Winona, Minnesota • The Island City
Discover Winona
A river town carved into the bluffs of the Mississippi — where world-class arts, college-town energy, and Driftless Area scenery meet. Your local guide to things to do, events, and the businesses that make Winona home.
A Hidden Gem on the Upper Mississippi
Where the Bluffs Meet the River
Tucked between towering limestone bluffs and the wide channel of the Mississippi, Winona sits in the heart of southeastern Minnesota’s Driftless Area — a rare landscape the last glaciers never flattened. First settled as Wabasha’s Prairie and long nicknamed “The Island City,” Winona takes its name from the Dakota word Winúŋna, meaning “first-born daughter.”
Once a powerhouse of lumber milling and river shipping, Winona has reinvented itself into one of the Midwest’s most celebrated small arts towns. Today it is officially recognized as the Stained Glass Capital of the U.S., home to the historic Willet-Hauser stained glass studio, and packed with galleries, festivals, and historic architecture.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend, planning a move, or you have called the bluffs home for years, this guide connects you to the people, places, and businesses that make Winona one of a kind.
Things to Do in Winona
From bluff-top overlooks to world-class galleries, here is how to spend your time in the river city.
- Sugar Loaf BluffWinona’s iconic limestone landmark and most photographed view.
- Garvin Heights OverlookA short drive up the bluff for sweeping views of the Mississippi Valley.
- Lake WinonaA scenic in-town lake ringed by paved walking and biking paths.
- Great River Bluffs State ParkHiking and camping with panoramic river overlooks just south of town.
- Levee Park & the RiverfrontDowntown gathering space right on the Mississippi.
- Minnesota Marine Art MuseumSix galleries on a riverside campus, with works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso & Renoir.
- Great River Shakespeare FestivalOne of the country’s finest Shakespeare companies, drawing 10,000+ each summer.
- Stained Glass TrailSelf-guided tour of the churches and studios behind Winona’s glass legacy.
- Minnesota Conservatory for the ArtsMusic, dance, and theater programming year-round.
- Theatre du Mississippi & Winona Arts CenterLocally rooted live performance and exhibitions.
- Winona County History CenterMultiple floors of exhibits inside the historic 1915 Armory downtown.
- Watkins 1868 Museum & StoreThe story of the legendary Winona-founded household goods company.
- Basilica of St. Stanislaus KostkaA landmark of Winona’s deep Polish-Kashubian heritage.
- Historic Downtown ArchitectureVictorian commercial buildings and the storied Winona National Bank.
- Pickwick MillA preserved 19th-century gristmill in the bluffs near town.
2026 Festivals & Events
Winona earns its arts-town reputation all year long. Here are the signature events, in order.
Winona Ice Fest
Climbers gather at one of the largest ice parks in the country, with roughly 100 routes plus live music, vendors, and guided climbs for all skill levels.
Frozen River Film Festival
A celebrated indie film festival featuring local and internationally acclaimed screenings at venues across the city.
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
A self-guided weekend tour of working artist studios stretching from Winona toward the Iowa border.
Mid West Music Fest
An all-ages, multi-venue, multi-genre celebration of funk, soul, indie rock, and more across downtown Winona.
Winona Steamboat Days — 79th Annual
The city’s big community celebration: five days of carnival rides, live music, a grand parade, and fireworks. winonasteamboatdays.com
Great River Shakespeare Festival
Professional repertory theater at The ARC, featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Pericles in 2026. grsf.org
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Three weeks of world-class classical and chamber music in intimate Winona venues. mnbeethovenfestival.org
Boats & Bluegrass Festival
A beloved riverside roots-music weekend at Prairie Island Campground on the banks of the Mississippi.
Dates are subject to change. For the full community calendar, visit Visit Winona.
For Visitors & New Residents
Just passing through or putting down roots? Here is how to get the most out of Winona.
🧭 Planning a Visit
A perfect Winona weekend blends bluff-top views, riverfront strolls, and a gallery or two.
- Start the morning at the Garvin Heights overlook, then walk the Lake Winona path.
- Spend an afternoon at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum on the riverfront.
- Catch a Shakespeare or Beethoven Festival performance in the summer season.
- Explore historic downtown shops, cafes, and Winona’s celebrated stained glass.
- Time your trip with Steamboat Days or Boats & Bluegrass for the full experience.
🏠 New to Winona?
Settling into the river city is easy when you know where to start.
- Winona Health anchors local healthcare with a community hospital and clinics.
- Winona State University, Saint Mary’s, and MSC Southeast shape the local culture.
- Winona Area Public Schools and Cotter Schools serve area families.
- The Winona Public Library and farmers market are community gathering points.
- Use the business directory below to find trusted local services from day one.
Dining & Local Breweries
From riverfront tables to craft taprooms, Winona’s food and drink scene punches above its size.
- Signatures Restaurant — refined dining with Mississippi River views.
- Lakeview Drive-Inn — a Winona classic for burgers and shakes since 1938.
- Acoustic Cafe — coffee, hoagies, and live music downtown.
- Blooming Grounds Coffee House — a community-rooted local cafe.
- Winona Sandwich Company — hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads.
- Island City Brewing Company — craft beer in the heart of Winona.
- Bub’s Brewing Co. — brewpub fare and house-brewed ales downtown.
- Local taprooms & pubs — a lively scene fueled by the college-town crowd.
- Riverfront patios — seasonal spots to enjoy a drink by the water.
- Winona Craft Beverage Tour — sample the local makers in one outing.
Find Trusted Winona Businesses
Browse local categories to connect with the services you need, right here in the river city.
Healthcare
Hospitals, clinics, dental, and wellness providers.
Automotive
Repair shops, dealerships, tires, and auto body.
Home & Trades
Contractors, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and landscaping.
Professional
Attorneys, CPAs, insurance, and real estate.
Food & Drink
Restaurants, cafes, breweries, and catering.
Shops & Retail
Downtown boutiques, gifts, and specialty stores.
Finance
Banks, credit unions, and financial advisors.
Education
Universities, schools, and learning programs.
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Helpful Local Links
Verified resources for residents, visitors, and businesses in the Winona area.
Local Directory Network
Explore connected community directories across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
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