Winona is serious about ways to play – even in winter. High above the Mississippi, just northwest of the iconic Sugar Loaf, lies one of Winona’s newest parks. It’s not the typical green space, but instead a veil of ice flowing down from atop the bluff. Hundreds of feet of hose slowly shower water down the stone walls of an old quarry to create the Winona Ice Park—one of just a few of its kind in the nation.
The Winona Ice Park is a premier ice climbing destination due to its location within the city of Winona, trail accessibility, and the quality of ice. This free attraction is not just for climbers: Hikers and snowshoers are welcome to enjoy the trail up to the park and watch the climbers in action.
The Winona Ice Park is made possible by a collaboration between generous landowners, the City of Winona, and the Director of Winona State University’s Outdoor Education and Recreation Center and local climbing guide Eric Barnard. For trailhead and climbing guide information, visit the City of Winona’s Park & Recreation website at cityofwinona.com.