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A guide to Historic Bluff Country

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Winona

Expansive panoramas, stately bluffs rising against the edges of thick, forested valleys, and in the middle of it all, a city on a massive sandbar along the powerful Mississippi River. Winona is a quintessential river city rich in history, culture, arts, architecture, and natural beauty.

Home to the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, the river provides a backdrop for limitless wildlife — literally millions of birds — and aquatic life on the Mississippi River Flyway. At Great River Bluffs State Park, dense hardwood forests and native wildflower prairies frame the valley below. Named one of the “Best Places to See Fall Color” by CBS Minnesota, it’s no wonder why it has also been chosen one of National Geographic’s “World’s Greatest Driving Tours.”

Looking out from the highest vantage point, 450-feet above the city, is the famous Sugar Loaf landmark, which resulted from limestone quarrying in the 1880s. Native American legend ties the site to the well-known cap of Dakota Nation Chief Wapahasha, turned to stone. Outdoor enthusiasts will be keen to hike trails up the bluff to its base, offering a dramatic view point.

Across the bluff, sits Garvin Heights Park with inspiring outlooks, hiking, and restored goat prairies. Below, encircling Lake Winona, is Lake Park, home to the C.A. Rohrer Rose Garden, Veterans Memorial Park and Bandshell. Levee Park allows an up-close encounter with the Mississippi River. Occasionally, paddlewheel and other historic riverboats still dock here.

The city’s origins and the wealth that swept the area are obvious in the lavish architecture. Walking tours of historic homes, churches, banks, and courthouse highlight the culture of early settlers. Astounding glass art within the city has earned Winona the designation of Stained Glass Capital of the U.S. Attractions such as the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Polish Cultural Institute and Museum, Watkins Heritage Museum, and Winona County History Center continue the storytelling of Winona’s past and present.

Fine and performing arts thrive in Winona. Area artisans’ diverse works are showcased in a variety of places, and many of the artists participate in the Bluff Country Studio Arts Tour. Theatre du Mississippi, a professional company, the Performance Center at St. Mary’s University, Winona State University Arts, Theatre, & Dance, and Valencia Arts Center continue to grow the development and production of arts programs.

Weekend and extended festivals have become a popular draw to Winona. Mid West Music Fest (April), Dixieland Jazz Festival (June), Minnesota Beethoven Festival (June-July), six-week Great River Shakespeare Festival (June-August), Boats and Bluegrass Festival (September), and Frozen River Film Festival (February), beckon visitors to not only enjoy the arts, but to participate. The Great Dakota Gathering, (September), honors the native people who inhabit this land. Created with sacred stonework and native prairie plantings, the site sets the stage for the Wacipi (pow wow), Akicita (warrior/veterans) Honor Ceremony, educational exhibits and demonstrations, and authentic crafts, arts, and foods celebrating the rich heritage of the people.

The Great River Road Wine Trail rests in the Upper Mississippi River Valley American Viticulture Area, the nation’s largest. A vineyard sits atop the bluff outside the city, producing choice wines from cold climate grapes grown on the farm and finished in oak barrels of native Minnesota oak. The Winona area also boasts two craft breweries.

Minnesota’s best bakery, as voted in 2013, is located in Winona. Other delightful culinary options range from baked goods to thriving coffee spots and cafés, gourmet dining overlooking a golf course, and ethnic restaurants. For fun, historic fare, visitors can’t beat a stop at the local drive-in, complete with homemade root beer and friendly carhop service.

Throughout the city, shops and boutiques offer up everything from antiques and collectibles to music and books, and specialty boutiques to recreational retailers outfitters. Ample hotels, B&Bs, cabins, cottages, lodges, guesthouses, and campgrounds make lodging in Winona a simple matter of choice.

Bluff Country Properties – Jeff Brogle
City:
Peterson
State:
MN
Phone:
507-577-1121
Website:
bluffcountryproperties.com
Category:
Alma, Dodge, Houston, La Crosse, Lanesboro, Minnesota, Peterson, Preston, Recreational, Rushford, Services, Trempealeau, Winona
Tags:
Agriculture, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Horses, Hunting, Realtor
Description:

My name is Jeff Brogle. My family and I live on acreage between Lanesboro & Rushford. I am a proven Bluff Country Property specialist. I'm ready to put my local expertise to work for you! Focused on farms, recreation, hunting, rural homes and estates. We give back 10% to the local community.

Days Inn
Address: 420 Cottonwood Drive
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-454-6930
Website:
www.daysinn.com/hotel/06756
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lodging, Minnesota, Winona
Description:

Free hot breakfast with fresh hot waffles. Free secure wireless internet. 100% non-smoking. Walking distance to Mango's Mexican & American Grille and Ground Round Grill & Sports Bar.

Great River Shakespeare Festival
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-474-7900
Website:
grsf.org
Category:
Minnesota, Recreational, Winona
Tags:
Entertainment, Theater
Description:

Accessible, affordable, professional theater. Delighting audiences from all over the country with "poignant, intimate, and funny" theater experiences.

Green Mill Restaurant and Bar
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-452-5400
Website:
www.greenmill.com
Category:
Eating & Drinking, Minnesota, Winona
Tags:
Bar, Event Center
Description:

Italian - American casual dining. A full service dining restaurant and bar, serving Italian/American cuisine. Also serving appetizers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, seafood, steaks, wonderful desserts and award-winning pizza. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Meetings and banquet rooms to 60 persons. Happy hour 3-6pm and 9-10pm.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Address: Hwy 43 & 61
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-474-1700
Website:
www.hiexpress.com/winona/mn
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lodging, Minnesota, Winona
Description:

Unbeatable free hot breakfast, 2-room suites, whirlpool rooms, refrigerators & microwaves in all rooms. 37" flat screen TV, indoor pool, sauna, kiddie pool, meeting room facilities, gift opening room.

Polish Cultural Institue and Museum
Address: 102 Liberty Street
55987
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-454-3431
Website:
polishmuseumwinona.org
Category:
Attractions, Minnesota, Winona
Tags:
History, Museum
Description:

Featuring Lubiana Pottery from Poland's Kashubian Area. Open year round. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Riverport Inn & Suites
Address: Hwys 43 & 61
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-452-0606
Website:
www.riverportinn.com
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lodging, Minnesota, Winona
Tags:
Event Center
Description:

Deluxe breakfast bar, indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room, whirlpool rooms. 106 rooms and suites. Brewski's Pub and Grill. Conference rooms for up to 400 persons.

The Clothes Shop
Address: 416 E. 2nd Street
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-452-5591
Website:
www.winonavs.org
Category:
Minnesota, Shopping, Winona
Tags:
Apparel
Description:

Everyday is a SALE DAY at The Clothes Shop. A thrift store supporting Winona Volunteer Services.

The Plaza Hotel & Suites
Address: Hwy 43 & 61
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-453-0303
Website:
www.plazawinona.com
Category:
Hotels & Inns, Lodging, Minnesota, Winona
Description:

Kids stay and eat free. Each room includes refrigerator, microwave and a TV in the bathroom! Whirlpool rooms. Large kiddie pool. Meeting rooms. fitness center, 2-room suites, room service.

Treasures Under Sugar Loaf
Address: 1023 Sugar Loaf Road
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-474-7030
Website:
www.treasuresundersugarloaf.com
Category:
Minnesota, Shopping, Winona
Tags:
Antiques
Description:

Antiques, collectibles, and home décor.

Winona County History Center
Address: 160 Johnson Street
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-454-2723
Website:
www.winonahistory.org
Category:
Attractions, Minnesota, Winona
Tags:
History, Museum
Description:

Three floors of exhibits, museum shop, research library and archives. Programs and events.

Winona Farmers Market
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Category:
Minnesota, Shopping, Winona
Tags:
Farmers Market
Description:

Summer Market: May through October. Saturdays 7:30-12. at Winona Levee Park, 2nd St. and Main
Winter Market: November through April. Saturdays. East End Rec Center, 210 Zumbro Street.

Winona Tour Boat
City:
Winona
State:
MN
Phone:
507-458-2842
Website:
winonatourboat.com
Category:
Attractions, Minnesota, Winona
Tags:
Tours
Description:

See the Beautiful Mississippi River Up-Close. Daily river cruises. Private Parties.

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Minnesota Towns

  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Minneiska
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Reads Landing
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

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Visit Bluff Country

Historic Bluff Country, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Adams, Austin, Caledonia, Canton, Chatfield, Fountain, Harmony, Houston, Kellogg, Lanesboro, LeRoy, Mabel, Millville, Minneiska, Peterson, Plainview, Preston, Reads Landing, Red Wing, Rushford, Rushford Village, Spring Grove, Spring Valley, St. Charles, Wabasha, Whalan, Winona, Wykoff, Burr Oak, Charles City, Clermont, Cresco, Decorah, Dubuque, Dyersville, Elkader, Fort Atkinson, Froelich, Guttenberg, Hawkeye, Kendallville, Lansing, Lawler, Lime Springs, McGregor, Marquette, Osage, Protivin, Riceville, St. Ansgar, Spillville, Waukon, Alma, La Crosse, Platteville, Tomah, Viroqua, Warrens, Galena, Antiques, Apparel, Art Galleries, Financial, Banking, Craft Beer, Winery, Distillery, Brewery, Camping, B&B, Bread and Breakfast, Vacation Rentals, Amish, Scenic Byway, River, Fishing, Hunting, Canoe, Kayak, Tubing, Fly Fish, Golf, Recreation, Hiking, Theatre, Movies, Shopping, Gifts, Niagara Cave, Commonweal, Spam Museum, Root River State Trail, Beaver Creek Valley State Park, Horse Riding, Tours, Biking, Rentals, Skiing, Music, Stand Still Parade, Trout, Prairie Visions, Shooting Star, Lake Louise State Park, Steam Engines, Grumpy Old Men, Museums, Lakes, Upper Iowa River, Mississippi River, Laura Ingalss Wilder, Apple Blossom, Cranberry Festival, Veterans

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Minnesota Towns

  • Caledonia
  • Canton
  • Chatfield
  • Fountain
  • Harmony
  • Houston
  • Kellogg
  • Lake City
  • Lanesboro
  • LeRoy
  • Mabel
  • Millville
  • Minneiska
  • Peterson
  • Plainview
  • Preston
  • Reads Landing
  • Red Wing
  • Rushford
  • Spring Grove
  • Spring Valley
  • Wabasha
  • Whalan
  • Winona
  • Wykoff

Iowa Towns

  • Burr Oak
  • Calmar
  • Charles City
  • Clermont
  • Cresco
  • Decorah
  • Dyersville
  • Elkader
  • Fort Atkinson
  • Guttenberg
  • Hawkeye
  • Kendallville
  • Lansing
  • Lime Springs
  • Osage
  • Riceville
  • Spillville
  • Waukon

Wisconsin Towns

  • Alma
  • Dodge
  • La Crosse
  • Platteville
  • Trempealeau
  • Warrens
  • Westby

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