The Travel writes about us and tells everyone that regardless of the weather and the season, Winona’s breathtaking beauty is such that nothing can suppress it.
Minnesota. The very name conjures up images of a frigidly cold place, with trees shedding their leaves and a terrain that resembles parts of Nebraska or Kansas for their flatness. Of course, some of this information is correct. But some are just commonplace generalizations which are, to be honest, unwarranted attempts to paint the state with a broad brush. Of course, Minnesota is stunning. Perhaps, even more when the cold season is at its peak and trees are covered in frosty snow. The quintessential silver lining in a cloud. And while parts of Minnesota may have that overhyped pancake look, the Land of 10,000 lakes still boasts plenty of topography. Besides, is beauty all about mountains, hills, and ridges?
Aside from beautiful forests and parks, Minnesota boasts several charming small towns that are so enchanting and alluring. In this group is the small town of Winona, Minnesota’s sweetest small town that’s worth checking out.
Here’s What Makes Winona One Of The Sweetest Towns In Minnesota
For starters, Winona is, to a large extent, a college town that does a fine job of blending the small-town appeal with just the right sprinkling of big-town conveniences. This comes without the hustle and bustle of big cities as well as the unsettling cacophony they are known for. And then the backdrop. Winona is a riverside town, a setting that clothes the town with scenes and views that are hard to find anywhere else in the state. The stained-glass windows of Winona’s churches and banks; a glistening lake that’s beautifully fringed with paths for both walking and biking; and, of course, the bubbling glory and splendor of America’s second-longest river—all contribute to making Winona a stunning blend of old and new and the sweetest small town in this Midwestern U.S. state. In fact, Winona is sometimes called the “Stained Glass Capital of the United States.”
And with its mostly young population, obviously because of the presence of a number of universities and colleges, Winona will be anything but boring. Its demographic imbues it with a vibrant vibe that keeps it pulsating with youthful energy, a spirit of adventure, and palpable free-spiritedness. Additionally, a Winona visitor will be excited to discover an unbelievable range of enjoyable activities that seem to make Winona punch above its weight. This is especially true of the outdoors, even if it doesn’t really end there. This naturally brings us to what one can enjoy in Minnesota’s sweetest small town.
What You’ll Enjoy In Winona, Minnesota’s Charming Small Town
There are numberless things one will enjoy doing in this college town with a country frame. For an outdoors person, Winona has several enjoyable options on the menu. One of Winona Town’s most endearing features is Lake Winona. This is a favorite spot for water-based activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Encircling this beautiful lake is Winona City Park, which has within it a beautiful sandy beach, a rose garden (with a gazebo), and a number of picnic sites. This park also has lush playgrounds that are perfect for those with children, a skating rink that makes it a winter wonderland, and a golf course. There are also fields for both soccer and softball, while for hiking enthusiasts, Winona’s Lake Park boasts five miles of walking and biking trails.
Away from the lake and the park, the Mississippi River presents additional options for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Around the river, there are picturesque bluffs that are amazing to look at and admire though they are also wonderful spots for hiking. These include Sugar Loaf, perhaps Winona’s most recognizable landmark, and Brady’s Bluff. That’s without mentioning Garvin Heights, a breathtaking spot and an elevated one, from where one can take in panoramic views of the city of Winona and the expanse of the Mississippi River below. Winona is also an amazing shopping destination, besides having a lot of art as well as art festivals. Still, describing Winona is never complete without a mention of its music scene, which abounds with live music, especially on weekends.
Visiting Winona? Here’s What To Know
Also known as the Island City, Winona is located in southeastern Minnesota on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. It’s 50 miles east of Rochester and about 135 miles southeast of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. This sweet little town is nestled between towering bluffs that rise up to 500 feet in height and the Mississippi River valley. Those who want to make their way by car will be pleased to know that U.S. Highway 61 goes right through Winona.
The best time to visit Winona depends on one’s activities and interests. It will be important to note that Winona can be cold, especially in winter when the average high dips to between 30.8°F and 24.9°F. In the end, regardless of the weather and the season, Winona’s breathtaking beauty is such that nothing can suppress.
(original post on The Travel)