Whether you take photos of wildlife, landscapes, or both, you do it with a sense of wonderment, right? Winona, Minnesota is a beautiful and scenic river town, so there is no lack of amazing views, bluffs, animals, and Mississippi River Valley shots to capture. That’s why many consider it one of the most aesthetically pleasing areas of the Driftless region because of the incredible topography, picturesque landscapes, and thriving flora and fauna. So, go get out there and capture the breath-taking beauty all around you and encourage others to see the wonders of our natural beauty in this attractive river city!
Bird Watching & Wildlife
Bluffside Park
Find some of the best single track mountain biking trails in the state. Bluffside Park also features miles of premier hiking trails and picturesque lookouts over the valley, with exposed sandstone formations showcasing regional geology. During winter, The Lumberyard behind Holzinger Lodge becomes a hub for snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing, providing accessible winter recreation. The park’s switchback paths are ideal for winter hiking and snowshoe excursions, making it Winona’s ultimate winter recreation destination.
Flyway Trail
Perfect for walking and bicycling, this Flyway Trail connection links Winona to a scenic biking route where one can see 1,950 acres of some of the best preserved floodplain forest in the country, and catch amazing views of Latsch Island’s unique boathouse community.
Garvin Heights
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.
Holzinger Lodge Trail
Holzinger Lodge Trail is characterized by short, steep climbs/downhills and winding curves as it forks and wanders about 12 miles through a mature hardwood forest and blufftop. This trail is beautiful in any season, wildflowers abound in spring, and it is lovely in fall colors. It’s popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and dog-walkers.
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.
Lake Park
This is a Winona must visit. 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, cherry blossoms, a rose garden, numerous piers and docks, a frisbee golf course, a lodge that rents equipment, the beautiful Winona Bandshell, and the Visitor Center!
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.
Levee Park
Still a prime spot to catch a bald eagle in action. 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.
Mississippi River
One of the country’s most beautiful waterways, it’s the breathtaking crystalline blue river that hugs Winona and is a gateway to nature. Paddle the Mississippi’s gentle backwaters on one of our scenic canoe and kayak trails where regal water birds watch you glide by.
Niagara Cave
Visit the family-owned Niagara Cave to experience the wonders of the underground world. The tour includes a mile-long hike nearly 200 feet below the surface, showcasing 450-million-year-old fossils, delicate and massive cave formations, and an underground stream and waterfall. Descend and ascend a total of 550 stairs with highlights including a subterranean wedding chapel and the unique opportunity to witness nature’s power and beauty underground.
Perrot State Park & Brady’s Bluff
A Wisconsin State Park vehicle permit is required for this visit to Perrot State Park, however the trails and views in this park are worth it. There are over 12 miles of trails in the park, however we recommend Brady’s Bluff hike which overlooks the Mississippi River and gives glimpses of Winona.
Prairie Island Nature Trail
A popular spot to watch the world go by. Prairie Island finds anglers catching a variety of fish on the downstream end of the culvert under the causeway to Prairie Island, especially in the spring and during high water. And on the scenic trail catch a glimpse of the hawks, eagles, deer, and migrating birds that call these backwaters home.
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.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge
Spaning four states—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois—along the Mississippi River, Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge was established in 1924 to protect fish, wildlife, plants, and provide a breeding ground for migratory birds. It includes one of the largest blocks of floodplain habitat in the US, bordered by steep wooded bluffs. Recognized as a Wetland of International Importance and a Globally Important Bird Area, the refuge offers unmatched scenic beauty and wildlife habitat. And each fall, the melodious tundra swans arrive.
Winona Ice Park
Talk about a cool view—literally! It’s both nature and design combined. 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.
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!