Southeastern Minnesota Does Winter Like Nowhere Else. Here’s What You’ll See on a Trip From Winona to Wabasha, MN.

26.02.2024 - 20:08 / matadornetwork.com

Situated between the waters of Lake Winona to the south and the finger-like channels of the Mississippi River to the north, the city of Winona, Minnesota, is best experienced outside. And while out-of-staters might assume this dynamic changes during the winter months, nothing could be further from the truth. Visitors to and locals in Winona know the joys of bundling up, grabbing a warm beverage, and communing with the season’s outdoor wonders.

Winona has plenty of personality any time of year: It’s the subject of a viral social media campaign declaring itself the Miami of Minnesota (on account of its southern position in the state). It’s renowned as the Stained Glass Capital of the US. And don’t forget this is the eponymous hometown of Winona Ryder. But if you’re going to learn just one thing about the city, make it this: Winona owns winter. Here’s what awaits you on your trip.

Photo: Visit Winona

The yearly Winona Ice Fest (Feb 22-25, 2024) takes place in the second-largest ice park in the United States. Ice climbers from beginner to expert can register to climb at the Winona Ice Climbing Park solo or as part of a group. Registration costs $30 and includes local restaurant discounts and a raffle ticket. Climbing clinics — there are sessions titled Family Intro to Ice Climbing, BIPOC Intro to Ice, Women/Trans/Femme Intro to Ice Climbing, Advanced Movement Skills, and more — cost $120 and include all equipment required to climb.

The manmade ice climbing park has 100 climbing routes and is free and open to the public. Situated near the Sugar Loaf Bluff, the views alone will make any winter hater’s heart thaw a couple of degrees.

Photo: Visit Winona

Snowshoes, ice skates, hockey sticks, and pucks are available to rent from the Lake Lodge Recreation Center on Lake Winona. The Lake Lodge Ice Rink hosts free public ice skating seven days a week from 8am to 9pm. Another spot to skate is the Bud King Ice Arena. Day passes cost $3 per person with a $2 add-on for skate rental. Check out their website for public skate scheduling and other details.

Photo: Visit Winona

Water is plentiful in and around Winona, which means there are many ice fishing sites to choose from when the weather is cold enough. In town, Lake Winona features docks that make it simple to bring little ones along on a fun family activity. Other locations include Lock and Dam 7 on the Mississippi River, Schneider’s Lake in Minnesota City, Bartlet Lake, and Mertes Harbor. You can also open-water fish along some 720 miles of designated streams in this part of the state.

For a guided trip, Blown Away Guide Service runs airboat ice fishing trips that take a maximum of five people and cost $175-200 per person. Brave the cold and get out there!

A little snow