Category Archives: Greater Minnesota

Antiques, Junk and Gems and Oh My!

This weekend (September 25th-27th) marks Shakopee’s Canterbury Park 9th annual Junk Bonanza! Self-proclaimed as “the best junk round up in the nation,” this one of a kind flea market style experience attracts more than 1,000 people annually. Featuring hundreds of vendors selling vintage items, antiques, unique oddities and artisan-repurposed pieces, we dare you to walk away empty handed. Thirsty shoppers can even satiate their thirst with Canterbury Park’s famous Bloody Mary as they stroll around the grounds.

In addition to vendors, a variety of other activities will be taking place throughout the festival. Stop by and learn the latest in specialty finishes and other decorative paint techniques with a hands on session by Annie Sloan Unfolded. Or come listen to the appraiser Tim Luke from the TV show “Cash in the Attic” as he discusses the hottest flea market trends and the future of collectibles. Additionally, Friday or “Lucky Friday” will have hourly give aways throughout the day. Participants can register to win $25 gift certificates which can be spent at vendors there. Free money?! Yes please! Lastly, while these sessions are free space is limited. Be sure to pick up your ticket the day of the session.

Interested in Tickets? Visitors can opt to buy early bird tickets for entrance at 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 25th and get a two hour head start on the rest of the crowd plus free admission on Friday and Saturday. Likewise, you can always buy a day pass for $9 and get general admission for either Friday or Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Finally, maybe the piles of junk will get your creative gears turning and will inspire your next DIY or upcycled home decor project. If you are looking for ideas, be sure to check out our Pinterest board which is loaded with suggestions. On it we have tips, tricks, and step-by-step directions for making over and continuing the use of your old furniture and decor. In short, it is jammed pack with inspiration for your next creative venture and may help guide you on your shopping experience.

So whether you are searching for antiques, junk or gems you will be sure to find it all at Junk Bonanza. Because here, one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. So let the bonanza begin!

Awesome Apple Picking in Minnesota

Fall is finally here! The air is crisp, the leaves are turning colors and the apples are ready for picking. Apple picking is not only a fun way to spend a fall afternoon, but also is a great family friendly activity. So, from Afton to Webster and everywhere else in between, RNR has rounded up the best locations across the state.

Once you make it to an orchard, you can opt to pick your own apples or take home a pre-picked bag. Either way, visitors can expect to pay for their goodies pay by the pound. However, before you and your brood make the trip be sure to call ahead to double check the orchard’s supplies. Factors like weather, season and how busy they have been may affect these levels.

In addition to apple picking, many of the orchards boast pumpkin patches and offer a variety of other activities like hayrides, petting zoos and corn mazes. Whatever adventures you choose, you will be sure to get your fall fix.

Finally, once you make it home why not put your apples to use give this awesome apple crisp recipe a try? This simple, yet satisfying dessert can be served alone or with ice cream. Yum! Yum!

Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings

Anoka County Farms, Ham Lake

Apple Jack Orchards, Delano

Fireside Orchard and Gardens, Northfield

McDougall’s Apple Junction, Hastings

Minnesota Harvest Apple, Jordan

Minnetonka Orchards, Minnetrista

Pine Tree Apple Orchard, White Bear Lake

Sweetland Orchard, Webster

Whistling Well Farm, Hastings

For a full list of orchards, click here.

Unique Eats at the Minnesota State Fair

Find the original article here: 8 wacky foods you can eat at the Minnesota State Fair – Travel – TODAY.com.

It’s finally here! Every Minnesotan’s favorite summer activity – aka the Minnesota State Fair – is beginning this week and it lasts all the way through Labor Day. This year, along with some majorly cool concerts and classic carnival rides, there is some CUH-RAZY cuisine that all fairgoers (veterans and newcomers alike) must try. Does chocolate dessert salami sound a little out of your comfort zone? Not to worry. For you less gutsy gastronomes, there are novel dishes that are guaranteed to please, including a bacon-wrapped turkey leg and beer gelato. Now that we know we’ve got your mouth watering, finish reading about more of the fair’s new fare here.

Once you’ve wiped the drool off your keyboard (it’s okay, we understand), let us know: what new dishes are you looking forward to trying at the State Fair this year? What are your favorite standbys? Give us “the dish” in the comments!

Visit Duluth, the Best Outdoors Town in America

The full original post can be found here: Visit Duluth, the Best Outdoors Town in America – Minnesota Journeys – June 2014 – Minnesota.

Photo credit: "Sailing to Duluth" © 2010 by Randen Pederson (CC BY 2.0)

Duluth was recently voted the best outdoors town in America, and it’s easy to see why. With 11,000 acres of green space, miles of trails, countless activities on Lake Superior, and so much more, the title seems quite fitting. The town is home to Minnesota’s largest 4th of July fireworks extravaganza and the city’s largest neighborhood festival, Spirit Valley Days, is coming up at the end of the month. Duluth is a true four seasons town and there is never a shortage of outdoor happenings for you and your family to enjoy.

50 Places in Minnesota to Celebrate 4th of July, 2014

*“Photo Credit: “Fireworks @ Taste of Minnesota, Saint Paul” © 2007 by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)*

Can you believe America is turning 238 years old in 2014? We’d swear she doesn’t look a day over 237. Well, anyway, as the good old US of A gets ready to celebrate Independence Day once again, you’re probably preparing your picnic baskets and poppers for the holiday. Minnesota is bursting with events over the next couple of days, and if you have yet to make 4th of July plans, look no further than at the information below. First, find your nearest city in the table (scroll past the map) and click on an event name to see the parades, concerts, festivals and dazzling fireworks displays happening in that area. Then, click on the corresponding event name in the map for specific location details.

Near the Twin Cities

#	Event	Location
1	Red, White & Boom	Minneapolis
2	4^thof July Celebration	Powderhorn Park
3	Freedom Days	Apple Valley
4	Blaine Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza	Blaine
5	Summer Fete	Bloomington
6	4^th of July Celebration	Chanhassen
7	July 4^th Funfest	Eagan
8	4^th of July Hometown Celebration	Eden Prairie
9	Independence Day Parade & Fireworks	Edina
10	4^th of July Celebration	Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka
11	Independence Day Celebration	Fort Snelling
12	Pan-O-Prog	Lakeville
13	4^th of July	Richfield
14	July 4^th Fireworks Celebration	St. Louis Park
15	Manitou Days	White Bear Lake

Greater Minnesota

16	Delano 4th of July Celebration	Delano
17	Fireworks on Garrison Bay	Garrison
18	4^th of July Fireworks	Sleepy Eye
19	4^th of July Celebration	Albert Lea
20	67^th Annual 4^th of July Fireworks	St. Cloud
21	Detroit Lakes Fireworks Display	Detroit Lakes
22	4^th of July Celebration	Elysian
23	MSUM 4^th of July Celebration	Moorhead
24	4^th of July Celebration	Keewatin
25	4^th of July Celebration	Erhard
26	Hometown 4^th of July	Park Rapids
27	4^th of July Fireworks Over Lake Waconia	Lake Waconia
28	4^th of July Celebration	Hill City
29	Stars and Stripes Day Fourth of July Celebration	Pequot Lakes
30	Old-fashioned Fourth of July	Worthington
31	4^th of July Parade	Grand Marais
32	Lakefest 4^th of July Festival	Waseca
33	4^th of July Celebration	Moose Lake
34	Fourth Fest 2014	Duluth
35	Fourth of July Celebration	Eveleth
36	Crosslake Celebrates America – 44^th Annual Fireworks	Crosslake
37	4^th of July American Celebration	Brainerd
38	Spectacular Fireworks	Fairmont
39	Harmony’s 4^th of July Celebration	Harmony
40	Fourth of July Celebration	Stillwater
41	Old-fashioned 4^th of July Celebration	St. Peter
42	4^th of July Veterans’ Celebration	Cloquet
43	Old-fashioned 4^th of July Celebration	Baudette
44	4^th of July Fireworks on Pokegama Lake	Grand Rapids
45	4^th of July Celebration	Biwabik
46	Patriotic 4^th of July Celebration	New Ulm
47	4^th of July Parade & Fireworks	Crane Lake
48	4^th of July Parade	Afton
49	Annandale 4^th of July	Annandale
50	Walker 4^th of July	Walker

Plan on attending any of these celebrations? Did we miss the event happening near you? Let us know in the comments!

Grand Rapids, Minnesota

For the full original post, go to: Grand Rapids: Your Minnesota Lakes Destination

The stunning remnants of a past iron ore mine. Photo Credit: "Red and Blue at the end of the Range" © 2011 by Scott Costello (CC BY 2.0)

Grand Rapids is the perfect summer getaway for your family. Even though it’s only a three-hour drive from the bustling Twin Cities, it will feel like you entered a whole new world of outdoor adventure or, if you choose, rest and relaxation. With activities ranging from shopping to golfing to fishing on one of the thousands of local lakes, you’ll never be bored. And at any one time, there are always plenty of cultural activities going on, like the upcoming Wizard of Oz Festival, which marks the 75th anniversary of the beloved classic movie starring Judy Garland, a Grand Rapids native. Check out what else this lakeside destination has to offer your family this summer by clicking here.

125 Fun Things to Do in Minnesota this June

Festivals, concerts, and fairs – oh my! From ArtSoup to the Zumbrota Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival, there’s an event for everyone happening this month. Offering tons of food, music, and good old-fashioned fun, here are some of June’s must-do events in Minnesota (and one in Wisconsin that’s definitely worth the trip).

The events are listed in chronological order. Click the links for more info.

5/30 – 6/7	Lake Fest	Forest Lake
5/31 – 6/7	Hawley Rodeo Fest	Hawley
5/31 – 6/7	I Love Burnsville Week	Burnsville
6/1	Grand Old Day 2014	St. Paul
6/5 – 6/8	Tower Days	Spring Lake Park
6/6 – 6/8	Bullhead Days	Waterville
6/6 – 6/8	Cyrus Days	Cyrus
6/6	Dairy Day Celebration	Hutchinson
6/6 – 6/8	Edina Art Fair	Edina
6/6 – 6/8	Father Hennepin Festival	Champlin
6/6 – 6/7	Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Festival	Nisswa
6/6 – 6/8	Pine Island Cheese Festival	Pine Island
6/6 – 6/20	Spring Art Expo	Cook
6/6	Twin Cities Electric Run	St. Paul
6/7 – 6/8	Annual Fountain Trail Days	Fountain
6/7	Art in the Hollow	Swede Hollow Park, St. Paul
6/7	St. Paul Summer Beerfest	St. Paul
6/7	Explore your Parks Day	Lake Elmo
6/7	Frazee Crazy Daze	Frazee
6/7	Greyfest 2014	Shoreview
6/7 – 6/8	June Bloom Wine Event	Great River Road
6/7	OtterJam 2014	Ottertail
6/7	Rhubarb Festival	Lanesboro
6/7	St. Anthony Park Arts Festival	St. Paul
6/8 – 6/15	Buffalo Days	Buffalo
6/8	Lyn Lake Street Festival	Minneapolis
6/9 – 6/15	Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival	Hutchinson
6/10 – 6/15	2014 Wizard of Oz Festival	Grand Rapids
6/11 – 6/15	Albertville Friendly City Days	Albertville
6/11	Friends of Ramsey Park Jamboree	Redwood Falls
6/11 – 6/14	Kick’n Up Kountry Music Festival	Karlstad
6/11 – 6/16	Steamboat Days Winona	Winona
6/12 – 8/3	2014 Minnesota Biennial	St. Paul
6/12 – 6/15	50th Annual Tater Daze	Brooklyn Park
6/12 – 6/15	Barnum Spring Fever Days	Barnum
6/12 – 6/15	Mapleton Town & Country Days	Mapleton
6/12 – 6/15	Parktacular Celebration	St. Louis Park
6/13 – 6/15	Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival	Crosby
6/13 – 6/18	Foley Fun Days	Foley
6/13 – 6/15	Gammel Dag Fest	Peterson
6/13 – 6/14	Interlaken Heritage Days	Fairmont
6/13 – 6/14	Lake Crystal Duck Days Celebration	Lake Crystal
6/13 – 6/15	Onamia Days	Onamia
6/13 – 6/14	Fergus Falls Summer Fest	Fergus Falls
6/13 – 6/14	Wannigan Days	Taylor Falls
6/13 – 6/14	Winstock Festival	Winsted
6/14	3rd Annual Northeast Ride	Northeast Minneapolis
6/14 – 6/15	Art on the Lake	Excelsior
6/14	Bigfork Wilderness Days	Bigfork
6/14	Finnish-American Summer Festival	Embarrass
6/14	Japanese Garden Festival	Bloomington
6/14	Juneteenth	Minneapolis
6/14	Midsommar Celebration	Minneapolis
6/14	National Get Outdoors Day	Multiple locations
6/14	Northern Spark	Minneapolis
6/14 – 6/22	Perham Turtle Fest	Perham
6/14 – 6/15	Solstice Outdoor Music Festival	Mankato
6/14 – 6/15	Stone Arch Bridge Festival	Minneapolis
6/14	Twin Cities World Refugee Day	St. Paul
6/15	Chocolate, Shakespeare, & Champagne	Winona
6/15	Falls Festival on Foot	Little Falls
6/15	Lanesboro Art in the Park	Lanesboro
6/17 – 6/21	Farmington Dew Days	Farmington
6/17	Fourth Summer Food Fest	Blaine
6/17 – 6/22	Willmar Fest	Willmar
6/18 – 6/19	Faribault Heritage Celebration	Faribault
6/18 – 6/22	Rockin’ Rogers Days	Rogers
6/19 – 6/22	Cottage Grove Strawberry Fest	Cottage Grove
6/19 – 6/22	Dan Patch Days	Savage
6/19 – 6/22	Howard Lake Good Neighbor Days	Howard Lake
6/19 – 6/22	Hennepin County Fair	Corcoran
6/19 – 6/21	June Jubilee Family Fun Day	Wadena
6/19 – 7/4	Manitou Days	White Bear Lake
6/19 – 6/22	Zumbrota Covered Bridge Music & Arts Festival	Zumbrota
6/20 – 6/22	150th Sesquicentennial Celebration of Redwood Falls	Redwood Falls
6/20 – 6/22	Prairie Fest	Long Prairie
6/20	Redwood Falls Community Parade	Redwood Falls
6/20 – 6/29	Rochesterfest	Rochester
6/20 – 6/21	Roseau Scandinavian Festival	Roseau
6/20 – 6/22	Sherburn Holiday Festival	Sherburn
6/21	3rd Annual Summer Party in New Ulm	New Ulm
6/21	50th & Bryant Street Fest	Minneapolis
6/21 – 6/22	Afton Strawberry Fest	Afton
6/21	Freedom Days of Becker	Becker
6/21 – 6/22	GermanFest	St. Paul
6/21 – 6/22	Rock the Garden	Minneapolis
6/21	Solstice Music and Arts Fair	Clearwater
6/21	Walk Around the World International Festival	Rochester
6/23 – 6/28	Plein Air Art and Music Festival	Red Wing
6/25 – 6/29	58th Annual Columbia Heights Jamboree	Columbia Heights
6/25 – 6/28	Norman County Fair	Ada
6/25 – 6/29	Summerfest	Milwaukee, WI
6/26 – 6/29	Cass County Fair	Pine River
6/26	Walker Crazy Days	Walker
6/26 – 6/29	Dawson Riverfest	Dawson
6/26 – 6/28	Earle Brown Days	Brooklyn Center
6/26 – 6/29	Fridley ’49er Days Festival	Fridley
6/26 – 6/28	Jazz Festival	St. Paul
6/26 – 6/29	Riverside Days	Springfield
6/26 – 6/30	Rosefest	Roseville
6/26 – 6/28	Watertower Festival	Pipestone
6/27 – 6/29	Blaine Festival	Blaine
6/27 – 6/29	Browerville Heritage Days	Browerville
6/27 – 6/28	Ethnic Dance Theatre: 40th Anniversary	Minneapolis
6/27 – 6/29	Kaposia Days	St. Paul
6/27 – 6/29	Meadowfest 2014	Grand Meadow
6/27 – 6/28	Melrose Riverfest	Melrose
6/27 – 6/28	Midwest Viking Festival and Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival	Moorhead
6/27 – 6/29	Pine River Summerfest	Pine River
6/27 – 6/29	Red Lake County Fair	Oklee
6/27	Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games 5k	Oak Park Heights
6/28	ArtSoup in Elk River	Elk River
6/28	Burwell Art Fair	Minnetonka
6/28	Burwell House Festival	Minnetonka
6/28 – 6/29	Eagan Art Festival	Eagan
6/28 – 7/4	Freedom Days in Apple Valley	Apple Valley
6/28 – 6/30	Paul Bunyan Days	Akeley
6/28	Pet-A-Palooza	St. Paul
6/28	St. Boni Spass-Tagen Fun Days	St. Bonifacius
6/28 – 6/29	Twin Cities Pride Festival	Loring Park, Minneapolis
6/28 – 6/29	Wayzata Art Experience	Wayzata
6/29	MN Food Truck Fair	Uptown Minneapolis
6/29	Svenskarnas Dag	Minnehaha Park
6/29	Vikingland Band Festival	Alexandria
6/30 – 7/6	Military Family Week at the Minnesota Zoo	Apple Valley

Best Bike Trails in Minnesota

In case you weren’t aware, May is National Bike Month. The designation was established in 1956 as a way to encourage more physical activity while showcasing the numerous benefits of biking. It is also a great way to celebrate the much-anticipated pleasant springtime weather. While many people may just see biking as a leisure activity to be left for the weekend, it is actually a viable option for daily transportation to work, school or just around the town (weather permitting, of course). This year, people are urged to skip their usual aggravating commute and instead hop on their ten-speeds during Bike to Work Week from May 12th to 16th, and especially on Friday, May 16th, Bike to Work Day. Not only will this break from the daily commute do wonders for the physical (and mental!) health of drivers, it will also be extremely beneficial to the environment.

May also kicks off the National Bike Challenge, an annual contest lasting until September, that connects “bike-minded” individuals in a friendly competition. Last year, more than 30,000 bikers rode almost 19 million miles. The challenge organizers – The League of American Bicyclists – are looking to top that this year, with a goal of getting 50,000 riders to pedal more than 30 million miles during the five-month period. To become a part of this monumental event, register here.

If you want to start logging some miles for the challenge, there is no better place to do it than right here in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis has repeatedly been ranked as the nation’s most bikeable city, with rider-friendly roads, an abundance of parks, and multiple trails that pass through the metro area. In fact, last week was Minneapolis Bike Week, which encouraged bicyclists of all skill levels to take to the streets. Moreover, Minnesota – aka “The Bike Friendly State” – as a whole is home to some of the choicest biking trails in the nation. After a long, harsh winter that prompts many to seek solace indoors, it is easy to see why so many Minnesotans are eager to jump on their bikes and enjoy some physical activity in the great outdoors come May. With Minnesota’s thousands of miles of trails, there is definitely something to please everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, or whether you prefer a leisurely bike ride along the river or an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping mountain biking. Without further ado, here are a few of the best places to take your two-wheeler for a spin around the state*:

Mississippi River Trail (MRT) (On-road; across the state)
- Distance covered: 500+ miles
- Starting point: Itasca State Park
- MN ending point: Border of Iowa
- Highlights along the trail: Grand Rapids; Historic downtown Little Falls; Munsinger Gardens in St. Cloud; Twin Cities; Winona
- Make time to: take in the stunning river views; seek out historic sites; visit museums, parks and festivals along the way

Heartland State Trail (Paved path; Northwestern Minnesota)
- Distance covered: 49 miles
- Starting point: Park Rapids
- Ending point: Cass Lake
- Highlights along the trail: the state’s biggest Paul Bunyan in Akeley; the village of Dorset; the old trestle bridge over Steamboat Lake
A view of Oak Lake from the Luce Line State Trail as it passes through Watertown. Photo Credit: Erin Reyes
Luce Line State Trail (Paved path; Twin Cities area)
- Distance covered: 63 miles
- Starting point: Plymouth
- Ending point: Cosmos
- Highlights along the trail: trestle bridge crossing of Gleason Lake in Plymouth; West Hennepin Pioneer Museum in Long Lake; downtown Watertown (“The Heart of the Luce Line Trail”)
- Besides biking, also great for: Sightseeing, Hiking, Running, Jogging, Walking, Dog Walking, Horseback Riding, Snowmobiling, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
- Fun fact: Runs along a former railroad line

Root River State Trail (Paved path; Southeastern Minnesota)
- Distance covered: 42 miles (also connects to the 18-mile Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail)
- Starting point: Fountain, MN
- Ending point: Houston, MN
- Highlights along the trail: Commonweal Theatre Company in Lanesboro; concerts at Sylvan Park; world-famous Aroma Pie Shop in Whalan; scenery such as limestone cliffs, pastures, fields of wildflowers, and wooden bridges
- Fun facts: Nicknamed “The Cadillac of Trails”; the main street of Lanesboro (the hub of the trail) is a designated historic district

Cuyuna County State Recreation Area (Mountain Biking; Northern Minnesota)
- Distance covered: 25 miles
- Location: Crosby-Ironton area
- Fun fact: Designated as an International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Ride Center, one of only a few in the world
- Level of difficulty: ranges from Easy to Extremely Difficult

Minnesota Valley/State Recreation Area (Mountain Biking; Southwestern Minnesota)
- Distance covered: 35 miles
- Starting point: Shakopee
- Ending point: Belle Plaine
- Besides biking, great for: Sightseeing along the River, Hiking, Running, Horseback Riding

If you want a closer look at these or any trails in the state, cruise on over to the Minnesota State Bicycle Map: mndot.gov/bike. Also, be sure to visit BlueToad.com for the complete list of Minnesota bike trails.

Bike Safety

As long as we’re on the topic of cycling, we thought we’d share some basic safety tips that all riders can benefit from, whether you’re hitting the road or the trails for the first time or you’ve been riding since before you could walk (via sharetheroadmn.org):

Always wear a helmet, even if you are an experienced rider.
It is best to travel with a friend, even if you feel you are familiar with the area.
Obey all traffic lights and signal your turns.
Look both ways at intersections and driveways.
Carry water and other drinks to avoid dehydration. If you are planning a long journey, also make sure you bring snacks to keep you fueled.
Use a front light and rear reflector if you are riding in the dark.

Riding on Trails:

Ride on the right side of the trail so that others may pass.
Alert other users you are passing by calling “On your left!”
Move off the trail when resting, to keep the path clear for others.

Riding on Roads:

Ride in the same direction as vehicles.
Be predictable to motorists.

Now tell us: where in Minnesota do you love to ride your bike? Do you have any safety tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

*All info about these trails comes from Pedal Minnesota’s Biking guide.

Northern Minnesota Road Trip

For the full original post, go to: Northern Minnesota Road Trip — National Geographic. By Berit Thorkelson

Gooseberry Falls State Park, just one of several state parks along the trip. Photo Credit: "L1010925" © 2012 by JML78 (CC BY 2.0)

Minnesota probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when deciding where to take the next family road trip. But the Mall of America shouldn’t be the only destination that tourists make time for in our lovely and diverse state. In a state known as the Land of 10,000 lakes, don’t you think it would be worth it to actually visit some, oh, we don’t know, lakes? A road trip up the North Shore Scenic Drive from Duluth to the Canadian border will allow just that as it runs alongside Lake Superior, while also passing by several state parks and other interesting landmarks. Read about the multitude of fun things to do on a Northern Minnesota Road Trip in this great piece by Berit Thorkelson.

8 Great Things To Do in Winona

The historic island city of Winona began as a logging town because of its natural resources and the Mississippi River. Traders, farmers and immigrants gathered here and the city grew. Today, Winona is home to three colleges and is more than just a bustling college town, but a beautiful area for visitors.

From outdoor recreation to festivals, shopping, eating and museums, Winona has so many things to do! So, we narrowed our list down to eight of our favorite things to do in Winona.

Drive the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Minnesota State Highway 61 is surrounded by scenic beauty at every turn and runs right through Winona. It’s not much longer to take than the interstate is from the cities, and during Fall it’s filled with vibrant colors.
Play disc golf. Winona has two free 18-hole courses. The Woods, located in the bluffs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and The Willows, located on the flat grounds near East Lake. Winona also has a shorter course, with only nine holes, located at West Lake.
Cross-country ski. Winona is home to groomed trails prized by cross-country skiers from all around the Midwest. Whitewater State Park and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are have some wonderfully groomed trails for skiing. Mother nature typically keeps snow on the ground, but snow makers help to keep these wonderful trails covered.
Go hunting. With a hunting permit, you can track the abundant wildlife on public hunting land, or access premium hunting grounds through a guide service. Briggs Outdoors, LLC is a lodge and outdoor adventure farm that is best known for its record whitetail trophy bucks and beautiful rich landscape.
Visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Home to paintings by Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso, Renoir and scores of other artists, all art at this museum depicts a scene with navigable waterways. With activities for both kids and adults, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum is one of the most unique and dynamic art museums around.
Listen to live music. Winona’s music venues often serve food and drinks to enjoy, and have a calendar full of performances and events. Ed’s No-Name Bar and The Acoustic Café are two popular venues in downtown Winona for live performances.
Visit during Steamboat Days. Winona’s week-long celebration includes a parade, classic car show, carnival, boat races, music and fireworks. Be sure to book a stay early this year; Winona’s Steamboat Days are June 11-15 this year.
Visit the National Eagle Center. Located just up Minnesota State Highway 61, in Wabasha, the National Eagle Center allows visitors to see bald eagles up close and learn more about our national bird. Be sure to bring your camera for some great photos.

Did we miss anything? Be sure to share it in the comments below.