Visitors and residents are now able to embark on a citywide stained-glass experience through their mobile devices. “Winona’s Glorious Glass Tour” is available through the free smartphone app eATLAS!, and guides participants through 16 of the top stained-glass attractions in the city.
This official tour through the history and heritage of stained glass in Winona, Minnesota is a collaboration between the Winona County History Center and Visit Winona, the city’s convention and visitor bureau. Participants can view a map as well as historical and current images and descriptions highlighting each of the 16 stops along the tour.
The experience encourages in-person visits; several locations include “photo stops”, prompting participants to snap a selfie of their favorite stained-glass feature or a notable Winona icon. Exclusive discounts and deals can be uncovered throughout the guided tour by completing these adventure stops.
Winona is often called “the stained-glass capital of America” and its stained-glass heritage can be found not only in its places of faith but banks, museums, schools, parks, government buildings and more. From Egyptian Revival in WNB Financial’s downtown building, to the 2010 modern addition in the Winona County History Center, the designers of many of Winona’s notable architectural gems incorporated stained glass in their plans. Even much of the residential architecture here boasts stained glass details.
Stained glass artists are also plentiful in Winona. They range from the internationally known Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser to many private artist studios. Today, there are no less than six stained glass studios in Winona County.
The digital “Winona’s Glorious Glass Tour” is available for free through the eATLAS! App, and is a location-based mobile experience. Any donations received at the end of the adventure will be gifted to the Winona County Historical Society. For more information, call the Winona County Historical Society at (507) 454-2723 or Visit Winona at (507) 452-0735.