Location: Winona
Top Things to do in Winona
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What to do and see in Winona, Minnesota (MN): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Winona is a city in and the county seat of Winona County, in the state of Minnesota. Located in picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River, its most noticeable physical landmark is Sugar Loaf. The city is named after legendary figure Winona, said to have been the first-born daughter of Chief Wapasha (Wabasha) III. The population was 27,592 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Winona
1. Garvin Heights City Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
A scenic overlook where visitors can see from Lake Pepin to Mount Trempealeau.
Reviewed By fgut13 - Salt Lake City, United States
If you're in Winona, take a quick drive up to the Garvin Heights City Park. It offers such gorgeous views of Winona. The parking lot and trail is paved, making it great for families and everyone!
2. Lake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By LynneRabuse - Winona, United States
Lake Park is a lovely park that runs around all sides of two lakes; there is a walking/ bike path around both lakes--it is about 5 miles around both. There are several playground areas, picnic areas, and fishing peers. There is a Frisbee golf course on the north (river) and east side of the lakes. There is a nice visitor center with modern bathrooms and a volunteer to provide info on Winona "happenings." Lake Lodge, on the north side of the big lake, near the large bandshell, is the place to rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, pedal boats, bikes, hammocks, ice skates....and more. In the winter, weather permitting, there is an ice rink. For a mere $20, you get a year-long membership and all of the aforementioned are free! Wowza! If you are just here for the day, the cost is $10...but if there is any chance you will be back before the year is out...well, the $20 might be worth it. Wednesday nights in the summer there is an 8:00 band concert by the local municipal band. Some stay in their cars to listen (think drive-in days, those who are from my time) and they show their appreciation by honking. There is only one semi-busy street (35 mph) to cross between the big and small lakes--there are pedestrian walkways, but crosser beware. For locals and visitors, Lake Park is great.
3. Winona Tour Boat
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 247 reviews
View Wildlife, the City of Winona, the magnificent bluffs of south east Minnesota and the mighty Mississippi River from aboard our fully enclosed tour boat. Check availability on our website as cruise length, time and prices vary in relation to cruise highlights. We offer private charters as well as regularly sceduled tours and can configure the boat to accomodate up to 64 people. Most tours are narrated by the knowledgable captain and crew and offer a unique view of the Mississippi River that only decades of navigation can bring. Other "themed tours" offer a relaxing and peaceful venue to reconnect with family and friends. We offer wine/beer tasting tours, pizza cruises, fall color cruises, and many holiday and specialty events so please check our website or call to see what's available.
4. Great River Bluffs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Overlooking the Mississippi River, this park offers scenic views.
Reviewed By musicm8s - Batavia, United States
Exceptional amenities in a spectacular setting. Hard to believe you're in the Mid West. Campground is lovely, sites are secluded and spread out, and shower facilities are clean and modern.
5. U.S. Highway 61
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Considered one of the most scenic drives in America.
Reviewed By mherzberg - Winona, United States
I have been up and down this highway from as far south as Mississippi to my hometown of Winona, and all the way to Duluth, Minnesota.
6. Pickwick Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By M8826XEjohnw - Topeka, United States
This was a very interesting place to visit with its working water wheel and most of the inner workings still in place. The mill has 6 levels to visit and each floor had its own use.
7. John Latsch State Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 28 reviews
This 350-acre park offers three overlooks towering 500 feet above the Mississippi River.
Reviewed By joebulldozer - Saint Paul, United States
We drove past the entrance and had to do a U-Turn so pay attention to the ONE brown State Park Sign if coming from the North on Hwy 61. The entrance is NOT well marked but there is a sing that is not visible from the road until you enter the drive if coming from the north. We visited this State Park to see its commanding views and it did not disappoint. I counted 598 steps plus some addition trail lengths with out steps on my journey up to the peak. The steps vary in rise from 5" to 14" tall. The view was wonderful!! On top, as others mentioned, there are not guard rails so keep young kids close. This is one state [park that does not have a visitor building, it only has a sign. There is not a hiker's club trail in this park that I saw. There was a park stamp located on the side of the site sign. The views are worth the hike to the top.
