Are you searching for a perfect Midwestern getaway? Look no further than Winona, Minnesota. This city is a hidden gem along the Mississippi River. It offers a mix of natural beauty, historic charm, and fun for families.
Winona has scenic views, outdoor fun, cultural spots, and activities for kids. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, this guide will help. It shows you the top things to do in Winona, based on your interests.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the natural beauty of Winona, including the iconic Sugar Loaf Bluff and the serene Lake Winona
- Explore family-friendly accommodations like the Plaza Hotel & Suites, offering convenience and comfort
- Immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits and educational experiences at the Children’s Museum of La Crosse
- Indulge in the whimsical charm of Lark Toys, a toy lover’s paradise
- Embark on outdoor adventures at the Michael LaCanne Memorial Park
Explore the Natural Beauty of Winona
Winona is a nature lover’s dream, sitting by the Mississippi River. The Sugar Loaf Bluff is a key spot, with views that take your breath away. Climbing to the top lets you see the Winona natural beauty, the Mississippi River, and lush Winona scenic landscapes.
Winona offers more than just the Sugar Loaf Bluff. Its close ties to the Mississippi River and parks make it perfect for outdoor fun. Birdwatchers will love the variety of birds, and hikers and bikers will enjoy the trails through the Winona natural beauty.
Sugar Loaf Bluff and the Mississippi River
The Sugar Loaf Bluff is a standout in Winona. This tall rock gives you a great view of the Winona scenic landscapes and the Mississippi River. The hike is a bit tough, but the views are amazing, stretching for miles.
“The views from the top of Sugar Loaf Bluff are simply stunning. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Winona firsthand.”
The Mississippi River is another gem in Winona. It’s close to the city, offering many outdoor activities. Whether you love the Winona natural beauty or the Winona scenic landscapes, Winona’s nature will amaze and inspire you.
Family-Friendly Hotel: The Plaza Hotel & Suites
Winona, Minnesota, is home to the Plaza Hotel & Suites. It’s a great place for families, with lots of fun for kids. It’s a cozy spot for your Winona trip.
The hotel has a mini pool with slides and a big pool, a hot tub, and a gym. It also has coloring pages, games, books, and more for kids in the lobby.
Rooms at the Plaza Hotel & Suites are like suites. They have glass doors and a sitting area with a couch. You’ll find a fridge, lots of storage, and a sink for snacks.
The hotel is close to Lake Winona. There’s a 5.3-mile path around the lakes with benches and swings. Veteran’s Memorial Park is nearby, with monuments for different wars and events.
The Plaza Hotel & Suites is perfect for families. It’s great for outdoor fun or indoor games. It’s a top pick for Winona family-friendly hotels with Winona accommodations and Winona hotels with amenities for kids.
Lake Winona: A Serene Outdoor Oasis
In the heart of Winona, Minnesota, lies the beautiful Lake Winona. It’s a peaceful spot for both visitors and locals. The Lake Park Path around it is over 5 miles long. It’s great for walking, jogging, or biking, with views of the bluffs.
On the path, you’ll find Veteran’s Memorial Park. It’s a quiet place that honors American military members. With monuments and memorials, it’s perfect for a walk or a picnic.
“Lake Winona is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Winona area.”
Lake Winona and its parks offer lots of fun for everyone. You can enjoy the Lake Park Path or relax at Veteran’s Memorial Park. This Winona family-friendly spot is sure to make your visit memorable.
The Playground: Indoor Fun for Rainy Days
When the weather is bad, The Playground in Winona is a great place for families. It’s inside the Winona mall and has lots of fun stuff. You’ll find a big swing set, slides, climbing structures, a jumping pillow, and a special area for toddlers.
The Playground is perfect for kids to play on a Winona rainy day. It has lots of seating and clean bathrooms. It’s a safe and fun place for all ages.
If you want to get out of the rain or just let your kids play, The Playground is the place to go. It has lots of equipment and is a great way to keep everyone entertained, even when it’s not nice outside.
| Facility | Winona, MN | Minneapolis, MN | St. Paul, MN | St. Cloud, MN | Duluth, MN | Rochester, MN | Brainerd, MN | Mankato, MN | Bemidji, MN | Hibbing, MN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor Paintball | – | Splatball | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Science Museum | – | Science Museum of Minnesota | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Trampoline Park | – | – | – | AirMaxx | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Aquarium | – | – | – | – | Great Lakes | – | – | – | – | – |
| Escape Room | – | – | – | – | – | Unraveled | – | – | – | – |
| Shopping Mall | – | Mall of America | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Virtual Reality | – | – | – | – | – | – | VR Odyssey | – | – | – |
| Entertainment Complex | – | – | – | Wow! Zone | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Bar and Grill | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Ruzy’s | – |
| Cinema | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Hibbing Cinema 8 |
The Playground in Winona offers a range of fun and engaging indoor activities for families, making it the perfect destination for Winona rainy day entertainment.
Children's Museum of La Crosse: Educational and Engaging
Just a short drive from Winona, the Children’s Museum of La Crosse in Wisconsin offers a great learning experience for kids. It covers three floors with interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play.
The museum’s big highlight is a huge climbing structure shaped like a giant leaf pile. Kids can climb and explore, sparking their interest in nature. The dinosaur maze is also a hit, letting kids go on a hands-on adventure through the ancient world.
The Children’s Museum of La Crosse also has a fully equipped fire engine for roleplay and a play store for pretend shopping. With so much to see and do, it’s a top spot for Winona families looking for fun and learning.
The Children’s Museum of La Crosse is a true treasure, offering a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. Whether your Winona family loves Winona museums or just wants a fun outing, this place is sure to impress and inspire.
Winona, Minnesota: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
Lark Toys: A Toy Lover's Paradise
For toy lovers visiting Winona, Lark Toys is a must-see. It’s known as one of the best toy stores in the world. It has a wide range of handmade and unique toys in themed rooms.
Guests can see the woodworking workshop, check out the bookstore, and ride the wooden carousel. It’s a delight for kids and adults, making it a top choice for anyone visiting Winona.
Lark Toys stands out for its quality and unique shopping experience. It’s a gem in Winona’s shopping district. Whether you’re looking for a gift or want to relive your childhood, Lark Toys will impress you.
“Lark Toys is a true treasure trove for toy lovers, offering an unparalleled selection of handcrafted and unique playthings that spark the imagination and bring joy to visitors of all ages.”
Lark Toys also has a woodworking workshop where you can see toys being made. This hands-on experience shows the care and detail in each toy. It’s a must-see for Winona shopping and Winona family-friendly attractions.
Looking for a unique gift, a nostalgic treat, or just to see handcrafted toys? A visit to Lark Toys Winona will amaze and enchant you. This remarkable store is a true Winona toy stores gem, offering an unforgettable shopping experience for Winona visitors and locals.
Michael LaCanne Memorial Park: Outdoor Adventures
Just a short drive from downtown Winona, the Michael LaCanne Memorial Park is a hidden gem. It spans over 80 acres and is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The park’s stunning swimming beach is a refreshing spot during summer. It’s surrounded by greenery and offers views of the Mississippi River. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family fun.
Anglers will love the park’s fishing pier. It’s stocked with fish and offers a peaceful fishing experience. Whether you’re experienced or new to fishing, the park’s waters are rewarding.
The park has paved walking and biking trails that take you through beautiful landscapes. You’ll find soccer fields and a boat launch along the way. It’s a great place for Winona’s outdoor activities and water recreation.
Looking for a relaxing day or an exciting adventure? The Michael LaCanne Memorial Park in Winona, Minnesota has it all. Dive into the outdoors and explore the many wonders of Winona parks.
“The Michael LaCanne Memorial Park is a true hidden gem, offering a diverse array of outdoor activities that cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.”
Conclusion
Winona, Minnesota, is a place full of wonder and variety. It has beautiful spots like Sugar Loaf Bluff and peaceful Lake Winona. There’s also the Children’s Museum of La Crosse for fun and learning.
Winona is perfect for anyone looking for outdoor fun, family activities, or cultural experiences. It’s a hidden treasure in the heart of Minnesota.
When you visit Winona, Minnesota, enjoy its history, lively community, and natural beauty. Stay at The Plaza Hotel & Suites or play at Lark Toys. A Winona travel guide will make your trip memorable for you and your family.
Winona is a special place that offers something for everyone. Start planning your trip now. Discover the beauty and charm of Winona tourism and make lasting memories on your Winona vacation.
Winona, Minnesota, is a treasure that deserves your attention. Begin planning your visit today. Explore the unique experiences this amazing city has to offer.
