Location: Red Wing
Top Things to do in Red Wing
Top 10 Things to do in Red Wing, United States
Red Wing is a city in Goodhue County, Minnesota, United States, along the upper Mississippi River. The population was 16,459 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Goodhue County.
Restaurants in Red Wing
1. Barn Bluff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
A 350-foot cliff that was so named because of its resemblance to a barn.
Reviewed By buttereyes - Red Wing, Minnesota
According to local Dakota legend, hundreds of years ago, back in the days of floppy disks, Clearly Canadian, and when Bob Barker hosted "The Price is Right", a large mountain stood in the place of Barn Bluff. After arguments ensued over who owned this prime spot for watching over enemies, contestants from two Dakota rival villages participated in challenges for immunity and to win sole possession.
Tie votes proved problematic, so the Great Spirit and Jeff Probst instead divided the mountain into two parts. One part stayed in Red Wing and was named Barn Bluff, while the other part moved down the Mississippi River to Winona, where it was named Sugarloaf.
We'll save the sugar for later.
Barn Bluff has several scenic trails that are perfect for quick, yet fairly steep hikes (expect to spend maybe 30 minutes to an hour to cover the roundtrip hike plus exploring/taking photos at the summit), with the reward being stunning views of Red Wing, Wisconsin, and the Mississippi River at the top. Prehistoric people used to build burial mounds on top of the bluff, so take a moment to think back about all the footsteps that came before yours when you get there.
Kids and dogs will enjoy the hike, but be always be careful of loose rocks and drop-offs along the trails. Find a bathroom before you go--there are none at the bluff.
Now the tricky part...to find the trailhead (GPS will not always bring you to right spot).
A. Drive into town.
B. Look up at bluff
C. Admire or scoff at of the area dedicated to graffiti on the West side of the bluff. There are layers upon layers of paint featuring graduation years, love declarations, and even tributes to Prince! While not technically legal to deface the bluff, the graffiti has been a tradition for over 50 years--the city doesn't usually paint over it unless there are complaints.
D. Ask a local for directions. They're usually tame as long as you don't make any sudden movements.
*Trail lengths*
--South Trail--
To Lime Quarry .32 miles
To East Scenic Overlook .83 miles
Roundtrip from Main Park Access to West Scenic Overlook 2.27 miles
--Prairie Trail--
From West Scenic Overlook to East Scenic Overlook .55 miles
--Carlson Lime Kiln Trail--
.3 miles RT (dead end)
*The North trail is closed, but the connection path that leads there also goes to the midland trail and quarry trail, both of which are open. The North trail, being the most difficult and dangerous trail was temporarily closed for modifications (there have been 3 fatalities on that trail since 2011). It should be opening back up again this fall.
"Barn Bluff"
(Parody of "Love Shack" ~B-52's)
If you see a little sign at the side of East Fifth that says
Drive straight down to the Barn Bluff
Barn Bluff yeah
I'm driving down over to Barn Bluff's lot
Looking for a gooood parking spot
Looking for a gooo--oood parking spot
I found me a slot underneath a shade tree
Don't need money 'cause the parking is free
Three-hundred, forty feet, to the best city view
So strap on that Fitbit and let it acrue
The Barn Bluff is a pretty, old hill where
We can hike together
Barn Bluff Baby!
At Barn Buff, Baby
Barn Bluff, hiking, Barn Bluff
Barn Bluff, hiking, barn Bluff
Barn Bluff, hiking, barn bluff
Barn Bluff, hiking barn bluff
Sign Says, "Closed", for the north trail
"Cause we care, 'bout your hiking fails"
Cause that trail goes back to a narrow, slippery path
With a bunch of loose rocks and steep vertical drops
Hiking up the South Trail
Hiking up the Midland....
Hiking to the lime kiln
Hiking through the Prairie....
The Love Shack is a pretty, old hill where
We can hike together
Barn Bluff, baby
Barn Bluff, baby
Barn Bluff, that's where we hike
Barn Bluff, that's where we hike
Huffin' and a-puffin', workin' off your muffin
Hiking to the summit, keep on path and don't plummet!
The big hill's rockin'
Yeah the big hill's rockin'
The big hill's rockin', when everyone's a wanderin' on up,
And on up, and on up, and back down!
Everybody's traipsin', everybody's trampin' around
Crowds trekkin' up the trail just to trek down
Everybody's traipsin', everybody's trampin' around
Rockin' that bluff
Rockin' out that bluff!
Climb to the summit, it's an amazing view
Where your crew can rendevoooous,
Wear your hiking shoes, make sure that they're grippy, put em' on
'Cause loose rocks can get slippery!
The Barn Bluff is a little old hill where
We can hike together
Barn Bluff, baby
Your what?
Barn Door's
Open!
Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff!
Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff!
After docking the bluff one "Uffda" for the sometimes ill-maintained paths and signage, I would give this beautiful and historic bluff four hearty (and possibly out of breath) "Uffdas".
2. Lake Pepin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Picturesque twenty-two-mile lake in the Mississippi River Valley.
Reviewed By CaptTrouble - Wisconsin
You can see a lot of boats on this lake at any time other than winter. Being a large lake and susceptible to wind, it's a place for sailboats. Always fun to see all of the boats in nice weather. Pretty area, but congested with tourists on holiday weekends.
3. Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Reviewed By Gardenlover31 - Waterford, Wisconsin
Not much to do in Red Wing. But this is a cool shoe store with top of the line work, hiking shoes with top prices.
4. Pottery Museum of Red Wing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By BigP
My wife and I, devotees of Red Wing dinnerware, which we started collecting long before the manufacturers went out of business in 1967, made a special trip up to Minnesota from our home in Illinois to visit, among other sites, the small city of Red Wing's' Pottery Museum. It was a pleasant trip and, certainly for us, the museum was among the highlights. Located in a part of the old company factory, it is chocked full of exceptional examples of everything from the crockery that the company first produced after it was founded in 1877, to the art pottery for which it became famous in the post World War I era, to its many various designs of dinnerware that it issued after 1936. The museum is, remarkably, free of charge and though everyone can simply wander and enjoy the many displays to his or her own schedule, all visitors should try to take a guided tour if they can with one of the several docents who obviously have a loving relationship with both the pottery and the city itself. There is also a small but quite nice shop that gathers to persons who care about such goods. We took the tour, then visited the shop, and, in both cases could not have been more pleased! Even if one does not come especially to Red Wing to visit, as we did, the Pottery Museum is well worth a detour from the River Road to see. Collectors will be in proverbial "seventh heaven;" others, unless they simply have no interest in beautiful and uniquely manufactured American products, we be glad they chose to stop in.
5. Sorin's Bluff
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By Jo G - Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, United States
I declined my husband's offer to climb Barn Bluff, and opted for the drive up to Sorin's bluff. It was a clear day, and you could see forever up there. Plenty of paths for hiking, and along the way there was signage to explain the history of the bluffs, and the community. The quarries are amazing too.
6. Colvill Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By John M - Raleigh, North Carolina
Eagles congregate between Red Wing and Wabasha Minnesota in the winter as there are various places where the Mississippi River does not freeze over, and these are places where eagles can fish. Just north of Lake Pepin, we found dozens of eagles in December. This time we saw four on the way to Red Wing and a couple in the trees watching the river in Colvill Park. The area is just under an hour's drive from Rochester.
7. Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Red Wing's turn-of-the-century Sheldon Theatre showcases the best in arts and entertainment from Minnesota's heartland and beyond. It operates year-round, presenting a broad range of touring events including music, theatre, dance, comedy, films, lectures and more. The Sheldon also produces its own shows starring local artists and performing arts groups. Built in 1904 with funds from local businessman T.B. Sheldon, The Sheldon is the country's first city-owned theatre. In 1986 it was gloriously restored to its original grandeur. Described as a "glittering jewel box," it charms performers and audiences alike. Our Mission: Red Wing's historic Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts is committed to showcasing the best arts and entertainment for the enjoyment, education, and enlightenment of the community and its visitors.
Reviewed By Marilyn F - Athens, Alabama
This theatre has an interesting history and it is beautiful inside. It is well worth the visit. It was built as a theatre for performances and then in 1950's converted to a movie theater. It was then restored back to a performing theatre and they are planning on doing some maintenance on it soon. There has been some water damage and just regular maintenance that needs to be done.
8. Flower Valley Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
---CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR CURRENT & SEASONAL HOURS--- Our Secret to Seriously Delicious Wine? 1 Lifetime of Culinary Experience + 2 Generations of Farming Being uniquely situated in the picturesque Flower Valley in Red Wing, Minnesota; we have the perfect area for grape-growing (not to mention a legitimately scenic drive!) For generations, our land has yielded our family excellent crops, and in 2002 we planted our first vines on a gently sloping hillside of our farm. Combine that with a lifetime of experience in catering, and we're making delicious, award-winning wines. In 2012 we opened our tasting room where we proudly grow almost all the grapes in our wines. Enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River bluffs as you walk through our vineyard and taste our wines!
Reviewed By Kathy M
Located on a farm. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Had a great time. The cranberry wine is a must to try.Kathy, thank you for visiting and for your kind review! Glad to hear you enjoyed stopping by (cranberry wine is one of my favorites, too!)
9. Bay Point Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Janet S - Lakeland
Little jewel of a park right on the waterfront a couple blocks from downtown, near the train Depot, Visitor Center, and YMCA. Plenty of free parking. There was a yoga class happening. There is a bike repair station across from the Depot, where we found a Red Wing Rocks rock.
10. Goodhue County Historical Society
Overall Ratings
5 based on 9 reviews
As Minnesota’s oldest county historical society, the Goodhue County Historical Society was chartered in 1869. Our facility features over a dozen exhibit spaces, a full-service research library, and gift shop.
Reviewed By cecilia - Minneapolis
I can't believe no one has reviewed this museum. Yes, it's a bit hard to find way on top of a hill in a residential area, but the trip up is very interesting as well.
Located next door is an interesting old building in a park like setting where you have beautiful views overlooking Red Wing and the river. This spot is a great alternative for those unable to climb barn bluff with much easier access to the gorgeous view.
The museum is full of displays that are of local interest as well as to overall Minnesota history. Lots of stuff about the native people who were in Red Wing before we were.
Plan to spend lots of time at this amazing little gem.
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