This Quiet Minnesota City Is Hiding In Plain Sight

Nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” Minnesota is a state whose beauty grows the longer you explore it. Winona is the perfect example. Home to under 30,000 residents, it may seem like any other midwestern town at first glance. However, this town is filled with a surprising number of marvels, including towering river bluffs and some of the state’s best migratory flyways. It also has an impressive art scene. If you are looking to explore some of Minnesota’s most underrated towns, Winona should be at the top of your itinerary.

Art And Theater

Winona blends its riverside culture with art at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, a nonprofit art museum that explores humankind’s relationship with water. Located right on the banks of the Mississippi, this museum is composed of six galleries and more than 600 artworks, boldly expanding the definition of marine art. The Lillian Davis Hogan Galleries are also well worth a visit, free to visit and open to the public on the campus of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. These galleries host six to eight exhibitions annually, showcasing works by local, regional, and international artists, along with pieces from the university’s faculty and students.

Winona is home to a nationally recognized performing arts scene, hosting events throughout the year at its historic theaters. The ARC, formerly known as the Historic Masonic Temple Theatre, is located right in the heart of town, on the corner of 5th and Main, holding a variety of live performances throughout the year. The HBP Theater at St. Cecilia Hall is another historic venue, best known for the Highway 61 Concert Series, which features band tributes and performances celebrating nostalgic tunes.

Winona’s River Bluffs

Located in the Mississippi River Valley, Winona is surrounded by river bluffs rising hundreds of feet above the river valley. One of the most recognizable examples is 85-foot-tall Sugar Loaf Bluff. A native American legend imagines the rock as a Dakota chief’s cap, but its current form was also shaped by late 19th century quarrying. Visitors can climb to the top via a network of hiking trails. The bluff offers some of the region’s best rock climbing, with 35 bolted routes to choose from. About a 20-minute drive from town, you'll get to Great River Bluffs State Park, which beautifully captures all that the region’s bluff country has to offer. The park has plenty of hiking trails and the trail on King’s Bluff leads to gorgeous views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Local Ecosystems

Winona also has a fascinating mix of ecosystems to explore, including oak-hickory and maple-basswood forests, goat prairies, fields, and pine plantations. These diverse landscapes are deeply influenced by the Mississippi River and Lake Winona, which create lush floodplains and scenic backwaters ideal for paddling, fishing, and hiking. Towering limestone bluffs overlook valleys carved over millennia, while hidden caves and spring-fed streams add to the region’s natural wonders. There are over 35 species of mammals, 17 species of amphibians and reptiles, and more than 100 species of birds to keep your eye out for. Ruffed grouse, great horned owls, coyotes, wild turkeys, and songbirds are a few of the species that you might be able to spot during your visit.

Some of the best places to see wildlife around Winona include Great River Bluffs State Park, where scenic trails lead through rich forests and across limestone bluffs. The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge offers extensive floodplain habitats ideal for spotting deer, turtles, and beavers. And Lake Park and West Lake Park provide easy access to river backwaters and wooded paths that are home to many native mammals and reptiles.

Birdwatching & Migratory Flyways

Birdwatchers are in for a treat in Winona. As part of the Mississippi River Flyway, the Winona area is an excellent spot for birdwatching during both spring and fall migrations. About 325 bird species and 40% of the state’s waterfowl pass through this corridor during migration, making it one of Minnesota’s six top spots for observing migratory activity. Several spots in the area are perfect for a day of birdwatching. Great River Bluffs State Park is a great one, serving as a major flyway for eagles, hawks, and waterfowl. You’ll also likely spot birds and other wildlife at the Flyway Trail Winona Connector, a multi-use trail that connects Winona to the Flyway Trail in Wisconsin, allowing you to view 1,950 acres of well-preserved floodplain forest.

So Much To Explore In Winona

These are just a few of Winona’s highlights. There are so many other venues, galleries, museums, parks, and hiking trails to explore beyond this selection. And we haven't even gotten started on the town's growing brewery and vineyard scene, either! So whether your weekend includes birding, riverbluff hikes, gallery hopping, or a little bit of everything in between, you'll leave with a new appreciation for all that Winona has to offer. No matter your interests, the inviting riverfront, bustling downtown, and striking natural beauty make Winona a destination you'll want to revisit in every season. From food and drink to outdoor adventure and the arts, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered in this vibrant Mississippi River town.