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The Winona Visitor Center is open seven days/week (April-October) and Fri-Sat-Sun (November-March) from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and is located at 924 Huff Street.
Still nearly surrounded by water, life in this historic (1851) city (population 27,069) centers on the river. If you like magnificent views of our river valley, head to Garvin Heights Overlook. The view from 575' above the Mississippi is 20-30 miles up and down the valley, as a Japanese journalist said, "makes your jaw drop."
Because the Mississippi brought great wealth to Winona early, its commercial and residential buildings are of an opulent style not common in Minnesota. Many also boast fabulous interiors and stained glass windows made by Tiffany and other famous studios. Writers have called Winona the "Stained Glass Capital of the United States!"
There are over 100 sites on the National Register in Historic downtown Winona. Besides many city parks like Garvin Heights, the Winona area is central to five state parks (Minnesota-3, Wisconsin- 2), and two national wildlife and fish refuges: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge and Trempealeau National Refuge.
Recreational facilities in Winona complement those in the parks. Great golfing at 3 courses plus area courses nearby. Exceptional swimming at the Bob Welch Aquatic Center, a state of the art Olympic-size pool including a 209 foot water slide. Winona has many scenic bike routes with a special 5.5 mile paved path around 300-acre Lake Winona. Brochures highlighting Winona and area bike trails also points out canoeing opportunities.
The Mississippi near Winona is a maze of bays and channels with some places so secluded that there is no sign of civilization. Fishing is excellent, and more than 290 species of birds can be found.
Festivals and events include Frozen River Film Festival, Great Dakota Gathering and Homecoming, Steamboat Days, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Minnesota Beethoven Festival, Swan Watch Weekends, and more. Many events are provided through Winona State University and Saint Mary's University. Simply Beautiful: Winona, The Island City on the Mississippi River!

Dates

The main office is located in the Winona County History Center at 160 Johnson & is open MO - Sat., 10am to 4pm. There is visitor information in the lobby that is available when the museum is open.