TRAVEL IDEAS

With so much to do, see, and experience, it’s no wonder visitors return time and time again to enjoy all that Red Wing has to offer. Whether travelers are planning a winery tour, an outdoor adventure, a romantic getaway, a girls/guys getaway, or a family trip, Red Wing is more than just a travel stop, it’s a destination!  Explore the sample itineraries below to help you get started planning your next trip, or use them to build your own personal travel plan. Consultants at the Red Wing Visitors Center, as well as local business representatives, eagerly invite you to the City of Red Wing and are happy to assist you with your travel planning.

Check Out Some Of The Exciting Activities In Red Wing

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GETAWAYS

Let Red Wing add its charm to your plans for romance! Retreat to one of our quaint B&Bs or the historic St. James Hotel and allow yourselves to be swept away by the elegance and intimacy of the Victorian Era.

Our local wineries, chocolatiers, and florists will be happy to assist you in creating the perfect atmosphere. Stroll together through our quaint downtown, exploring the antique shops, galleries, cafes, and city parks along the way. Or perhaps you’ll spend your day together exploring the bluff summits, spellbound by the same vistas which once inspired the famous writer Henry David Thoreau.

Whether your adventure together takes you through the town or through the nature trails, a massage at River Blu Salon DaySpa is the perfect way to continue your romantic retreat together. As the sun goes down, you’ll enjoy dining and entertainment opportunities, such as live music at one of our local pubs or a theater production at the historic Sheldon Theatre, affectionately referred to as the “Jewel Box of Red Wing.”

Let Red Wing become your destination for romance, and you just may find yourself returning time and time again!

Stay

Red Wing lodging offers everything from a taste of history to the coziness of locally owned establishments to the assurance of national chain lodging.

Relax

Add that special touch to your romantic retreat with a visit to one of Red Wing’s spas. Specialists in tension-relieving techniques will help melt away everyday distractions and heighten your focus on each other.

Dining Out

It’s been said that the way to the heart is through the stomach. If that’s true, then the variety of cuisines available in Red Wing are sure to please! Choose from elegant multi-course meals, artisan pizzas, pub burgers, and more!

Wineries & Breweries

Raise your glasses to amore and explore together the rich flavors of the Red Wing region. Visit the countryside and stroll together through flower gardens and flourishing vines as you take in a scenic valley sunset. Or retrace the steps of saloon sweethearts down the historic brewery district. Cheers!

Live Performances

The stage brings an air of amorous magic, whether it’s the experience of being inside the theater, the anticipation that builds before the curtain is drawn, or the energy of musicians making their sounds come alive.

Gifts from the Heart

Why settle for ordinary when you can find extra-ordinary gifts of affection at one of Red Wing’s unique shops. From edibles to collectibles, our local retailers will be happy to help you find the perfect gift for your extra-ordinary someone!

Water Cruise

Take your romance to the river with one of the nearby excursion options. From a leisurely cruise upon an old-fashioned paddle wheeler to a sailing charter, your ideal river cruise awaits you in Red Wing!

Museums & Galleries

Sharing interests is a sharing of the heart. Let Red Wing’s many museums and galleries spark your curiosities as you explore together the array of exhibits, including pottery, stoneware, military, shoes, marine motors, and ski jumping.

Our dynamic artistic and cultural scene offers something for everyone. With a wide spectrum of subjects, media, styles, and eras, Red Wing captures the attention of all types of enthusiasts. Visit a gallery exhibit, tour a museum, catch a theater production, listen to live music, walk the streets lined with architectural attractions, savor the creations of local chefs, brew masters, and wine makers, and enjoy a distinctive hospitality experience by staying in one of our quaint B&Bs or at the one-of-a-kind historic St. James Hotel. Explore the links below to begin planning a visit to enjoy the artistic and cultural scene in Red Wing. In fact, you may need to plan two visits so you don’t miss a thing!

Stay

Immerse yourself in all that is unique about Red Wing by overnighting in establishments you cannot find in any other city. Bed & breakfasts are a popular choice as travelers seek a more personal connection to their vacation destinations. Our local B&Bs honor the integrity of both the atmosphere and the antiquity of Red Wing.

Dining Out

Meal time is an important part of any itinerary. Travelers will discover that Red Wing appeals to a variety of palates, from regional cuisines set before you to vintage building architecture to surround you.

Museums & Galleries

Enthusiasts will discover history and art intertwined throughout our city. From new pottery masterpieces created using traditional techniques to fresh acts performed in historic venues, Red Wing offers a hybrid experience for the cultural traveler.

Live Performances / Festivals

Whether you’re an entertainer or audience member, Red Wing offers you live performances and festival activity all year long. From concerts to stand-up comedy and full-stage theater productions, from nationally recognized headliners to local favorites, our entertainment scene is lively and enticing.

River Culture

The Mississippi River has undoubtedly shaped the character of Red Wing, from the breath-taking natural beauty of the bluffs and river wildlife, to the advantages of being a port city at a time before railroads and highways crossed the region. At the heart of Red Wing lies a respect for the river and a gratitude for the bounty it has provided. As the barges continue to travel up and down the Mississippi River, one can appreciate the industrial importance of the waterway, and as the paddle boats cruise with sightseers today, one can appreciate the American tradition kept alive on these waters from the Victorian Era.

No boys allowed! From traditional retreats to full-throttle adventures that redefine “feminine,” women will find Red Wing the perfect place to celebrate their bonds. We’ve organized a few sample itineraries to get you and your gal-pals started!

Bachelorette Escape

Size matters with a travelling bridal party. Consider booking multiple rooms at of one our B&Bs to enjoy a sense of sisterhood, or lodge together under the fairytale-like Victorian charm of the St. James Hotel as a precursor to the bride’s upcoming big day. Perhaps a playful late-night is just what the group needs to unwind before the wedding bells ring; in that case, Treasure Island Resort & Casino offers you lodging, meals, and entertainment so you can be carefree! For groups Round Barn Farm B&B or The Anderson Center might be just the thing for a girlfriends’ getaway.

Mother-Daughter Retreat

Stay: Signature warmth and hospitality by one of our family-owned B&Bs will make Red Wing your home-away-from-home. Let your hosts do the cooking for you, and the dishes, too! With garden spaces and intricate interiors, you will find yourselves surrounded by specialness.

Gutsy Girls Getaway

For those with more spice than sugar, Red Wing has your recipe for adventure; mix hiking, biking, golf, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, disk golf, skiing, sailing and your girl gang and you’ve got a one unforgettable weekend to look forward too!  Find gutsy fun in during any season!

Glamour Girls Getaway

If you’re looking for sophistication and style, look no further than the iconic St. James Hotel. Complete with spas, shopping courtyard, fine dining, and an ambiance of elegance, you and your girlfriends will find yourselves surrounded by luxury. Or join traveling trendsetters who delight in the uniqueness of bed & breakfast lodging, where each property and set of hosts gives a distinctive experience. With whirlpools, gourmet menus, and ornate décor, B&Bs have become the new chic!

Stay

Red Wing has a variety of hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts, and camping. To see the current packages and deal, visit our hot deals page.

Free Recreation

  • Barn Bluff:Access on East Fifth Street
    Enjoying hiking on this beautiful bluff, right along the Mississippi River. We recommend hiking up the South Trail. That will take you the the West Outlook. As you’re heading back down the South Trail, you we see a trail that veers off to the left. That is called the Prairie Trail. This trail takes you to the opposite side of the bluff to the East Outlook. The East Outlook is a dead end, so you will have to head back towards the South Trail. The South Trail will take you back to the head off the trail on 5th Street. Round trip, the trail is 2.5 miles long.
  • Bay Point Park: Bay Point Park location: 1429 Levee Road (river mile 791.5)
  • Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area
  • Memorial Park:Skyline Drive access is located on East Seventh Street
    Link to 5 Hiking Trail Maps: www.LiveHealthyRedWing.org
    Link to Mountain Biking Map: www.LiveHealthyRedWing.org
    Link to Snowshoe & Cross-Country Skiing Map: www.LiveHealthyRedWing.org
    With its scenic Skyline Drive, visitors can drive to the top of the bluff to catch a spectacular view of the city and to explore. Throughout the park, find gorgeous views of the city as well as many hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and a 9-hole disc golf course at the top of the bluff. Several campfire rings are also available to accommodate groups and gatherings.
  • Hay Creek/Goodhue Pioneer Trail
  • Red Wing Skateboard Park
  • Colvill Park: There are nine gardens that make up the Discovery Garden. The four outside gardens are each planted with two colors: the Ladybug Garden (red/pink), the Moon Garden (silver/white), the Sun Garden (yellow/orange), and the Water Garden (blue/purple). The other gardens are: the Fragrance Garden, the Faerie Garden, the Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden, the Cook’s Garden, and the Rainbow Garden.
  • Arts Association Summer Concert Series in Central Park:Summer Wednesday – 7PM
  • Festivals:River City Days: August 4th-6th. Click here for a full list of River City Days events.
  • Museums and Galleries:
    • Aliveo Military Museum
      321 Bush Street
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-327-1569
      [email protected]
      AliveoMuseum.org
      Honor those who have served by stepping back in time and exploring international military memorabilia and history from all over the world and throughout many different time periods. Flags, propaganda, uniforms, weapons, and much, much more.
      Open Friday-Saturday 10AM – 4PM
      Free admission
    • American Ski Jumping Museum & Hall of Fame
      406 Main Street
      Mezzanine of the historic St. James Hotel
      Call 651-245-8369 to schedule a tour.
      AmericanSkiJumping.com
      Opened in January 2014, this museum showcases the history of Red Wing as the birthplace of ski jumping. The Hall of Fame is also headquartered here, complete with a ski jumping simulator. For hours, events, and more information, please visit our website.
      Free admission
    • Anderson Center at Tower View
      163 Tower View Drive
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-388-2009
      www.AndersonCenter.org
      With its International Artist-in-Residence program, permanent art collection, exhibitions, classes, and outdoor sculpture garden, the Anderson Center has been named one of the top artistic destination points by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Visit their website for annual events. Meeting and rental space available.
      Free admission
    • Goodhue County Historical Society
      1166 Oak St
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-388-6024
      www.goodhuecountyhistory.org
      Established in 1869, Goodhue County Historical Society is the first county historical society in Minnesota. Visitors can find exhibits and a full-service research library and enjoy programs detailing Goodhue County’s rich and vibrant history. Open Tuesday -Saturday 9AM – 5PM, and Sunday 12PM- 4PM. Winter hours (October – April): Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm and Saturday 9am – 3pm. Closed Monday and holidays.
    • Pottery Museum of Red Wing
      Now located in the Pottery Place Annex
      240 Harrison Street
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-327-2220
      potterymuseumredwing.org
      Preserving the history of the clay industries in Red Wing, this museum has more than 6,000 historic pieces of stoneware, art pottery, dinnerware, and folk art to view and enjoy. Come check out our beautiful gift sore and take your photo by the world’s largest jugs! Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 4pm; closed Monday. Follow us on Facebook!
      Free admission
    • Red Wing Marine Museum
      935 Levee Road
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-442-7661
      RedWingMarineMuseum.com
      Visit one of Red Wing’s oldest buildings which has been transformed into the most unique museum on the Upper Mississippi River. The Red Wing Marine Museum is home to the largest collection of Red Wing Thorobred Marine Engines, as well as other artifacts and photographs depicting Red Wing’s rich river history. Open Saturday during the summer 12PM – 5PM, as well as during paddle boat docking dates and by appointment.
      Free admission
    • Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
      315 Main Street
      Red Wing, MN 55066
      651-388-6233
      www.RedWing.RedWingShoeStore.com
      Visit the flagship Red Wing Shoe Store to see the world’s largest book, the Red Wing Museum, and full-floor outlet center.
  • Sculpture Garden and Nature Walk at Anderson Center: With its International Artist-in-Residence program, permanent art collection, exhibitions, classes, and outdoor sculpture garden, the Anderson Center has been named one of the top artistic destination points by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Visit their website for annual events. Meeting and rental space available.
  • Historic Walking Tour: Journey together on a self-guided tour through Red Wing’s architectural past. The walking tours are laid out in connecting loops so that you can complete one, two, or all three areas at one time. Maps are conveniently included in an informational brochure so you will be able to learn about the details which make Red Wing’s builds and sites so impressive. The tour guidebook can be found online at https://redwing.org/wp-content/uploads/HistoricWalkingTour_redwing.pdf and podcasts are available at http://www.red-wing.org/historicpodcasts.html . Brochures are available at the Visitor Center. (Source VG2014)