Downtown Walking Tours
Dramatic architecture whispers the history of Winona as you wander past its sculpted friezes, imported marble and imposing facades. A walking tour of historic downtown Winona takes you through nearly a dozen blocks lovingly preserved on the National Historic Register.
With the walking tour brochures as your guide, see the wealth of architectural treasures preserved through the historic district designation.
Downtown and riverfront historic districts map includes the Winona Public Library, J.R. Watkins, Winona City Hall, Hodgins House and many more.
Commercial historic districts map includes Winona history, an architectural details guide and many buildings in both the north and south side historic districts.
*Enjoy a Guided Tour with the Winona County Historical Society, offered seasonally
Winona State University Garden & Monument Tour
Over 125 acres of campus and nearby forested bluffs make up the Landscape Arboretum at Winona State University. The Arboretum…
Winona County History Center
Operated by the Winona County Historical Society, the History Center has three levels of traveling and permanent exhibits, including award-winning children’s interactive exhibits, trace Winona’s history . One of the finest local archives in Minnesota, the Laird Lucas Memorial Library researches family records for those with local ancestors.
Poetry Walk
Stroll and be inspired. The Winona Poetry Walk is a project of the Winona Fine Arts Commission and the City of Winona and consists…
Stained Glass
As an island of culture in the untamed frontier, many of the city’s businesses and churches built lavish structures, often employing noted architects such as George W. Maher, Purcell & Elmslie and Charles G. Maybury. Extensive stained-glass windows are an integral part of their designs, and the world’s finest craftsmen were hired to make them. Today, the buildings and their glorious windows remain as a symbol of that fascinating era.
- Purchase guidebooks highlighting more than 20 must-see stained glass sites throughout the city at the Winona County History Center or the Winona Visitor Center.
- Download the free adventure app eAtlas to take the digital “Winona’s Glorious Glass” Tour to see the sites in person and earn exclusive discounts and deals at several locations.
- Download the Stained Glass Winona Handout
- Download the Glorious Glass Tour Guide *Some information, particularly regarding group tours, may no longer be current
Merchants Bank
The historic Merchants National Bank building Merchants Bank was designed in the Prairie School architectural style. It was built in…
Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka
The cornerstone of the present red brick and stone structure was laid on October 28th, 1894. Just over a year later – Thanksgiving Day of 1895 – the beautiful and imposing church was dedicated. The church was designed in Romanesque-style in the form of a Greek cross.
Winona County Courthouse
Designed by the Winona firm of C.G. Maybury & Son and finished in 1889, this building has nearly 100 fine windows. Most are in private offices but many can be seen from hallways.
About twenty windows are in public areas such as stair wells, restrooms, the library and other rooms that are open if not in use. Take the elevator to the 5th floor and explore downward.
Birding & WIldlife Watching
Birds and bird watchers flock to Winona. Located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, Winona is a natural destination for birds and bird watchers. Both the city and the region host a great variety of birds who nest here, are year-round residents or pass through the area during migration. Over 280 species of birds have been identified in the bluffs, valleys and backwaters of the Winona area.
The annual tundra swan migration draws many visitors to Winona.
See our birding opportunities:
International Owl Center
Experience the whoosh of an owl’s wings as it flies and meet several live owls at the only all-owl education…
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
The refuge is located in four states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois along the Mississippi River. The Refuge was established…
National Eagle Center
Where Eagles Soar Beyond The National Eagle Center encapsulates a world in which the iconic power and presence of eagles…
Scenic Road Trips
A cool way to spend the day. Bluff country has the kind of beauty it took a million years to create, and a trip on the Minnesota Great River Road will reward you with pristine landscapes, spectacular panoramas and fall color spectacles unlike anywhere else.
Want to go further? Discover America’s best drive on the full Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The Great River Road has been named an All-American Road and traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, traveling through America’s rich history, vibrant culture and inspiring natural beauty.
Whitewater State Park
The 2,700 acre park is an angler’s paradise with brown, brook, and rainbow trout swimming in the spring-fed Whitewater River…
Kinstone
Kinstone ~ A Modern Megalithic Sculpture Garden Come to Kinstone to enjoy the beauty and peace of this stunning sanctuary…
Great River Bluffs State Park
This is beautiful bluff country! The park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs), King’s and Queen’s Bluff. The King’s…
Wineries and Vineyards
The Great River Road has been called one of the country’s most beautiful byways, and the Great River Road Wine Trail might be one of the best reasons ever to take a cruise down it. Along the way, enjoy rolling bluffs, soaring eagles and sapphire views of the Mississippi River.
Winona is the perfect home base for sampling the wares of the 10 wineries that comprise the trail, with several of those wineries just minutes from downtown.
You’ll find that each has its own scenic ambiance and its own bespoke take on how to take grapes from near and far and turn them into something delicious.
Garvin Heights Vineyards
The winery at Garvin Heights Vineyards features wines made from locally grown grapes. See why we call it Minnesota’s most scenic winery. Tasting daily May through October.
Seven Hawks Vineyards
Seven Hawks Vineyards is located one mile north of Fountain City, Wisconsin, on steep bluff lands overlooking the Mississippi River…
Elmaro Vineyard
At Elmaro Vineyard, our focus is on producing the best wines possible and providing an unmatched setting in which to…