Annual Swan Watch Bus Tour Nov. 17
The Friends of the Refuge Headwaters will again offer a bus tour to view the fall migration and changing colors of the Upper Mississippi River from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday, Nov. 17.
Participants will have the opportunity to view migrating tundra swans and other waterfowl up close on the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The trip will also include a stop at a Refuge Visitor Center in Brice Prairie, WI.
The bus tour will leave from Winona, MN, travel to Brice Prairie, WI, and then travel down-river to the Brownsville Overlook near Brownsville, MN. Interpreters will be on-board to answer questions, and binoculars, spotting scopes and brochures will be provided for the tour.
There is limited seating and reservations are required. Cost is $25 per person, which includes a box lunch. There will be no refunds issued after the registration deadline.
New this year, to make your reservation and pay online, visit https://friendsoftherefugeheadwaters.org/swan-watch-2018/.
If you prefer to make your reservation by phone or email, contact Mary Stefanski at [email protected], or at 507-454-7351; please leave a message if she is unavailable when you call. Registration is due prior to Friday, Nov. 9.
Christmas House Tour highlights six area homes, church
The famous Christmas House Tour is Sunday, Dec. 2, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the Winona County Historical Society is excited to bring you a stellar line up of homes along with the First Baptist Church.
Explore six area homes and learn more about their history, architecture and get a look inside these privately-owned houses. Plus, these homes are decorated for Christmas for added splendor. Tickets are $12 members/$15 public and include a house history guide and map, along with a bag for your shoes. The self-guided tour begins at 3:00 pm and sites are open until 8:00 pm. Tickets are only available at the History Center in advance or the day of.
Find the list of homes and more at winonahistory.org or call 507-454-2723.
Stroll and shop during the 18th Annual Winona Art Walk
Be sure to attend the 18th annual Winona Art Walk and Tour on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Spend the day in beautiful downtown Winona at several sites that offer fine art, jewelry, crafts, locally-made furniture, and exquisite yarns. Learn print-making at the Winona Art Center and an Exchange Building Studio, and visit several home galleries. The day is a pre-holiday highlight for visitors and the community alike. This is a fun way to check off one-of-a-kind gifts on your holiday gift list. Learn more at facebook.com/WinonaArtWalk.
Nature Photographs by Craig Blacklock now at MMAM
The St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers: The Enduring Gift exhibition features photographs that capture the beauty, flora, and fauna of the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Specializing in photographing Lake Superior, Craig Blacklock is one of the country’s most distinguished nature photographers. This project celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, which gave protection to the Namekagon River, much of the St. Croix River, and created the cherished St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Blacklock will lead a free Gallery Walk & Talk on Saturday, Nov. 24, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, sharing his inspirations and technique behind his work. The exhibition runs through Jan. 20, 2019. For more information, visit mmam.org.
Image credit: Craig Blacklock, Looking Downstream from Minnesota’s Interstate State Park, 2017.
Winona Visitor Center to begin winter hours in November
The Winona Visitor Center on Huff Street has transitioned to Saturday and Sunday seasonal hours through March 2019. Residents and visitors alike are invited to stop in and find information about Winona area attractions, restaurants, lodging properties and more every weekend during the late fall and winter seasons. The Visitor Center also offers Winona and Minnesota gifts and gear, wares from local artists, and scenic postcards that share the beauty of our river city. Hours will be as follows:
- Nov. 3, 2018 through Mar. 31, 2019: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
For more information, call Visit Winona at 507-452-0735 or the Winona Visitor Center at 507-452-2278.
Arts abound with SMU, Page Series in Nov.
Saint Mary’s Theatre and Dance presents Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers, Nov. 1-3 at 7:30 pm, and Nov. 4 at 3:00 pm, at the Page Theatre on the Saint Mary’s University campus.
The Page Theatre will also host Page Series’ presentation of award-winning theatre company Tout à Trac in Pinocchio, Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 pm. The rebellious, cheeky, and careless Pinocchio discovers the meaning of growing up through a thousand trials in this original production featuring masks, puppets, and original music.
The Page Series continues Saturday, Nov. 10 at, the Valéncia Arts Center with Places Please!, a cabaret-style performance that offers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a performer. Starring Larry Keigwin and Nicole Wolcott of contemporary dance group KEIGWIN + COMPANY, Places Please! also features six guest performers from the Winona community. Performances will be 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, with cash bar available; perfect for date night!
For tickets and information, visit pagetheatre.org or call 507-457-1715.
WSU Music and Theatre Events feature jazz, international music and more
WSU Music will host a variety of faculty recitals, international concerts, and large ensemble performances throughout November, including:
- Nov. 4, 2:00 pm: Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Vivian Fusillo Main Stage Theatre
- Nov. 5, 7:30 pm: Guests Tulio Rondon, viola da gamba, & Tami Morse, harpsichord, Recital Hall
- Nov. 7, 7:30 pm: Lyceum – America’s Three, Vivian Fusillo Main Stage Theatre
- Nov. 9-10: Honor Jazz Festival, Vivian Fusillo Main Stage Theatre
- Nov. 9, 7:30 pm – WSU Jazz Ensemble with Tom Luer
- Nov. 10, 7:30 pm – Tom Luer with WSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble & select high school honor jazz musicians
- Nov. 15, 6:00 pm: International Music – Lyz Jaakola performing Anishinaabe music, Recital Hall
- Nov. 19, 7:30 pm: Jazz Combos, Kryzsko Commons Zane’s
WSU Theatre & Dance presents “Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight” Nov. 14-17 at 7:30 pm in the PAC Black Box Theatre. Emilie du Chatelet – 18th century French scientific genius & one of history’s most intriguing women – defends her life, makes a groundbreaking discovery, & establishes her legacy. Tickets are $6 for students, $12 for public. Box Office Hours: 12:00 to 4:00 pm, Nov. 12-16 and one hour before performances. Call 507-457-5230 or visit WSUArtsTickets.com for more information.