25 Best Things to Do in Red Wing, Minnesota

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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.

© 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

© 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

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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.

© Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum

The Red Wing Shoe Store and 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

© 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

© 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

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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

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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

© Bierstube Bowl

The Bierstube Bowl is practically an institution in Minnesota with several locations around the state including Red Wing. Having been in operation since 1962, the Bierstube Bowl is beloved and frequently visited by locals who keep coming back for the incredible food as well as the world-class bowling alley. Food at the Bierstube Bowl is simple but incredible with crowd-pleasers like their best-selling Reuben sandwiches and bratwursts among other menu offerings like the Hot Beef Plate, Chicken Wings, and the Bierstube Bowl Burger. The simple but delicious menu goes well with the Bierstube Bowl’s drink specials, and there’s nothing like a cold tap beer while enjoying a few rounds of bowling with your friends and family.

233 Withers Harbor Drive, Red Wing, Minnesota 55066, Phone: 651-385-8852

© Bay Point Park

The beautiful Bay Point Park near the downtown area of Red Wing is situated along the banks of the winding Mississippi River. The park hosts several of the celebrations that take place in the community. The park also consists of several picnic areas, a playground, a boat launch, a volleyball court, and a walking path that is open year-round and lit during the evening. The distance around the park is two-thirds of a mile. Located near the Bay Point Park is the historic Boat House Village, in which guests can see the one of the few remaining “gin pole” installations.

Levee Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066

© Falconer Vineyards

Falconer Vineyards and Winery opened in 2003 and is situated within the bluff valleys surrounding the historic town of Red Wing. The winery overlooks the vineyard, which measures 6.5 acres in size, and is one of the state of Minnesota’s most picturesque and serene wineries. At the vineyard, the focus is on using cold-hardy grapes that grow in the northern part of the country for making wines. The grounds also include the Vineyard Bistro, which is open during the summer and serves wood-fired pizzas. There is plenty of seating on the covered deck to enjoy a pizza and some wine

3572 Old Tyler Rd, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-8849

© Goodhue County Historical Society

The Goodhue County Historical Society acts as a steward for the history of Goodhue County through collection, preservation, and promotion of cultural and natural history through outreach and education. It is the oldest county historical society in the entire state, having been chartered back in the year 1869. The permanent collection of the Goodhue County Historical Society has grown to include many two-dimensional and three-dimensional items that represent every decade of the biographical, cultural, and modern corporate history of the county, including rare examples of Mississippian and Woodland pottery, and terracotta and stoneware products from the pottery companies of Red Wing.

1166 Oak St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-6024

© Red Wing Arts Association

The Red Wing Arts Association can be found inside the Historic Depot in downtown Red Wing, along the banks of the Mississippi River. The association began back in 1952 as an educational program for interactive arts, and is the oldest art organization in the town of Red Wing. The Red Wing Art Association strives to support the many area artists throughout the region, and provides them with visibility and exposure in the association’s shop and galleries. The association is also committed to creating a community where arts and the participation in the arts are vital and relevant to the town.

418 Levee St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-7569

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Sargent's Nursery has been around since the year 1928, working to beautify the city of Red Wing, as well as the surrounding areas. The feeling of satisfaction runs deep with every customer served and in the roots of each plant grown at the nursery. Sargent’s is a family owned and operated business, offering customers something quite different from larger businesses and big-box stores. The nursery boasts a more personal and relaxed atmosphere in which guests can take their time shopping, browse the gardens and greenhouses, and ask questions. Sargent’s is known of its large selection of quality plants for landscaping.

3352 N. Service Dr, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-3847

© Aliveo Military Museum

The Aliveo Military Museum aims to preserve and honor the men and women who have served in the country’s military by protecting, preserving, and presenting a wide variety of military artifacts. The museum is home to a significant collection of various artifacts associated with the military, such as military uniforms, rifles, pistols, badges, edged weapons, equipment, flags, and insignia. This collection consists of artifacts and relics from the current wars in the Middle East, the Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, World War II, World War I, the Civil War, and the Revolutionary War. There are also artifacts from the Zulu/British War.

321 Bush St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-327-1569

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John Rich Park is situated between West Third Street and Main Street, and West Avenue and East Avenue. The park has been landscaped with a series of symmetrical bands of flowers, pergola, a pool, and a fountain. There are also granite benches and limestone sidewalks. The Veterans Memorial in John Rich Park honors all of the citizens of Goodhue County who died while serving in the United States military. The memorial was added to that park in the year 1988 and is located at the north end. The park is named after John H. Rich, who as a founder of the Civic League.

218 West Ave, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-385-3674

© Anderson Center at Tower View

The Anderson Center at Tower View has been named one of the upper Mississippi River region’s top artistic destination points by National Geographic.The center has served the citizens and artistic community of Minnesota since 1995 through support, program development, and artistic leadership. The national registered landmark presents collaborative public arts programs in Red Wing and other communities, provides two and four week retreats to enable scholars, writers, and artists to complete or advance their work, and much more. Along with its twenty art studios, the Anderson Center consists of an outdoor kiln, a dark room, printmaking facilities, and a blacksmith shop.

163 Tower View Dr, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-2009

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The Vintage Kitchen at the Red Wing Farmer’s Market serves delicious pastries, gluten-free home-baked goods, fresh coffee and snacks. Homemade baked goods at the Vintage Kitchen include cookies, cupcake, muffins, scones, coffee cakes, and cinnamon rolls, with gluten-free options including cookies, muffins, coffee cakes, granola, and trail bars. The farmers market vendor is also well known for its sweet and spicy roasted nuts and caramel corn that it makes in small batches. The Red Wing Farmer’s Market aims to provide the community with a socially enriching and convenient place where they can buy fresh, local produce, as well as farmstead products.

212-290 Levee St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 715-529-6733

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Golf lovers are in for a treat at the Mississippi National Golf Links. This beloved and must-visit course is home to two 18-hole golf courses: the Highlands and the Lowlands, both of which are championship courses. The Lowlands is one of the greatest tests to golfers that Southern Minnesota has to offer, and has even played host to The Minnesota PGA Championship, and The Senior US Open. Meanwhile, the Highlands course is legendary amongst athletes as it features a 200-foot elevation gain change, and greens, fairways, and tees that line the edge of a 30-mile bluff. Come to the Mississippi National Golf Links to test your skills as well as to enjoy a stunning view of the river valley.

409 Golf Links Drive, Red Wing, Minnesota 55066, Phone: 651-388-1874

© Kellys Bar

Kelly’s Tap House Bar and Grill has won the title of Restaurant of the Year by the Red Wing’s Chamber of Commerce more than once. The restaurant boasts an award-winning menu of quality food that is served every day of the week. Kelly’s Bar also offers amazing views of the expansive Mississippi River and is open late, until two in the morning several days. The bar has built a reputation for having great specialty drinks and the largest selection of taps anywhere in Red Wing. The menu features award-winning wings, burgers, salads, roasted chicken, golden fried appetizers, and much more.

1530 Old West Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-388-9913

© Red Wing Marina

One of the greatest things about Red Wing is its gorgeous location along the Mississippi River, and when it comes to enjoying the best that the riverfront has to offer, the Red Wing Marina delivers in spades. Owned by Jim and Cindy Bisek, the Red Wing Marina is called the friendliest marina on the river and is known for its relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Guests at the Red Wing Marina can enjoy a variety of amenities such as its deck, picnic area, and campfire ring, but its main draw is the pontoons, runabouts, and fishing boats that it rents out. The marina is conveniently located in the city’s historic downtown area and provides guests access to great biking and hiking trails. Boats at the Marina are available for half a day and full rent rentals.

918 Levee Road, Red Wing, Minnesota, Phone: 651-388-8995

© Red Wing Brewery

The Red Wing Brewing Company, or also known as the Red Wing Brewery, makes around six or seven barrels of beer each week out of its very small brewhouse, small even compared to other small breweries in the state of Minnesota. Red Wing Brewery’s beer is made and exclusively sold at the brewery, meaning that the beer customers drink here is a fresh as it can be. Three of the beers offered year-round are historic brands made for residents of Red Wing during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The brewery also makes its own root beer, so there’s something for everyone.

1411 Old West Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-327-2200

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The Wisteria Twig is Red Wing, Minnesota’s eclectic and charming Tea Room and Cafe. Customers have the opportunity to a step back into the past, to a time when people were in less of a hurry, a time that wasn’t as stressful, with vintage dishes and antique furnishings. The menu at the Wisteria Twig is diverse and features a variety of cold and hot sandwiches, wraps, and paninis. There are also crisp salads, fresh baked breads, and homemade soups on the menu, as well as scones and decadent desserts all made from scratch. Reservations for lunch aren’t necessary, but appreciated.

1920 Old West Main St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-276-4616

© Staghead

Staghead is a gastropub in Red Wing, Minnesota and is the city’s source for locally sourced, fresh food and a variety of craft beers. It serves quality American cuisine, combined with urban influences. The restaurant strays away from using any sort of processed ingredients, and instead focuses on sustainable food sources, which allows them to offer a better tasting and higher quality selection of dishes. The Staghead Gastropub, which is closed on Sundays and Mondays, provides craft beer, local food, and a decorative, yet casual setting. The menu here is subject to change based on items available in order to ensure freshness.

219 Bush St, Red Wing, MN 55066, Phone: 651-212-6494