Need a scenic small-town escape on the Mississippi River? Head to Red Wing! This historic Minnesota river town blends natural beauty, arts and culture, and timeless charm. Whether you’re hiking bluffside trails, touring pottery studios, or relaxing with river views, Red Wing offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town relaxation.
Red Wing, MN Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike Barn Bluff – Trek to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and historic downtown below.
- For History Buffs: Explore the Red Wing Pottery Museum – See iconic stoneware and learn how Red Wing earned its place in pottery history.
- For Shoppers: Browse shops on Main Street – Discover local boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, and handmade goods in a walkable downtown.
- For Couples: Watch the sunset from Memorial Park – Enjoy bluff-top views, picnic spots, and romantic evening skies over the river.
- For Families: Visit the Goodhue County Historical Society – Engage with interactive exhibits and learn about the area’s rich heritage.
Best Time to Visit Red Wing, MN
The best time to visit Red Wing is from May through October. Summer brings outdoor events and lush river valley scenery, while fall offers brilliant foliage and cool hiking weather. Winter charms with snowy bluffs and cozy downtown cafés.
How to Get to Red Wing, MN
- If you are traveling by car: Red Wing is located on U.S. Highway 61, about 1 hour southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul and 1 hour northwest of Rochester.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops daily at Red Wing Station, connecting to Chicago, St. Paul, and beyond.
- By Plane: Fly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), then rent a car or take a shuttle to Red Wing.
Where to Stay in Red Wing, MN
- St. James Hotel – Elegant historic hotel overlooking the river with vintage décor and fine dining.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Convenient and family-friendly with an indoor pool and easy access to hiking trails.
- Moondance Inn Bed & Breakfast – Romantic Victorian mansion with antique-filled rooms and gourmet breakfast.
Best Things to Do in Red Wing, MN
1. He Mni Can-Barn Bluff
He Mni Can-Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minnesota is one of the most famous natural features found along the upper Mississippi River. The landmark is significant for its association with native and prehistoric peoples, as well as its geology. The bluff is also known for being associated with the exploration during the early nineteenth century of the Upper Mississippi. Due to the steady climb, those hiking up the Barn Bluff will want to take the hike at a slower pace. Even with its many steps and elevation gain, the hike to the top is definitely worth the effort for the amazing view.
2. Red Wing Marine Museum
One of the city of Red Wing’s historical venues, the Red Wing Marine Museum is located along the Mississippi River and depicts the motor and boat business, one of the oldest industries of manufacturing. It is situated quite close to the original factory’s site that made and launched Red Wing-made motors and boats. Restored Red Wing Thorobred engines are on display at the museum, along with outboard motors, fishing tackle, other river-related objects, and photographs. Guests can also see the American Queen, the largest river steamboat, when it is docked a short distance from the museum in Red Wing.
935 Levee Rd, Red Wing, MN, 55066, Phone: 651-442-7661
3. The American Ski Jumping Museum and Hall of Fame
The American Ski Jumping Museum and Hall of Fame opened in 2014 and is a museum that highlights the story of how the city of Red Wing became the birthplace of ski jumping. The museum is also the home of the Hall of Fame for ski jumping and even contains a ski jumping simulator. A diorama, uniforms, and photographs are all on display in the museum, as well as a pair of skis that have been used from every decade of the sport, starting with the 1880’s. Ski jumping was extremely popular from the year 1883 to 1950 in Red Wing.
406 Main St, Red, MN 55066, Phone: 651-380-8960
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Lake Pepin
Lake Pepin is located on the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and is a widening of the Mississippi River between the two states. The natural lake is the widest naturally occurring section of the Mississippi. Lake Pepin is about sixty miles away from the city of Saint Paul, near Red Wing, and was formed by a water backup behind sedimentary deposits of the delta of the Chippewa River. At approximately forty square miles, there is plenty of space along the water for a variety of activities. There are three marinas along the shore of the lake.
5. Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
The Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum is home to the largest boot in the world, which offers a great photo opportunity, especially for children. Guests have the chance to dress up as an ironworker would, as well as see for themselves exactly how shoes are made. The Red Wing Shoe Museum is situated inside of the flagship store of the Red Wing Shoe company in the historic downtown area of Red Wing. Many different items from the company’s long history of making quality shoes are on display year-round throughout the store and museum.
315 Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-6233
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
6. Pottery Museum of Red Wing
The Pottery Museum of Red Wing is home to the most extensive and largest collection in the world of Red Wing clay products. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the colorful and rich story of the clay industry in Red Wing, Minnesota. Over six thousand vintage objects of artisan-crafted dinnerware, folk art, stoneware, and art pottery are on display at the pottery museum, bringing the historic story of Red Wing to life for visitors through numerous dynamic exhibits that span across thirteen thousand square feet. Guests can explore the legacy of pottery along the Mississippi River.
240 Harrison St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-327-2220
7. Memorial Park
Memorial Park in Red Wing, Minnesota offers great views of the surrounding community, the Mississippi River, and even the bluffs of Minnesota and of the state of Wisconsin. At the top of the area’s Sorin’s Bluff, visitors will see charcoal grills, picnic tables, trails for biking and hiking, open spaces, and a nine-hole course for Frisbee golf. A variety of trails throughout the park offers opportunities for mountain biking and hiking from spring until fall, and cross country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. Each picnic area features amazing views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi.
315 W 4th St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-0243
8. Colvill Park
Colvill Park is provides both residents and visitors alike in Red Wing, Minnesota an opportunity for plenty of outdoor fun. The park features many picnic shelters, tennis courts, an air-conditioned and heated building for events, and a boat launch. There are also several different structures for play throughout Colvill Park, including a volleyball court, the universal playground, a shuffleboard court, the discovery garden, and horseshoe pits. The walking path around the park is just shy of one mile in length. The expansive picnic area is located along the banks of the Mississippi. Guests can also use the shelters if they’re not reserved.
515 Nymphara Ln, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 800-498-3444
9. Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
The Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts enlightens, educates, and entertains the Red Wing community and visitors of the area through the transformative power provided by the performing arts. The theater is considered to be the “jewel box” of Red Wing, and is a cornerstone partner of the community, a hub for regional arts, and a trailblazer at the national level for small-town centers for performing arts. Visitors can tour the historic theater and take in its beautiful architecture, which includes arches, decorative painting, delicate sculpture, and much more. The Sheldon Theatre is situated in the heart of the beautiful downtown.
443 West 3rd St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-8700
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