Dining, Shopping, Lodging & Nightlife
I am looking for ideas for local coffee shops or cafes.
Winona loves its coffee! Offering an array of home-grown coffee shops and cafes with distinctive coffee blends and irresistible fare with so many different vibes and menus to choose from.
Can you recommend a restaurant that would suitable for a group of adults who want a upscale atmosphere and a variety of menu and cocktail options?
Winona has several restaurants to eat at ranging from home-cooked goodness to white linen sophistication. Winona’s dining options will not leave you disappointed and has something for everyone.
Is there a hotel on the Mississippi River?
The beautiful, new Hotel 44 North opened in November 2025 in the heart of downtown Winona, boasting stunning views of the Mississippi River and our historic downtown. This area also has an excellent variety of private apartments and cottages that you can rent from owners that have outstanding river views as well.
Is there a restaurant that serves Polish food?
The Polish Museum hosts an annual celebration of the apple season with live music, ethnic dancing, Polish treats, and a silent auction but there isn’t a restaurant in Winona that has a Polish menu. For more information, visit here.
Entertainment & Arts
Can I tour a stained glass studio, and where can I see stained glass windows?
Winona is known for its stained glass and has many buildings and churches that have stained glass windows. There is a self-guided tour of stained glass windows in Winona. You can download ourStained Glass Tour Brochure for more information.
For groups of 10 more people, Willet Hauser Architectural Glass offers tours of their renowned stained glass window firm.
Are there any Mississippi River cruises?
To see the best the mighty Mississippi has to offer, come aboard the Winona Tour Boat, offering 90-minute narrated sightseeing tours Wednesday through Sunday, April through October.
The Cal Fremling Boat provides rich, hands-on educational experiences for thousands of students in the region, fostering greater awareness and stewardship of the Mississippi River as a natural resource. The public can also reserve the boat for special occasions or meetings. Consider having your next board meeting, social gathering, birthday celebration, wedding reception, corporate event, or family reunion aboard the Cal Fremling.
When can I see fireworks in Winona?
Winona’s fireworks take place during Steamboat Days in June. Steamboat Days, Winona’s annual summer festival, runs the second week of June and the grand finale of firework displays is on the last day of the Festival, a Sunday evening at Levee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. For the 4th of July fireworks, you can make the short trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin.
You can also see fireworks at the close of Goodview Days, which is held the second week in August.
Do you have a trolley or bus tour of Winona?
Winona used to have two trolleys that gave tours of Winona and provided group transportation but it doesn’t operate any longer. If you are part of a group tour visiting Winona, the Winona County Historical Society offers a step-on guide that will offer a Winona city tour.
Family & Pet Travel
My family is thinking about moving to Winona. Can you tell us about living in the area?
Winona is a wonderful place to live, especially if raising a family. It has a small-town feel with big-town resources.
Outdoor recreation is very abundant for each season. There are lots of extra-curricular activities available to families, organized events, and beautiful things to explore. Winona is also home to many museums, cultural opportunities, and festivals for the whole family to enjoy. The two universities offer both athletic and arts events that are open to the public.
The neighborhoods include both historic Victorian homes and more modern homes. Because of less land available in the city, newer homes and neighborhoods are being developed in outlying valleys and atop the ridges of the bluffs.
Where can I camp with an RV in the fall?
Camping in an RV is available at both Prairie Island Campground and Camp Everyday Campground until late fall.
What are some things to do with younger children?
Winona has lots of outdoor parks and playgrounds for children! Some family favorite parks to frequent are:
Where can the family go swimming?
The Bob Welch Aquatic Center is a great place to swim in the summer and features a kiddie pool, concession stand, and water slide. There are free swimming areas at Michael La Canne Memorial Park in Goodview and Latsch Island, but please note there is no lifeguard at these locations. Remember the Mississippi River current is strong and can be dangerous.
The Winona YMCA has two indoor pools and non-members/visitors can purchase a day pass to use them during their open hours.
In about a twenty-minute drive, there is a large outdoor swimming pond available at Money Creek Haven Campground during the summer months. There is a day-use fee for school-aged kids and over.
Thirty minutes away near Saint Charles is Whitewater State Park and they have an outdoor swimming beach area on the Whitewater. Visitors need a vehicle pass.
What parks allow dogs?
Technically, dogs are only allowed in certain places, but the city is readdressing some of their ordinances and that may change in the future. Winona’s dog park is located at Prairie Island and is a designated off-leash area where your pup can run free.
Other places to hike with a dog include the Holzinger Trails, West Lake Trail, and the Prairie Island Nature Trail, but dogs must be on a leash.
General Questions
Where are ATM machines located?
All the Kwik Trip convenience stores have fee-free ATM machines. ATM machines can also be found at local banks such as Merchants Bank, WNB Financial, and Wells Fargo, all of which have locations downtown.
Does Winona have an airport?
Yes, the Winona Municipal Airport – locally referred to as Max Conrad Field - is located at 106 Galewski Drive. It features a 5100 feet paved runway, automated weather services, instrument approach to airport, 100LL and Jet A with prist fuel, maintenance crew facilities, and hangar and T-hangar facilities.
Is there Amtrak service to Winona?
There is an Amtrak Train depot in Winona and it is located at 65 E. 11th Street. The Empire Builder arrives in and departs from Winona twice a day, and Amtrak’s new Borealis line is a daily passenger train between St. Paul, Milwaukee and Chicago which goes stops right in the heart of Winona There are parking options to leave your car at the Amtrak station while you take the train to your destination. Lyft drivers or theWinona Transit Service, which has a stop at the depot, are the best option for getting from the depot to your destination.
Where are the nearest airports?
The closest public airport is 30 miles from Winona, the La Crosse Regional Airport, and has daily flights with American Airlines to Chicago.
The Rochester International Airport is 45 miles from Winona, and has daily flights with Delta to MSP airport, with American Airlines to Chicago.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is 125 miles from Winona.
What are some ways to get around Winona without a vehicle?
There are several ways to get around town without your own vehicle!
Lyft Rideshare Service: Download the app and get a ride from a local, verified driver.
Bird E-Scooters: Available seasonally. Download the app to find a nearby electric scooter and rent.
Bicycle Rentals: Adventure Cycle and Ski: Call 507-452-4228 to access their rental fleet of traditional bicycles, e-bikes, mountain bikes and more year-round.
The Winona Transit Bus Service runs Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with pickup and drop-off locations conveniently located all around Winona and Goodview. Buses pick up and drop off anywhere along the four routes, you can request a Deviation from the route up to four blocks for $0.75. If you need to get picked up or dropped off more than four blocks from a bus route, Dial-a-Ride can get you there for $3.50. Call Dispatch at 507-454-6666 to schedule Deviation pickups and Dial-a-Ride service. Trip planning is available on Google Maps and the Transit App.
*Getting to Rochester, Twin Cities, Milwaukee or Chicago
Amtrak Train (To St. Paul, MN; Milwaukee, WI; or Chicago, IL): Winona’s historic train station now welcomes two Amtrak line stops, daily. Amtrak’s Empire Builder eastbound arrives in Winona around 10:54am; westbound around 8:34pm. The new Amtrak Borealis eastbound arrives in Winona at 1:40pm; westbound arrives at 4:36pm.
Green Fleet offers private, door-to-door shuttle services from the Winona Amtrak Station or any area location to the MSP Airport. View more information here or call 715-898-8022.
Jefferson Bus Lines runs daily routes from the Winona State University Huff Street bus stop to many regional destinations including the St. Paul-Minneapolis Airport, Mall of America, Rochester, MN and more. Call 858-800-8898.
Where can I access free Wi-Fi in Winona?
Winona has an abundance of Wi-Fi service available for free. City leaders have turned several public spaces into hot spots, including Lake Park Lodge, the Bob Welch Aquatic Center, Prairie Island Campground, and Levee Park. City Hall and the Winona Public Library have free wireless as well. See a complete list of city Wi-Fi hotspots here.
Outdoor Spaces
Does Winona have bike trails?
Winona has a 5.5 mile paved biking and walking path around Lake Winona. It is a flat route and encompasses the natural beauty of the bluffs and native species.
The Flyway Trail is an 8 mile Loop that connects Winona and Wisconsin and the trailhead is located in Winona at Levee Park. It crosses over the interstate bridge to Latsch Island and again crosses over the John Latsch Historic bridge into Aghaming Park in Wisconsin which leads to the Flyway Trail bridge that crosses over the railroad tracks that connects to Hwy. 35/54 to Buffalo City Park.
The Mississippi River Trail Bikeway which runs through Minnesota and northern Iowa also winds through Winona on city roads and state highways.
The City of Winona has bikeways (pdf) for those who want to ride within the city limits.
The bluffs facing Winona have miles of beautiful single and double-track trails that range from gentle slopes to adrenaline-rush descents.
Where can I go ice skating?
Winona’s Parks and Recreation department has done a fantastic job of making ice rinks accessible all around town.
The Lake Lodge Recreation Center on East Lake Winona is your place for all outdoor winter activities. For a small yearly/daily membership fee, you can take advantage of skate rentals, snowshoe rentals, broomball, and other winter games. They also have free Wi-Fi and warm, cozy fires. There is no fee required to skate on the lake with your own equipment.
Bud King Ice Arena is an option if you’re looking for an indoor location or open hockey. There are different times and options depending on what type of skating you’re looking for.
Here’s a list of the other rinks around town. Please check the Parks & Rec website for skating rules and specific information of each location.
- Tillman Lodge Rink – 549 Kerry Drive
- Valley Oaks Rink – 260 Valley Oaks Drive
- Knopp Valley Rink – 200 Knopp Valley Drive
What are guidelines for having outdoor celebrations or events at a city park?
The City of Winona has many lodges, shelters, gazebos, fields, historic places, and fields for the public to rent for your special event. Please click here for more information about those facilities.
If you are not looking for a shelter, you are welcome to gather in any open spaces in Winona parks, but please note that alcohol is not allowed in those settings.
Do you have any suggestions for a fishing guide service?
Captain Jon Borreson offers a fishing guide service; he is an avid bass tournament fisherman and enjoys many other outdoor activities including hunting and trapping. For more information on his services, click on this link.
Another option would be working with outdoorsman Steve Briggs at Briggs Farm, where you can stay overnight, and with a group.
The Rutting Ridge Outfitters (running from Red Wing to Winona), offer guide services. As well as On the Fly Guide Service.
Do you have a link to snowmobile clubs in the Winona area?
There is an active Winona/Lewiston Snowsports snowmobile club and they have a facebook page where you can learn more information.
Is there public hunting allowed on the city owned property in parks or in the marsh adjacent to Prairie Island road?
Hunting is not allowed on the city side of Prairie Island but it is on the riverside unless it’s part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife area. The Winona City Ordinance does not allow hunting on any city owned lands. Privately owned property zoned Agricultural can be hunted upon, following all DNR regulations.
For hunting locations, regulations, and licensing, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Where is a flat paved bike trail in Winona?
Because Winona is located in a valley, much of the biking is flat and includes both road biking and a designated path for multi-use. Winona’s most popular bike trail is located at Lake Park. It is a paved path surrounding East and West Lake Winona and the total distance is six miles.
See more information about Winona’s city’s bike trails.
Where is the best place to view Fall Colors in Winona?
Winona is surrounded by bluffs that turn many beautiful colors in the Fall. We have several parks where you can view the Fall colors: Lake Park, Levee Park, Garvin Heights Park and Overlook, Bluffside Park and Holzinger Lodge, and Latsch Island Park.
View Winona Parks.
Do the parks provide grills for outdoor grilling?
The Winona Park and Recreation department does not have grills in the city parks, but picnickers can use their own grills in the city parks.
Where can I fish without a boat?
Lake Winona has several fishing piers located around the lake that accommodate people who want to fish without a boat. Levee Park is located on the Mississippi River and people are allowed to fish from the levee. Minnesota fishing licenses can be purchased at Burggraff’s Ace Hardware, Fleet Farm, and Walmart.
View the Winona fishing map (pdf).
Where is the trail to Sugar Loaf?
Reaching nearly 585 feet into the sky, Sugar Loaf is a storied symbol of Winona and is known by all as its most distinguishing landmark. Hiking trails along its newly-updated front side of Sugar Loaf Bluff offer adventure seekers a unique vantage point to see the city. Users can access the trail behind Edina Realty. Parking is available on Lake Boulevard; not in Edina Realty or Treasures Under Sugar Loaf parking lots. Please note that motorized sports are not allowed on the trail.
To climb to the top of Sugar Loaf, it is advised to use climbing equipment.
How long do the swans, blue herons, and eagles stick around in the spring?
Birds are fairly weather-dependent and will take advantage of weather patterns when migrating. However, in general terms, the swans are very “flashy” in the spring. The trumpeter swans will be seen in small family groups and can actually stay all winter and disperse very quickly as soon as the ice starts to break. The tundra swans rarely make an appearance here in the spring but are our top “viewable” species in the fall, generally peaking during the second week of November.
Great blue herons nest here, so they start showing up sometime in mid-late March and begin working on nests in the colonies shortly after they arrive. They typically begin nesting from mid-late April and the young usually fledge in early-mid July. We ask that people stay out of the heron colonies once the birds arrive as they do not do well with human disturbance.
Bald eagles are here year-round, but are most easily seen in late March when they congregate around the breaking ice. Nesting pairs begin working on nests in early January, laying eggs in Feb if the conditions are favorable. The birds that are passing through to more northerly destinations generally follow the breaking ice and disperse quickly once the river opens.
Where can I rent a canoe or kayak in Winona?
Watercrafts are plentiful in Winona and here are some places you can rent them:
- Lake Lodge: Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and everything else you’ll need to get out on Lake Winona.
- The rental center at Prairie Island Campground rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, tents, sleeping bags, pads, and more and is located on the upriver side of the campground near the public boat launch and spillway.
- Broken Paddle Guiding Company: Leads daily guided paddles throughout the waters of Winona and surrounding areas.
Is there any place to rock climb in Winona?
The Sugar Loaf Bluff sits 600 feet above Winona and is a popular destination for rock climbers. It is recommended that you use rocking climbing equipment to climb the rock formation. For professional climbing assistance, the Big River Climbing Guides serves the Winona area with professional rock and ice climbing trips throughout the year.
The Winona State University Outdoor Education Center offers open climbing activities, beginning in the Fall Semester.
Winona has an ice park that cascades hundreds of feet down the bluffs to create one of the country’s premiere climbing opportunities. Climbers have the opportunity to scale hundreds of vertical feet of quality ice found on the bluffs at 1183 West Lake Boulevard. It is a free attraction but the City of Winona does not offer guiding or equipment for the Ice Park; however, the Big River Climbing Guides provide that service.
Where can I dock a boat in Winona?
The municipal boat harbor, Dick’s Marine is located across the interstate bridge (Highway 43), across the river from Winona. The Marina has a limited number of slips for overnight docking. Call for the daily docking rate.
The Winona Marina is another marina located on the main channel of the Mississippi River. Boats may moor along Levee Park with limited restrictions, and at no cost.
View full list of Marinas & Landings.
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