If you’re planning to visit Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, here's what else is there to do while you’re in the area.
Entertainment and sports
- The Woods Disc Golf Course is Saint Mary's 18-hole course in the bluffs surrounding the campus.
- The Great River Shakespeare Festival starts in late June each year and is held in conjunction with the Dixieland Jazz Festival.
- Take in the beauty of Lake Park every Wednesday night, June through August, at 8 p.m. for the Winona Municipal Band concerts. This free outdoor concert can't be beat!
Museums, art and history
- Located on acres of riverfront gardens along the scenic Mississippi, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum showcases 19th and 20th century marine and landscape oil paintings, watercolors, stained glass and three-dimensional objects featuring ships, coastal landscapes and even swimmers. During June, the museum hosts a touring exhibition sponsored by the American Society of Marine Artists.
- Walk Winona’s historic downtown and admire the diverse architectural styles and stained glass windows.
Nature
- The National Eagle Center is a world-class interpretive center located just up the Mississippi River from Winona in Wabasha.
- Drive up or hike up to the Garvin Heights Lookout for a breathtaking view of Winona and the river valley. You can see 20 miles up and down the river on a clear day.
- Walk, run, bicycle, rollerblade or skate on the paths around the lakes and various trails like the Prairie Island Nature Trail or Holzinger Lodge Trail.
- Canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and bicycles are available at Lake Lodge Recreation Center.
Shopping
- If it’s Saturday morning, don’t miss the farmers market.
- Take a stained glass walking tour of 11 buildings — including the Winona County Courthouse, Merchants National Bank, and the Church of St. Stanislaus Kostka. The tour is best on the weekdays when businesses are open; call ahead for church tours.
- North of Winona in tiny Kellogg, LARK Toys is the largest independent toy store in North American, boasting 20,000 square feet of toys old and new, books and curiosities. For entertainment, there’s mini-golf and a giant hand-carved, hand-painted carousel. Satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream, fresh cream fudge or nostalgic treats. And be sure say “hey” to the store’s three miniature llamas.
If you're getting hungry on your visit…
- The Blue Heron Coffeehouse, located in historic downtown Winona, serves artisan coffee, tea, breakfast and lunch. Early risers can pair house-made granola or a vegetable frittata with their triple-shot mochaccino, while the lunchtime crowd can sample from a smorgasbord of sandwiches, soups, salads and specials full of fresh ingredients Bonus: There's also a bookstore!
- At Bloedow Bakery, the doughnuts are so wonderful that the line before 10 a.m. can snake out the door. Bakers have been churning out delicious doughnuts, breads, cookies and buns since 1924. Highly recommended among the 30 kinds and flavors of doughnuts: Bloedow’s peanut-butter roll, the house special.
- Acoustic Café, roasts coffee on location and makes its own bread and soup recipes daily from scratch. What really makes their sandwiches is the special sauce made from a select blend of spices and olive oil.
- Jefferson Pub and Grill is a downtown neighborhood place with amazing cheese curds and batter-fried pickles.
- Find yourself alongside the railroad tracks in Bluff Siding, Wisc. at the Hillside Fish House. Enjoy their wine selections from local vineyards or pick from their spread of seafood specialties.
- The Monarch Public House has been nestled in the Mississippi River bluffs in Fountain City, Wisc., since 1894. The rustic look and casual family atmosphere are perfect for a quiet dinner or celebration with its tasty Irish menu.
- Local Winona favorite, Blooming Grounds, offers a cozy atmosphere featuring delicious homemade baked goods including paninis, wraps, soups, frappés and smoothies.
- Visit Winona's oldest restaurant car hop service at the Lakeview Drive Inn where their home-brewed root beer, ice cream treats and juicy burgers keep you coming back for more.