Top 6 Beaches in Winona, MN

Visit Winona beaches
Pack up a cooler, don’t forget that towel and some sunscreen, and let’s head on down to the beach! This river town along the Mississippi offers several beaches perfect for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the scenic views of the bluffs. Whether you’re looking for family friendly with playgrounds and facilities or a rustic sandbar, we’ve got them. Seasoned beach bums and newbies alike can also rent paddleboards, kayaks, and other watercrafts to explore. The natural beauty of Winona makes a perfect backdrop for a beach party in the hot, hot, hot Miami of Minnesota!

Lake Lodge Recreation Center

There is a small sand beach area here, but it’s a really great place for renting some boating equipment from the lodge to go out on the lake. And the trail around Lake Winona most generally referred to around town as ‘the bike path’, will have folks jogging, rollerblading, skateboarding, and of course, walking on these beautifully maintained paved lanes that circle our lovely lake. Find views of the bluffs, cherry blossoms, and of course, lots of rental equipment like canoes, boats, and kayaks available at Lake Lodge Recreation Center!

Visit Winona Lake Lodge Recreation Center
photo by Visit Winona
Visit Winona Latsch Island Beach
photo by @jenniferwhalenphoto

Latsch Island Beach

This is a popular Summer spot for beach lovers. When you’re done at the beach at Latsch Island just across the interstate bridge from downtown Winona, you can 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.

Michael LaCanne Memorial Park

This is a great beaching area for families or just yourself. La Canne Park currently consists of a swimming beach, fishing pier, boat launch, playground equipment, soccer fields, a paved walking/bike path, and restrooms.  There is also the Gordie Selke Pavilion and the Lions Pavilion which are available for rental.

Visit Winona Michael La Canne Memorial Park
photo by Visit Winona
Visit Winona Mississippi Sandbar
photo by Driftless Drone

Mississippi River Sandbars

You’ll find several beaches you might have all to yourself out on one of the river’s sandbars. The Mississippi is 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.

Prairie Island Campground Beach

Prairie Island Campground is an easy bike ride from the heart of downtown Winona, Prairie Island Park is the perfect getaway for an afternoon picnic or some frisbee golf. Dine at the beach on the calm backwaters of the Mississippi River and watch eagles fish for their lunch in the Lock and Dam 5A spillway or take a swim or hang out on the sandy beach.

Visit Winona Prairie Island Campground beach
photo by Beth Schueler
Visit Winona Whitewater State Park Oxbow Beach
photo by Dara Becker

Whitewater State Park Oxbow Beach

Find a nice outdoor swimming beach area just a short drive from Winona. 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.