Between its culture-rich arts and adrenalin-infused outdoor recreation, Winona is a legendary playground for grown-ups. But families with kids from 2 to 20 are finding plenty of ways to indulge in perfect summer days here too, with an abundance of family fun available no matter what tickles the family fancy. Here are five things families love to do when they are in Winona:
Bike to Your Heart’s Content
Winona and the surrounding area are crisscrossed by a couple hundred miles of biking trails, including everything from scenic Lake Winona bike paths to exciting single-track trails through the bluffs. If you want to get a little fresh air while you’re here, load up those bikes or, better yet, travel light and rent some while you’re in town from Lake Park Lodge or Adventure Cycle & Ski.
Check Out Cruise Night
Homemade root beer and delightful ice cream treats might be the highlights on the Lakeview Drive Inn menu, but the social highlight for the famous Winona drive-in restaurant is definitely Cruise Night, happening seasonally during the summer months. Depending on the theme, cool classic cars, modern-machine marvels, and tricked out rides converge on the eatery to add a little eye candy to the festive summertime scene.
Perfect Your Paddling
Nothing will fill a kid with wonder – or make them sleep better – than a paddle through the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Birds, turtles, splashing fish, and beaches dot idyllic paddling trails that wind their way through pristine sloughs and gentle bays. Don’t have a canoe or kayak? No problem, because Prairie Island Campground has a rental hub with everything you need to get out on the water for an hour or a day.
Make A Splash
The Bob Welch Aquatic Center is a mighty fun way to while away a summer day, with zero-depth kiddie pools, big-kid pools with diving boards, a playground, and one wicked slide to bomb for the brave among you. For a nominal daily fee, the Aquatic Center is open daily to visitors and locals alike and has plenty of green space for a picnic you tote along or a cute grub stand if you’d rather grab a snack while you’re there.
Try Something New
Whether your family wants to try its hand at stand-up paddleboarding, frolfing, or bicycles built for two, Lake Park Lodge in the amazing Lake Park is the epicenter of fun in Winona. Affordable membership passes give you access to all the equipment the lodge has to offer, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, log rolling, frisbee golf, and on and on and on. Open to visitors as well as locals, Lake Park Lodge is one of Winona’s most beloved family-friendly attractions.
This, of course, is just five of the dozens of things families love to do in Winona. Check out more summer fun options HERE and plan your escape today!