Minnesota
Where Bluffs Meet the Mighty Mississippi
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Photo: AnubisAbyss / Flickr
Cradled between towering bluffs and the wide Mississippi River, Winona occupies one of the most dramatic natural settings of any town in the Midwest. Sugar Loaf—a distinctive rock pinnacle rising 85 feet above the surrounding bluff—has served as a landmark for river travelers for centuries and remains the town's iconic symbol.
Founded in 1851 on a sandbar in the Mississippi, Winona grew wealthy during the lumber boom and built an impressive collection of Victorian and early 20th-century architecture that survives remarkably intact today. The downtown features ornate commercial buildings, while the residential neighborhoods showcase grand Victorian mansions. The town is also home to two colleges, giving it a youthful energy and strong arts scene.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum draws visitors with its world-class collection of maritime and river art, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and O'Keeffe. Great River Bluffs State Park offers hiking with stunning Mississippi Valley views, while the river itself provides endless opportunities for boating and fishing.
Iconic 85-foot rock pinnacle overlooking the Mississippi River valley
Remarkably preserved downtown and grand residential neighborhoods
World-class collection featuring Monet, Van Gogh, and O'Keeffe
State park with dramatic hiking trails and Mississippi Valley vistas
Winona is located along Highway 61, about 2 hours southeast of Minneapolis. The town is spectacular in fall when the bluffs explode with color. Don't miss the drive up to Garvin Heights for panoramic views of the river valley, and save time for the excellent farm-to-table restaurants that have emerged downtown.