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SightseeingLocal Gem

Winona

· Winona, MN

Why you should go…

Winona sits on the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, wedged between the river and its namesake lake, with limestone bluffs rising behind downtown. Its historic commercial district, riverboat heritage, and access to bluffland hiking draw visitors traveling Highway 61.

  • #mississippi river
  • #bluff country
  • #southeastern minnesota
  • #winona
  • #historic downtown

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Winona, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Local Gem

    La Crosse Queen Cruises

    $25–$50

    A paddlewheel riverboat offering sightseeing and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Wabasha

    Free

    A Mississippi River town in southeastern Minnesota and home to the National Eagle Center.

    28 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Outdoor Adventure

    Niagara Cave

    Under $25

    A 200-foot-deep limestone cave near Harmony with an underground stream and 60-foot waterfall.

    42 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    History Buff

    History Center of Olmsted County

    Under $25

    A regional history museum and archive covering Rochester and Olmsted County, Minnesota.

    43 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Green County, Wisconsin

    Free

    Wisconsin's Swiss heritage county, home to New Glarus, cheese factories, and 'eat. drink. yodel.' festivals.

    50 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Allamakee County, Iowa

    Free

    Driftless-area river county in northeast Iowa, with Mississippi River bluffs and small-town charm.

    56 mi awayMore like this