona without a vehicle?
Where can I access free WI-FI in Winona?
Is there taxi or ridesharing services in Winona?

Group Activities +

What options are there for free group activities? I have a group of about 30 high school teens and 10 adult chaperones (40 people total) for a day trip.
Is there a facility that could accommodate a small-ish (50 people) convention for roleplaying games?
Can I tour a stained glass studio, and where can I see stained glass windows?
Are there any Mississippi River cruises?
Do you have a trolley or bus tour of Winona?

Outdoor Spaces +

Does Winona have bike trails?
Where can I go ice skating?
What are guidelines for having outdoor celebrations or events at a city park?
Do you have any suggestions for a fishing guide service?
Do you have a link to snowmobile clubs in the Winona area?
Where can I camp with an RV in/near Winona in October?
Is there public hunting allowed on the city owned property adjacent to prairie island road throughout the marsh area around Barlett lake toward Minnesota City?
Where is a good long (like 10 miles) flat paved bike trail in Winona?
Where is the best place to view Fall Colors in Winona?
Do the parks provide grills for outdoor grilling?
Where can I fish without a boat?
Where is the trail to Sugar Loaf?
How long do the swans, blue herons, eagles stick around in the spring?
Where can I rent a canoe or kayak in Winona?
Are there any Mississippi River cruises?
Is there any place to rock climb in Winona?
Where can I go swimming?
Where can I dock a boat in Winona?
What parks allow dogs?
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