Visit Winona Group Tour Planner

Visit Winona
Group Tour Planner
160 Johnson St, Winona, MN 55987
(507) 452-0735
info@visitwinona.com or www.visitwinona.com
Dear Tour Planner,
When you come to Winona, you will be surprised at the wonders of our
small city with a big heart! Winona is an historic island city with scenic beauty
and architecture that will astound you. The history of Winona begins as a river
town during the mid-1800’s, growing into one of the wealthiest cities in America in the early-1900’s. Our architecture demonstrates what the lumber & wheat
barons left as their legacy.
Winona has many attractions and in the last few years our attractions
have grown. The Great River Shakespeare Festival kicks off its seventh season,
running for five weeks in June/ July. I n 2006, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum opened and it features four galleries of art inspired by water. The Sugar
Loaf Antique & Craft Mall located in the old Bub’s Brewery has over 100 vendors.
The Garvin Heights Vineyard opens each Spring with tours and wine tasting.
Winona even has its own Minnesota Beethoven Festival which enters its fifth
season.
By looking over this brochure you can plan your tour the way you want it. I
am available to assist you in planning the itinerary, booking, and confirming
your plans.
Winona is a member of the Explore Mississippi Bluffs group that enables
you to visit the southeastern part of Minnesota for extended trips. Being a
member of this group allows me to work with Red Wing, Wabasha, and Lanesboro to plan your itinerary. Winona is uniquely positioned to be a perfect hub
and spoke city for your trip. So plan a few days in Winona and enjoy a small city
with a big heart!
Mary Farrell
Visitor Services Coordinator
Winona Group Tour Attractions
·
Stained Glass Studio Tour (1 hour) Location: Cathedral Crafts . Winona is known as the “Stained Glass
Capital” of the country. During this tour, you may observe craftspeople design, paint, restore, refurbish
and/or assemble stained glass windows.
·
Watkins Headquarters and Museum and Company Store (45 minutes) Famous for its award-winning
vanilla and spices, this company dates back to 1868 when it purveyed the only health “remedies” that
came with a money-back guarantee. Watkins products are available for purchase.
·
Winona County History Center (45 minutes) WCHS is one of the largest county historical society museums in Minnesota. Showcased are artifacts of Winona and Winona County’s history including a
stained-glass window exhibit, county timeline, and an award-winning children’s exhibit. A Museum
gift shop is on site.
·
Winona National Bank and Merchants Bank (30 minutes each) The banks are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places and offer amazing architecture, collectibles, and stained-glass windows.
Winona National’s African Safari museum is not to be missed.
·
Step-on Guide Tour (2 to 4 hours) You will receive a history lesson about Winona on this tour as you
drive by Levee Park and the Mississippi River, Winona County Court House, historic downtown area,
east end shotgun houses, Windom Park, mansions from the lumber baron days, Winona State University, Lake Park (which includes Veteran’s Memorial, Rose Garden, Bandshell), Sugar Loaf Bluff, St
Stanislaus Koska Church, Princess Wenonah statue, Lakeview Drive Inn (the oldest drive inn in Minnesota), Port of Winona, Garvin Heights Overlook that boasts of a magnificent view of the Mississippi
Valley.
·
Agri Tours (Bison--45 to 60 minutes) You can choose this tour and learn about the animals while viewing them. You will also learn about the farms products and where to buy them.
·
Minnesota Marine Art Museum (1 hour) Winona’s newest museum! Features four galleries of art inspired by water. Leo & Marilyn Smith Folk Art Collection, and marine art paintings of national and international significance.
·
Garvin Heights Vineyards (1 hour) You can tour Winona’s first vineyard with taste testing and learn
“Why no White Zin in Minnesota?” Along with the scenic view , enjoy different types of wine made
with University of MN grapes.
·
Sugar Loaf Antiques and Crafts Mall (1 or more hours) While you roam around all 35,000 square feet
of antiques and crafts to see what treasures you can find, look for the caves that use to keep the brew
cool. This mall is located in the old Bub’s brewery below Sugar Loaf bluff.
·
Polish Cultural Institute (45 minutes) Founded to preserve the rich Polish history of Winona, it houses
Kashubian artifacts, family heirlooms, religious articles, folk art and more. A gift shop sells Polish
items.
Three day sample itinerary:
Day 1:
10:30am-11:30 am – Minnesota Marine Art Museum
11:45 am-12:45 pm – lunch at one of our local restaurants
1:00-4:15 pm – City Tour with Step-on Guide
4:30-5:00 pm – check into your hotel & get ready for the exciting evening
5:15-6:30 pm – dinner at Signatures Restaurant
7:00-10 pm – Attend a play at the Great River Shakespeare Festival or a concert at the MN
Beethoven Festival
10:15pm – Return back to your hotel for a good nights rest
Day 2:
10: 00 am-10:45am – Sugar Loaf Antique & Craft Mall
11:00-12:00 pm – Watkins Heritage Museum
12:15-1:15pm – lunch at local restaurant in Historic Downtown Winona
1:30-2:30pm – Stroll Historic Downtown and shop at the local gift shops.
2:45-3:30 pm: Polish Museum or Winona County History Center
3:45-4:45pm – Garvin Heights Vineyard tour and tasting
5:00pm - Relax at your hotel. Prepare for dinner out, a walk around the lakes, or
another play or concert.
Day 3:
9:00-10:00am – Stained Glass Studio Tour
10:30-11:30am – Bison farm tour or Big Valley Ranch
11:45am - Lunch at another one of our local restaurants
One day sample itinerary:
10:00-11:00am - Stained Glass Studio Tour
11:15am-12:30pm – Minnesota Marine Art Museum
12:45-1:45pm - Lunch at one of the restaurants in Historic Downtown
2:00-4:00pm – Step-on guide tour in and around Winona
Unique tours
Stain Glass Studio
(1 hour)
Cathedral Crafts : Winona is
known as the “Stained Glass Capital” of the country. At this studio,
observe craftspeople fabricating
leaded stained glass windows using many of the same techniques
of the past. Artists may demonstrate how they design, paint, restore, and/or
assemble these fine windows.
Cost: $3/person Min: 15 Max: 30
Groups by appointment only.
Limited number of tours.
Unique tours (continued)
City Tour with step-on guide
Tour guides will provide a history lesson while visiting all the wonders of Winona. You might start at
Garvin Heights Overlook with a magnificent view
of Winona “the island city” and the Mississippi River
Valley. On a clear day you can see 20 to 30 miles up
and down the valley. There is also Lake Park with
Veteran’s Memorial Park, a Rose Garden, a bandshell (Winona Municipal Orchestra plays during the
summer) and a fantastic view of Sugar Loaf Bluff.
On the east end of town, learn about shotgun
houses, St Stanislaus Church, and Winona’s polish
heritage. Downtown has two large historic district
plus unique restaurants & stores. While downtown
drive by Levee Park and see where the Majestic
America Line steamboat, the American Queen dock as well as the Julia Belle Swain Steamboat. Historic Victorian built by the early lumber & wheat barons surround the beautiful
Windom Park where the Princess Wenonah statue now resides. Learn about the river port
and the many unique businesses that make Winona home. Winona has a diversified base
of businesses including: Wenonah Canoe, Fastenal, Technigraph, Knitcraft, United Building
Center and many others.
Step-on guide:
Cost: $4.00/person
(2 to 4 hours)
Guided walking tours:
Take a walk downtown which boasts over 100
buildings on the National Register of Historic
Places and learn about the history of a river
city that was once one of the richest cities in
America.
Cost: $4.00/person
Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours
Unique tours (continued)
Garvin Heights Vineyard
(45 minutes)
Tour Winona’s family owned vineyard
and learn why White Zinfandel is not
made in Minnesota and how to make
cold climate wines. Enjoy tasting the different wines and be amazed at the gorgeous view from 600 feet above the Mississippi River.
Cost: $3/person Min: 15 Max: 30
Groups by appointment only.
Sugar Loaf Antique & Craft Mall
(Variable, 1-3 hours)
This mall is located below Sugar Loaf Bluff
with 35,000 square feet of vendor space
and well over 100 vendors. Roam around
the old “Bubs” brewery building to find
treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Vendor treasures are displaced in the caves
where brew was cooled.
Monday-Friday 10 a.m-5p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday 11a.m.-4 p.m.
Groups: Call ahead of time
Unique tours (continued)
Trester Trolley Tours
(45 minutes to 1 Hour)
Trester Trolley LLC offers charter services within a fifty-mile radius of
Winona. Guided Tours of Winona will go past many points of interest
including museums, historic homes, Winona’s historic downtown district, Veterans Memorial Park, Levee Park, Garvin Heights Scenic Park,
Woodlawn Cemetery and many other historic places. Trolley holds 27
adults. A second trolley is also available.
Cost: (Based on at least 10 passengers)
$10.00 per adult
Museums
Watkins Museum and Company Store
(45 minutes)
Famous for its award-winning vanilla and spices,
this company dates back to 1868 when it was
the purveyor of the only health “remedies” that
came with a money-back guarantee. This museum
opened in 1993 to celebrate Watkins’s 125th anniversary. Located in the space formerly occupied by
the Watkins’ print shop, the museum displays a
large collection of memorabilia, and a self -guided
pictorial tour. The store is where Winonans go for
their Watkins pepper, vanilla, and Petro Carbo
salts.
Cost: Free
Min: 15 Max: 30
Groups by appointment only.
Polish Cultural Institute
(45 minutes)
The Polish Cultural Institute known as the Polish
Museum was founded in 1976.The museum
preserves the rich Polish history of Winona and
it houses Kashubian artifacts, family heirlooms,
religious articles, folk art, parish records, photographs and other treasures that have been lovingly donated, a legacy from these hardworking
people. The gift shop sells Polish items.
Cost: $2/person
Groups by appointment only.
Museums (continued)
Winona National Bank and Merchants Bank
(30 Minutes each)
The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer amazing architecture, history, and lovely stained glass windows.
Winona National Bank was designed by prominent architect George Maher of Chicago, in
the Egyptian
Revival style. The building’s face has a formidable look
highlighted by the two grand granite columns. A secret
lies under the south column, a copper time capsule
buried there in 1915. The lovely interior, a Prairie School
“look”, has many stained glass windows. A decorative
cove above the mammoth vault were created by the
Tiffany Studios of New York. The second floor houses a
small safari museum and antique gun collection. This
building was completed in 1916 and is replete with
hidden architectural gems.
Merchants Bank founders chose to make the original building a reflection of strong Midwestern values. The Minneapolis firm of Purcell, Feick and
Elmslie designed the bank to be dignified, yet functional and economical. Founded in 1875, the glass
walls which dominate the interior beauty of the
building are original, produced by Mosaics Art Shops
of Minneapolis. The mural that remains on the
north wall is the original by Albert Fleury and is a
depiction of West Burns Valley area that lies behind
Sugar Loaf Bluff. The original bank cash vault which was used until 1927 is displayed in
the lobby. Additions have been made but discreetly so as to keep its original design.
Cost: Free, Groups by appointment only
Museums (continued)
Winona County History Center
(45 minutes)
Professionally constructed exhibits examine life in Winona as lived by both lumber barons and laborers. The encircling balcony gallery (once an exercise track) houses the “County Time-line” exhibit, which begins with the area’s unique geologic formation and a superb collection of Native
Americana. The exhibit surprises visitors with the
unexpected: Winona’s rowdy past, a brief history of our sewers, and the Cold War parking plans to
be used during a nuclear war .Our hands-on children’s exhibit, “Walking through Time,” received an
award from the American Association of State and Local History;
children are invited to explore a cave, teepee, and river steamboat. Other main floor displays include vehicles, period rooms
and thematic exhibits on industry, commerce and transportation.
The new Laird/Norton addition has changing exhibits and a museum gift shop.
Cost: $4.00/person Customized tours available for groups
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
(1 hour)
The museum features four galleries of world-class art with over 400 paintings and artifacts
including Impressionism and Hudson River School paintings, marine art, folk art sculptures
and traveling exhibits. Located on the banks of the
Mississippi River, the Museum is located in a unique,
turn-of-the-century-style building and landscaped with
over 60,000 native plants. It has a group-friendly atmosphere with unique items in the Gift Shop.
Cost: $5/person
Docent-led tours by appointment
Museums continued
Arches
(45 minutes)
Before the completion of the Interstate Highway System, roadside museums were common sights
to America’s motoring public. Usually owner operated, they ranged in
quality from tawdry to excellent.
A rare example of the latter still operates today-the work of one dedicated individual, folk-artist and collector Walter Rahn (1902-1984). Motivated by a love of children and a genuine appreciation of pioneer ingenuity, Walter collected everything imaginable to illustrate the past,
and what he couldn’t collect he created. Today his charmingly constructed handmade models—many of them operable—bring to life by
gone machinery, vehicles and processes to the delight of all age groups.
The grounds of the Arches also feature a furnished log home and barn from the 1860’s, displays of
large agricultural equipment, and a complete one-room pioneer school. Cross the covered bridge
over the brook for a serene, shaded picnic spot.
Cost:: $4 person
Groups by appointment only
Bunnell House
(45 minutes)
In 1849, Chief Wapasha granted permission to his friend, fur-trader
Willard Bunnell, to build a cabin on Dakota land in what is now
Homer, Minnesota. Within a decade, Bunnell had built another,
much finer, home nearby to house his wife and
family –the present day Bunnell House.
An outstanding example of Rural (or Steamboat) Gothic Architecture, the home is built of northern white pine and furnished with
items appropriate to the mid-to-late 1800s. Knowledgeable guides
walk visitors through three floors of pioneer life,
encompassing the historical period during which Native American
canoes gave way to steamboats and game trails became roads and
highways for Euro-Americans.
Listed on the National Register, the home was acquired by the Winona County Historical Society in 1954.
Cost: $4 person
Groups by appointment only
Parks
Lake Park
The park has picnic and play areas, tennis courts, softball
fields, a rose garden and free open-air concerts at the
bandshell during the summer. Lake Winona is divided
into east and west lake by Huff Street. There is a path
around each lake for walking, running or biking and it is
5.5 miles around both lakes. A beautiful view of the
soaring bluffs in a quiet, natural setting is a treat.
Windom Park
Surrounded by lovely Victorian-era homes, many of which are on the
National Register of Historic Places, this city block is the “home” of a
beautifully restored fountain. The fountain's center is a turn-of-the
century bronze statue of Princess Wenonah (“first born daughter”)
circled by water- spraying pelicans and turtles. A wooden
gazebo and the unique landscaping complete this Victorian-era
square.
Veterans Memorial Park
The park was built with pride to honor our veterans from the Civil War through the Vietnam War.
Veterans Park provides a quiet and beautiful
spot to remember veterans from conflicts, past
and present. Coming soon are memorials for
the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The walk is paved
with names of veterans that have served our
great country.
Unique Adventures
Big Valley Ranch
A ranch in the city? Yes! Enjoy the beautiful weather by
taking a tour of the ranch. You may also choose a
wagon or horse ride on the great trails Join us for
smores around the campfire and remember to bring
your favorite campfire songs and stories. If you Join us
in September or October, you can make a bittersweet
swag.
1 hour tour: $2/person
1-3 hour tour: $5/person
1-3 hr. tour : hayride or bittersweet:$8/person
1-3 hr. tour : hayride, bittersweet and refreshments: $10/
person
Rockie Hill Bison Farm
(1 Hour)
The farm offers a guided wagon tour amongst the
farm's buffalo herd. Your experience is tailored to
your interests. Located six miles south of Winona.
The farm sits on a ridge top, overlooking the Mississippi River. Rockie Hill Bison Farm offers visitors a
visually beautiful rural adventure.
Cost: $3/person
Available from May through October.
Tours by appointment only
Accommodates 50-60 or one motor coach
Hotels
AmericInn of Winona
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 46
Baggage handling: $2 per room
Deposit policy: Yes, credit card required
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: Yes
Restaurant: Nearby
Bar: Nearby
Breakfast: Complimentary
Indoor Pool: Yes
Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes
Fitness Center: No
Wireless Internet: Yes
Days Inn
Express Suites Riverport Inn
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 106
Complimentary room per coach
Baggage handling fee: $2 per room
Deposit policy: Yes, ½ needed 2 weeks before stay
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: Yes
Restaurant: Yes, Brewski’s
Bar: Yes, Brewski’s
Breakfast: Complimentary
Indoor Pool: Yes
Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Wireless Internet: Yes
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 58
Complimentary room 1 per 20 rooms
Baggage handling: No
Deposit policy: Yes, $25 deposit
and 1 week cancellation notice
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: Yes
Restaurant: Nearby
Bar: Nearby
Breakfast: Complimentary
Indoor Pool: No
Whirlpool/Sauna: No
Fitness Center: Yes
Wireless Internet: Yes
Hotels (continued)
The Plaza Hotel and Suites
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Holiday Inn Express and
Suites
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 94
Baggage handling fee: $2.00 per
bag
Deposit: policy: 1/2 down
Motorcoach parking: Yes
Electrical Hook-up: No
Meeting Space: Yes
Restaurant: Nearby
Bar: No
Breakfast:: Hot Breakfast Bar
Indoor Pool: Yes
Whirlpool & Sauna; Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Wireless Internet: Yes
Number of rooms: 135
Baggage handling fee: $2.50 per room
Deposit policy: None
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: Yes
Restaurant: Yes, Green Mill
Bar: Yes, Green Mill
Breakfast: No
Indoor Pool: Yes
Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Wireless Internet: Yes
Hotels Continued
Nichols Inn & Suites
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 60
Complimentary room: negotiable
Baggage handling fee: None
Deposit policy: None
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: No
Restaurant: Nearby
Bar: Nearby
Breakfast: Complimentary
Indoor Pool: No
Whirlpool/Sauna: No
Fitness Center: No
Wireless Internet: Yes
Quality Inn
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Number of rooms: 112
Complimentary room: 1 per coach
Baggage handling: Yes, $1 per bag/trip
Deposit policy: None
Motor coach parking: Yes
Electrical hook-up: Yes
Meeting space: Yes
Restaurant: Yes
Bar: Yes
Breakfast: Complimentary
Indoor Pool: Yes
Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes/No
Fitness Center: Yes (passes to Anytime Fitness)
Wireless internet: Yes
Restaurants
Green Mill
1025 Hwy 61 E
·
·
·
·
Capacity: 280
Private dining: 50
Meals priced: $9-$25
Complimentary meal for driver
Brewski’s Bar & Grill
900 Bruski Dr
·
·
·
·
Capacity: 40
Private dining: yes
Meals priced: $6-$17
Complimentary meal for driver
Ground Round Restaurant
405 Hwy. 14
·
·
·
Capacity: 50
Private dining: Yes
Meals priced: $6-17
Jefferson Pub and Grill
58 Center St.
· Capacity: 100
· Private Dining: Yes
· Meals priced: $6-$20
Signatures Restaurant
22852 County Rd 17
·
·
·
·
Capacity: 100
Private dining: 75
Meals priced: $8-$30
Complimentary meal for driver
Betty Jo Byoloski’s
66 Center St.
· Capacity: 40
· Private Dining: Yes
· Meal priced: $6-$20
Rubio’s Family Mexican Restaurant
1213 Gilmore Ave.
· Capacity: 30
· Private Dining: Yes
· Meal Priced: $6-$15
Bub’ Brewing Co.
65 East 4th St.
· Capacity: 30
· Meal Priced: $6-20
Annual Events
January
Frozen River Film Festival
April
Earth Day
Bluff Country Studio Art Tour
Mid West Music Fest
May
100 Mile Garage Sale
June
Chocolate, Shakespeare & Champagne
Municipal Band Concerts in the Park
Cruise Night
Steamboat Days
Great River Shakespeare Festival
July
Great River Shakespeare Festival
Municipal Band Concerts in the Park
Cruise Night
Winona County Fair
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Upper Mississippi Dixieland Jazz Festival
Tour of Gardens
August
Municipal Band Concerts in the park
Cruise Night at Lakeview Drive-Inn
Goodview Days
September
Dakota Gathering & Homecoming
Pickwick Mill Days
Boats and Bluegrass Festival
October
Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk
Big Muddy River Rendezvous
November
Tundra Swan Watch
Winona Art Walk
December
Artist Holiday Sale
Christmas Lighted Parade
Christmas Candlelight House Tour
September-May
Art exhibits, theatre, dance, concert performances are available at Saint Mary’s University
Page Theatre, Winona State University Performing Arts Center, Winona Arts Center and
Theatre du Mississippi.
Visit our Website for dates, times and locations: www.visitwinona.com
Winona
A beautiful city nestled in the soaring bluffs along the mighty river that created
them. Winona (We-no-nah) is an American Indian name meaning 'first born' or 'eldest
daughter'.
Originally settled by a band of Mdewakanton Dakota in the early 1800’s, Winona was later founded by steamboat Captain Orrin Smith in 1851. Winona stands
on a giant sandbar created by the meandering of the Mississippi. As the nation
pushed its growth west, explorers Father Louis Hennepin, Zebulon Pike, George Catlin,
and the French fur traders at one time or another came upon the area known today as
Winona. The early rivermen referred to this region as "Sand Prairie" or the more common name, "Wapasha's Prairie," after the powerful Chief Wapasha of the Dakota
Sioux Tribe. Early European settlers named the city Montezuma, which was later
changed to Winona.
Mark Twain once called this area of the Mississippi River the "Thousand Islands."
Winona occupies a large one, which in time, attached to the Minnesota shore. Still
nearly surrounded by water, life in this historic (1851) city centers on the river.
Winona became a full-fledged river town very soon after its founding. Many
settlers and immigrants from the east traveled up the Mississippi River to Winona,
which was the last source of supplies before these groups were to head further west
to establish new homes and farms. Wheat was the first money crop of this area. By
the 1860's the nation's wheat belt was in the Upper Midwest.
Winona now has a very diverse economy. Unique products made in Winona include but are not limited to gummy bears, galvanized metal products, quarried stone
products, stained glass windows, printed music, graphite and fiberglass composite
materials, canoes and kayaks, decorative commercial lighting, vanilla, spices and extracts, emblematic items, and more.
And YES, the actress Winona Ryder was born in Winona, MN on 10-29-1971.
For more information, contact:
Visit Winona
160 Johnson Street
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 452-0735
(800) 657-4972