Location: Winona
Top Things to do in Winona
Things to do in Winona, Minnesota (MN): The Best Museums
Winona is a city in and the county seat of Winona County, in the state of Minnesota. Located in picturesque bluff country on the Mississippi River, its most noticeable physical landmark is Sugar Loaf. The city is named after legendary figure Winona, said to have been the first-born daughter of Chief Wapasha (Wabasha) III. The population was 27,592 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Winona
1. Winona National Bank
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
2. Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 487 reviews
Reviewed By markgregory
I have lived in this area for 30+ years and just decided to go here on whim. I was amazed at what an extensive and impressive collection they have. I was expecting only marine themed works, and was stunned to see Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Hopper, Wyeth, and on and on. The marine art was really exceptional, and even the works by the masters had some type of marine theme, but if you are just thinking this is a lot of paintings of sailboats, you will be pleasantly surprised. Kudos to the team that has made this possible in Winona, MN of all places.
3. Winona County Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Museum featuring a timeline of Winona County, from 500 years ago until the present.
Reviewed By LynneRabuse - Winona, United States
The Historical Society has something for most (I'd say "everyone", but that might be a stretch in this day and age); there is a nice hands-on area for kids ( a tepee, a cool cave that shows how things from the past get buried, a steam boat with ladder to climb), but there is also a lot that is on display (read "don't touch) and, depending on your child, might result in a frustrating experience if they are not formal-museum trained and are just hearing you say, "Don't touch!" again and again. If they can withstand the urge, then there is quite a lot to see--nice big dioramas of the past glory of Winona's lumber trade, replica "scenes' of old barber shops, carriages, an old horse-drawn hearse, a bank, etc. Lots of interesting things from the past. There is often a special display out in the main lobby (a beautiful new addition with the gift store); in the summer it is often a display of fine-crafted furniture. The Society also has the Bunnell House (3 stories of interesting "stuff" and local history located a few miles downriver from Winona), and in the summer their excellent "Pioneer School" for grade-school level students. Our seven-year-old went for the first time this year; at the end of Day 1, her response was, "Best day ever!" Christmas time often (but not always) brings a tour of several area homes, displaying architectural styles. So, small, but great museum. If you are a museum lover, you could easily spend two hours here. Down the block toward the river is Bluffview Food Co-op, a good place to grab a bit to eat, or Blue Heron Cafe, also an excellent eatery.
4. Polish Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
The mission of the Polish Cultural Institute and Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret and disseminate the heritage of the Kashubian Polish Culture. It resides in a three-story building built in 1890 by the Laird-Norton Lumber Company. It also maintains Winona’s Kashubian Polish traditions through events and other initiatives.
5. Watkins Museum and Store
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By mindyash7 - Zionsville, United States
Be sure to visit and load up on Watkins spices, hand soap, and many more items. My favorite is the ground pepper. We picked up their new IPA seasoning too. Cant wait to try it.
