Whether you’ve got a billion followers on the ‘Gram or you just like snapping cool vacation photos to prove you were there—we’ve got the Winona location list you’ve been looking for here. Winona, MN is a beautiful and scenic river town, so there are no shortage of stunning views, bluffs, and Mississippi River Valley shots to capture. That’s why many consider it one of the most visually jaw dropping areas of Minnesota. But even beyond our area’s breathtaking topography and picturesque landscapes, we have plenty of other little downtown oddities and interesting eye candy to document with your cameras and iPhones in super duper high res. That way, no one will be able to deny you’ve got really good taste and a really keen eye when they’re scrolling your feed!
Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka
Bloedow Bakery
Grab a photo in front in front of an iconic mural after you grab an iconic donut! Bloedow Bakery—a Winona, Minnesota institution since 1924—is a beloved local gem. Renowned for its delectable pastries and bread, this family-owned bakery has stood the test of time, becoming a cherished part of the community and “Minnesota’s Best Bakery”. From their iconic buttery rolls to an array of mouthwatering donuts with out of this world frosting, Bloedow Bakery’s commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every bite.
Cherry Blossoms at Lake Park
Spring is a great time to catch a shot of cherry trees blossoming at Lake Park. Winona showcased its growing ties with Misato, its Japanese sister city, through the planting of 20 new Sargent cherry trees. Winona was among 37 U.S. cities chosen to receive these trees from Japan, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tokyo’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. government, planted in Washington, D.C. The cherry blossoms serve as a perfect compliment to friendship and the beauty of the lake and our city.
Ecker’s Apple Farm
Attend an event like Honeycrisp Hootenanny or just any average day and you’ll get to capture something unique. Ecker’s Apple Farm is a renowned orchard offering a wide variety of apple varieties and other seasonal produce. Established in 1945, the farm has been a popular destination providing opportunities for apple picking and enjoying the scenic countryside. Ecker’s commitment to quality and tradition has made it a beloved fixture in the community for generations.
Garvin Heights Overlook
Great River Bluffs State Park
King’s Bluff is a highlight at Great River Bluffs State Park. Find breathtaking vistas of the Mississippi River and its surrounding bluffs from towering cliffs. You can explore several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks, immersing yourself in the park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park also provides camping facilities, allowing visitors to extend their stay and fully experience the beauty of the Mississippi River Valley.
John A. Latsch State Park
Admire amazing views from the overlooks and you’ll need the rest benches after climbing 592 steps—but so worth it! John A. Latsch State Park, located along the Mississippi River, features picturesque limestone bluffs and dense forestation. The park is known for its challenging hiking trails, including the King’s Bluff Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning views of the river valley from atop the cliffs. With its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, the park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Kinstone
There is definitely no way you can miss this area’s own Stonehenge! Kinstone is a serene and picturesque landscape featuring stunning stone structures and tranquil gardens. This unique destination serves as a center for sustainability and creativity, offering workshops and events focused on permaculture, sacred geometry, and natural building techniques. Visitors to Kinstone can explore the labyrinth, megalithic structures, and meditation spaces, immersing themselves in a harmonious blend of art, nature, and spirituality.
Latsch Island-Aghaming Park & Boat Houses
Bring your hiking boots and long pants for a trek through Aghaming Park for great photos! See 1,950 acres of some of the best preserved floodplain forest in the country and a pristine destination for bird watching. Start your walk on Latsch Island, just across the interstate bridge from downtown Winona, go over the old Wagon Bridge (be sure to stop and take in the views of Winona’s famous boathouse community), and continue down a road with a gorgeous tree canopy, or veer off to the right to find trails that meander through the lush riverside forest.
Lakeview Drive Inn
Winona’s oldest restaurant is one of the best, especially for a cool photo! Lakeview Drive Inn is an iconic stop, known for its classic fare and nostalgic atmosphere during the warmer months. Established in 1938, this family-owned drive-in restaurant has been a beloved fixture in the community for generations. Patrons can enjoy Cruise Nights with vintage cars and motorcycles, delicious burgers, fries, milkshakes, and homemade rootbeer floats while taking in scenic views of Lake Winona from their car or the outdoor picnic tables.
Levee Park
Experience a sunset behind the bridge or a large riverboat docking. Levee Park, along the banks of the Mississippi River, offers a picturesque setting for recreation and relaxation. With its scenic walking paths, green spaces, murals, and riverfront views, the park provides a unique escape in the heart of downtown. You can enjoy picnics, outdoor concerts, and festivals like Mid West Music Fest while soaking in the beauty and vibe of the Mississippi River.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Capture great photos inside the galleries or outside with a drink during Mississippi Sippin’ in the beautiful gardens. Minnesota Marine Art Museum houses a stunning collection of marine-themed artwork spanning centuries and cultures. From classic masterpieces to contemporary pieces, the museum celebrates the beauty and majesty of the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. With exhibitions, curatorial-led tours, and staged socials and parties—you can explore works by renowned artists and up and comers. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of maritime art.
Penguin Zesto East
This spot is a Winona favorite and the building is so adorable and unique, better get a pic! Penguin Zesto has been serving up great ice cream, shakes, burgers, and other fried foods at a great cost since 1949! Get Rockets, Zingers, Paddle Wheels, and even chocolate covered bananas and banana splits. When it’s nice out, you’ll see kids and adults lined up to get some creamy goodness!
Peter’s Biergarten Throne
Taking a photo in the Garten’s throne is becoming a Winona must do. When it’s warm out then it’s biergarten season and Peter’s Biergarten is a great place to be. You can enjoy a beverage including beers on tap, or perhaps make a new friend – all in this inviting open-air environment. There is also plenty of seating, live music on occasion, and you’re encouraged to bring in take-out from any of the nearby downtown eateries in this very unique venue.
Pickwick Mill
Get a photo of the mill water or a really nice waterfall just down stream from the mill. Pickwick Mill, nestled along the banks of the Root River just outside town is a historic landmark dating back to the mid-19th century. This beautifully preserved grist mill offers visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich agricultural and industrial heritage. Guided tours provide insights into the milling process and the significance of Pickwick Mill to the local community.
Princess Wenonah Fountain
Surrounded by lovely Victorian-era homes, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, this city block is adorned by bright perennial gardens, a gazebo, and of course, the graceful figure of Princess Wenonah sculpted by artist Isabel Moore Kimball, considered her best work. The sculpture is more than just the princess including three pelicans and three snapping turtles, which Isabel spent countless hours studying in Zoos. The statue was erected in Central Park in 1902, where it remained for more than 60 years. It moved to Lake Park, then Levee Plaza, and finally Windom Park in 1993.
Shoots and Ladders Mural
The Shoots and Ladders wall mural is a downtown Winona must see and photo stop. The piece is a vibrant and captivating artistic installation adorning a wall on the historic Odd Fellows Building on the corner of Third and LaFayette, across from Merchants National Bank. Depicting a playful interpretation of Minnesota wildlife in Maggie Panetta’s illustrative style, it serves as a delightful attraction for locals and visitors, adding a touch of whimsy and charm to Winona’s streetscape.
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota
Mary Garden on SMU campus is a breathtaking scene worthy of experiencing and capturing. St. Mary’s University of Minnesota is known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Founded in 1912, the campus boasts scenic beauty with lush greenery, sprawling lawns, and serene walking paths to create a tranquil atmosphere conducive to learning and reflection. With the majestic Mississippi River nearby and stunning views from various vantage points, the campus offers an inspiring backdrop for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Sugar Loaf Bluff
This is Winona’s most beloved icon, so obviously a needed photo. That rock pinnacle sitting 500 feet above the city is more than just iconic though, it is a part of Winona’s storied past and very active present. Chiseled away by original settlers for its distinctive limestone used in every manner of local building project, Sugar Loaf Bluff was originally a smooth dome cap that many said resembled the cap worn by the area’s Dakota Indian Chief Wapasha. Once it had been quarried to its current shape, it more resembled a lump of sugar our ancestors called a sugar loaf. Professional climbers have installed routes with varying degrees of difficulty all over it, and a new hiking trail to its base offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River Valley.
Winona Arts Center
This building is very old, full of history, and very cool to photograph. The historic Winona Arts Center, built in 1864 when Abraham Lincoln was President, was the only non-school facility in the area devoted to the arts. The venue provides creative performances, exhibits, and educational experiences in the arts.
Winona County Courthouse
Hey there super photog—want to get historical? Feast your eyes on this beautiful old Richardsonian Romanesque style building dedicated in 1889. One of the architectural gems from Winona’s era of riverboats and lumber barons is the Winona County Courthouse. This masterpiece is the first Minnesota courthouse to be listed on the National Register.
Winona County History Center
Winona is full of lots of history and rad stained glass, but this may be one of the coolest examples of both. Winona County History Center was founded in 1935 and the 1915 National Guard Armory became the current headquarters in 1973, with continued growth, adding the Laird Norton Addition later. You’ll always find rotating exhibits, interactive activies, and lots of engaging events.
Winona Ice Park
Talk about a cool view—literally! Winona is home to the second largest man-made ice climbing park in North America and climbers travel from around the country to enjoy the variety of ice formations located right here. In February, Winona Ice Fest, a collaborative event between the City of Winona, the Recreation Alliance of Winona, and Big River Climbing Guides, celebrates ice climbing and winter, in general, at the Winona Ice Park.
‘WINONA’ Letters at the Lake
The ‘WINONA’ Letters are an obligatory photo for first time Winona goers. And the trail around Lake Winona is most generally referred to around town as ‘the bike path’, but you’ll find folks jogging, rollerblading, skateboarding, and of course, walking on these beautifully maintained paved lanes that circle lovely our lovely lake. Huff Street separates the two sections of the lake. And there’s so much to see on your walk with views of the bluffs, a rose garden, numerous piers and docks, a frisbee golf course, a lodge that rents equipment, the beautiful Winona Bandshell, and the Visitor Center!
‘WSU’ Letters by Gazebo
Installed near the Gazebo, block letters provided by Winona State University alumni and staff member Bill Koutsky offers a striking backdrop for your photos. Showcasing Warrior Pride, individuals are encouraged to pose creatively beside this unique structure and share their enthusiasm on social media using the hashtag #WSUletters and then everyone can see! Plus, the rest of the campus is also very beautiful and certainly worth checking out when visiting.
Whitewater State Park
It’s a stunning view from atop the Elba Fire Tower at Whitewater State Park. Marvel in the park’s rugged limestone bluffs, pristine trout streams, and scenic hiking trails. Visitors can explore over 2,700 acres of natural beauty, immersing themselves in the peace of the park’s wooded valleys and cascading waterfalls. With opportunities for camping, fishing, birdwatching, and picnicking, Whitewater State Park offers an idyllic retreat for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Woodlawn Cemetery
You’ll be dying to check out this spot for photos! Woodlawn Cemetery was established in 1862, making it the oldest cemetery in the area. It’s a huge estate, resting in a cradle of bluffs, and is interwoven with beautiful tree lined roads. Many of the notable families of Winona are buried within this cemetery including the Watkins Family, the Lamberton Family, the Huff Family, and the Wanek Family. The cemetery contains many beautiful and elaborate mausoleums, headstones, and obelisks. It’s also the final resting spot of the only known Revolutionary War soldier buried in Minnesota!
