Minnesota's Most Walkable Downtown
Not only is Wabasha the oldest town in Minnesota, but it’s also one of the state’s most walkable communities. Set on the western bank of the Mississippi River, 70 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, Wabasha has been around since 1826 and wears its rich history with pride. Named after the Sioux chief Wa-pa-shaw, Wabasha grew quickly from a fur trading post into a bustling transportation hub along the mighty Mississippi centered around the Wabasha Historic Commercial District.
Today, you can wander past more than 50 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and into other equally interesting neighborhoods, like Hungry Point and West Side. From its rich history to its vibrant present and bright future, this small town, and three others nearby, are well worth a closer look.
Walkable Wabasha
It’s easy to spend the better part of a day exploring Wabasha’s historic district. Covering three and a half blocks, most of the buildings here were built between 1856 and 1928 and have changed little over the years. The Wabasha Main Street Committee has developed free maps to support themed self-guided walking tours. The four routes range from half a mile to five miles and include the Commercial Historic District, Lower Laurence Boulevard, historic neighborhoods, and a mix of social, civic, and domestic buildings.
Either way, the preserved Anderson House Hotel on Main Street West is a great place to begin wandering. Whether you stay here or not, be sure to enjoy a meal at the Lost Dutchman Restaurant and sample a signature cocktail in the Speakeasy bar. Minnesota's oldest hotel, Anderson House opened in 1856 and remains every bit an authentic old Midwest hotel, complete with Victorian-era furnishings and plenty of charm.
Where Eagles Flock
From the hotel, it’s only a quarter-mile walk to arguably the town’s most important attraction, the National Eagle Center. Designed with a living aviary as its centerpiece, the location was chosen for its proximity to the Mississippi River. It’s here that sedimentary deposits from the upstream Chippewa River formed a fertile delta that’s home to large fish populations, making it an ideal feeding ground for bald eagles. Unlike other parts of the Mississippi, the fast-flowing water here doesn’t freeze over, ensuring a reliable source of food for migrating birds. So many, in fact, that Wabasha County has been dubbed the Eagle Capital of America for hosting one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the country.
In addition to wild eagles fishing in the Mississippi, the center is home to a resident population of bald and golden eagles. These ambassador birds are the subject of daily programs educating the public about these amazing creatures, with naturalists on hand to answer questions. Other highlights include displays of original artwork by John James Audubon, as well as field trips and habitat tours.
Not To Be Missed
Grace Memorial Episcopal Church is another must-see in Wabasha. A ten-minute walk from the Anderson Hotel and five minutes from the Eagle Center. Completed in 1900, it’s one of the prettiest small churches in the Midwest, and for good reason. The stone church was designed by Minnesota architect Cass Gilbert prior to his designing the Woolworth Building in New York City and the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., and it features elegant English Gothic architecture with walls made of random coursed stone, Celtic crosses at the gable peaks, and a slate roof. If it’s open, pop inside for a peek at the chancel window. Entitled "Three Marys at the Tomb," it was designed by the famous Tiffany Studios and remains one of the church's most treasured features.
Downtown Food and Drink
The best places to fuel up before, during, and after a day spent exploring Wabasha are within easy walking distance of one another. In addition to the Anderson Hotel, Slippery's Tavern, with a wide patio overlooking the Mississippi, is famous for its food and its connection to the Grumpy Old Men movies that were set here.
Hoppy Girl Brewing is another fun spot to visit. This female-owned brewpub in the converted garage of a local bed and breakfast serves small-batch craft beers with unusual flavor profiles, including Salted Caramel Russian Imperial Stout and Chubby Chipmunk Pale Ale. And like all good beers, they taste even better with pizza, which is also conveniently available in the taproom. While the hot spots mentioned above are only open seasonally, the Olde Triangle Pub serves up Irish fare and cold beer year-round, right on Main Street in the heart of downtown Wabasha.
Friendly Festivals
As for when to visit, Wabasha's calendar revolves around several awesome festivals, each providing ideal opportunities to ditch the car and walk. The Grumpy Old Men Festival, now in its 33rd year, takes place the last full weekend of February and celebrates the legacy of the beloved films that were set in Wabasha. The winter festival features an ice fishing contest, a lighted parade, live music, and cold drinks at the ice bar, as well as feeds of spaghetti and chili to keep folks warm. Riverboat Days celebrate summer, with highlights that include a grand parade, a car show, and kids’ activities each July, while fall brings the popular SeptOberfest to the downtown core.
Other Walkable Minnesota Towns to Explore
Located 25 miles north of Wabasha along the Great River Road, Red Wing’s historic downtown is also immensely walkable. Famous as the home of Red Wing Shoes and Red Wing Stoneware and Pottery, downtown highlights include the St. James Hotel, which opened in 1875 and still operates as a historic inn, the century-old Sheldon Theatre, and the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum.
Further north along the river, you’ll find Stillwater. Considered Minnesota's birthplace, it was here that the 1848 territorial convention that set statehood in motion was held. Today, Stillwater’s Downtown Commercial Historic District spans 11 walkable blocks and includes the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge, completed in 1931 and now reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Situated 30 miles south of Wabasha, Winona Downtown Commercial Historic District contains over 100 sites on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the largest collections of Victorian commercial architecture on the Mississippi. Other Winona highlights include the Winona National Bank from the early 1900s, while the Minnesota Marine Art Museum overlooks the river with collections of maritime art inspired by the region.
History to Explore on Foot
Wabasha's claim to being home to Minnesota's most walkable downtown is well-deserved. If you’re looking for an authentic small-town Minnesota experience, this gem on the banks of the mighty Mississippi has so much to offer. So, pack those comfy walking shoes, park the car, and wander this charming river town from one historic building and one-of-a-kind attraction to the next.
