Winger MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Winger, Minnesota.
1. Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a pristine natural sanctuary to observe Minnesota's diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Visitors can explore hiking trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and prairie ecosystems that support numerous bird species and other wildlife. The refuge provides educational opportunities and peaceful settings for nature photography, bird watching, and connecting with the natural environment.
2. Shooting Star Casino
ENTERTAINMENT AND GAMING
Shooting Star Casino provides visitors with a full-service entertainment experience featuring gaming, dining, and live performances not far from Winger. The casino offers a variety of slot machines, table games, and a poker room for gaming enthusiasts looking for excitement. Guests can also enjoy multiple dining options and stay overnight in the hotel for a complete entertainment getaway.
3. Voyageur's View Tubing & Camping
OUTDOOR RIVER ADVENTURES
Voyageur's View Tubing & Camping offers a refreshing outdoor experience with river tubing adventures in the scenic Minnesota countryside near Winger. Visitors can float down gentle river currents while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities. The facility also provides camping options for those wanting to extend their outdoor adventure with overnight stays in the peaceful northern Minnesota setting.
4. Ulen Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Ulen Museum preserves and showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of the local area through various artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore displays that highlight pioneer life, agricultural development, and the immigrant experience that shaped the region. The museum offers an educational glimpse into the past, allowing guests to connect with the stories of those who established communities in northwestern Minnesota.
5. La Salle Lake
PRISTINE WILDERNESS LAKE
La Salle Lake is Minnesota's deepest lake within its borders, offering spectacular fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities near the Winger area. The crystal-clear waters are home to various fish species, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking walleye, northern pike, and bass. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, the lake also provides excellent opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and nature observation in a tranquil setting.
6. Barn Bluff
ICONIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Barn Bluff stands as a 350-foot cliff formation that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding Red Wing area. Hikers can traverse well-maintained trails that lead to the summit, where they'll be rewarded with spectacular vistas that have attracted visitors for generations. This natural landmark holds significant historical importance to the region and provides an excellent opportunity for photography, nature appreciation, and outdoor exercise.
7. Sorin's Bluff
PANORAMIC VISTA POINT
Sorin's Bluff features an exceptional vista point that showcases panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley and Red Wing from Memorial Park. Visitors can drive directly to the overlook area, making this natural beauty accessible to people of all mobility levels. The bluff offers spectacular photo opportunities and a peaceful setting to appreciate the majestic landscape of southeastern Minnesota.
8. Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
ICONIC AMERICAN FOOTWEAR
Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum celebrates the legacy of one of America's most renowned footwear brands, featuring the world's largest boot as its centerpiece attraction. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the company's 100+ year history of craftsmanship and innovation in work and outdoor footwear. The combination retail store and museum allows guests to both learn about the shoemaking process and purchase authentic Red Wing products directly from the source.
9. Colvill Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Colvill Park offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities along the scenic banks of the Mississippi River in Red Wing. Visitors can enjoy walking paths with diverse scenery, including river views, wooded areas, and a small marina perfect for nature appreciation and photography. The park provides facilities for picnicking, boat launching, and family gatherings, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
10. Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts stands as a beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century venue showcasing the best in arts and entertainment from Minnesota's heartland and beyond. This historic theater operates year-round, presenting a diverse range of touring events in an architecturally significant setting. Visitors can enjoy performances ranging from music and dance to theater and film in this cultural jewel that has been entertaining audiences for generations.
11. Pottery Museum of Red Wing
CERAMIC HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Pottery Museum of Red Wing preserves the rich ceramic heritage that helped define this Mississippi River town for over a century. Visitors can explore extensive collections of stoneware, art pottery, dinnerware, and folk art pieces that showcase the craftsmanship and artistic innovation of Red Wing's pottery industry. The museum offers both shopping opportunities and educational exhibits that connect guests with an important aspect of Minnesota's industrial and artistic history.
12. Lake Pepin
NATURAL MISSISSIPPI RIVER LAKE
Lake Pepin is a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River, offering expansive water recreation opportunities just a short drive from Red Wing. Visitors can enjoy sailing, boating, fishing, and water sports on this 21-mile-long lake that forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. The surrounding area features charming river towns, scenic overlooks, and dining options that make it perfect for day trips or extended explorations.
13. Memorial Park
HISTORIC HILLTOP RETREAT
Memorial Park provides visitors with an elevated retreat featuring stunning views of Red Wing and the Mississippi River valley from atop Sorin's Bluff. The park includes walking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays that help guests understand the natural and cultural significance of this historic site. Accessible by car, the park serves as both a recreational area and a place of reflection, offering one of the most photographed vistas in southeastern Minnesota.
14. Bay Point Park
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Bay Point Park offers a peaceful riverside setting where visitors can relax and enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River and Red Wing's distinctive landscape. The park features open green spaces, walking paths, and picnic areas that make it ideal for family outings and casual outdoor recreation. Boat launches provide water access, allowing visitors to transition easily between land-based enjoyment and river adventures in this versatile public space.
15. Anderson Center at Tower View
ARTS AND CULTURAL ESTATE
The Anderson Center at Tower View stands as a distinctive cultural campus hosting artist residencies, exhibitions, and educational programs in a historic estate setting near Red Wing. Visitors can explore the grounds featuring sculpture gardens, historic buildings, and rotating art exhibits that showcase creative works from diverse disciplines. The center's unique blend of architecture, natural landscape, and artistic programming provides a multidimensional cultural experience that connects guests with both local and international creative expressions.