Ask A Local


Frequently Asked Questions

To get the most out of a visit, sometimes you need to talk to a local. Well we’ve got you covered. Look below at the answers to some frequently asked questions about the Winona region, and if you don’t see yours, use the link below to send it in to our team of Winona experts. Answers will be posted below.

To ask a local a question click here:


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  • Is there taxi service in Winona?+

    There are two taxi services in Winona: Economy – 507-454-7433, and Yellow Cab – 507-452-3331

    It is possible once in a while to hail a taxi on the street, though the number of cars is limited, so calling for a pick-up is best. Taxis are available around the clock.

  • Do you have a trolley or bus tour of Winona?+

    Yes, you can get a guided tour of Winona. The Trester Trolley operates two trolleys and accommodates up to 27 passengers each.  Saturday Tours depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the Holiday Inn, Plaza and Riverport Hotels and last approximately 90 minutes.
    Monday-Friday Tours depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. from the Trester Trolley Depot at 956 Mankato Avenue (just north of Highway 61 next to Perkins) and last approximately 60 minutes.For more information call 507-429-9101 or visit the Trester Trolley page.

    Visit Winona can arrange a step-on guide for a bus group tour. For more information, visit our group tour page: Group Tours

  • 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 daily rate increases based on length of boat, need for electricity, etc.

    The Winona Marina is another contact. Boats may moor along Levee Park with limited restrictions, and at no cost. Call  507-457-8200 for more information about Levee Park docking.

  • Is there any place to rock climb in Winona?+

    If you’re looking for an outdoor rock climbing experience, we encourage you to join the Winona State Outdoor Education and Recreation Center on their Sugarloaf climbing excursions every Tuesday starting the last weekend in August. Professional guides and equipment make for a safe and enjoyable climb. These weekly events will depend on the weather, but typically last until the last weekend in October.

    Winona also has a state of the art indoor climbing center located at Winona State University which is one of the largest university climbing walls in the Midwest, and features:

    • -Nearly 6000 square feet of climbing surface
    • -32 top ropes
    • -Two bouldering walls up to 14ft tall
    • -Belay ledge
    • -Traditional climbing anchor practice wall

    With a friendly and knowledgeable staff who will provide you with all the equipment needed to climb, this facility is welcoming to beginners and experts alike.

    507.457.2940, OPEN TO ALL, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sat & Sun: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., located at 351 Lafayette Street.

    For more information on both of these climbing options, click here.

  • What are some ways to get around Winona without a vehicle?+

    There are many ways to get around town without your own vehicle, one option is using public transportation, the Winona Transit Service, that runs Monday through Saturday with pickup and drop-off locations conveniently placed all around Winona.

    You could also take a taxi. Winona has two cab companies that operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call Economy Cab Company: 507-454-7433, or the Yellow Cab Company: 507-452-3331.

    For a more leisurely way to get around town, you could rent a bicycle from downtown bike shop, Adventure Cycle and Ski, For more information, call the shop at: 507-452-4228

  • Where can I rent a canoe or kayak in Winona?+

    Watercrafts are plentiful in Winona, here’s 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, available to rent with an annual Park and Rec membership fee of $10.

    WSU Outdoor Education and Recreation Center: You can rent a kayak or canoe from the OERC and take it right on the Mississippi river, or any other body of water. You can also rent camping, backpacking and rock climbing equipment from a very friendly and knowledgable staff.

    Driftless Adventure Company: Provides professionally guided kayak tours throughout the most scenic areas of the Mississippi.

    Broken Paddle Guiding Company: Leads daily guided paddles throughout the waters of Winona and surrounding areas.

     

  • How long do the swans, blue herons, 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 is the trail to Sugar Loaf?+

    These are the directions to get to the base of Sugar Loaf:
    At the intersection of Hwy. 61/43   take  Hwy. 43 going South and then an immediate RIGHT at Lake Blvd towards the Sugarloaf Antique Mall. Take the first LEFT onto Sugarloaf Road. Take a RIGHT onto West Burns Valley Rd.  Take the road to the Sugarloaf booster station (it is on the right). Follow steps up to the booster station (brick building).  Follow the path on the right side of the Booster station to the base of Sugar Loaf.

    To climb Sugar Loaf, it is advised to use climbing equipment.

  • 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 and Winona National Bank.

  • 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 Daniel’s Ace Hardware, Fleet Farm, and Walmart.

    Please click here for the Winona Fishing map: Winona Fishing 

     

  • What are some things to do with younger children?+

    Here are some suggestions for things to do with your children. The Playground is an indoor park for kids ages 1-12 years of age and indoor batting cages for all ages. Lake Park has playgrounds as well as canoe/kayak and bicycle rental. The Bob Welch Aquatic Center is a state of the art, outdoor water center. The Anthem Skate Park is an indoor skatepark and is open year round and is located on the same property as the aquatic center.