We arrived in Winona, Minnesota, in the late afternoon after leaving Wisconsin. This was an extra special stop because Than’s family has lived in Minnesota for generations. We were able to visit with his Aunt Sue. Over the years the boys have communicated with Aunt Sue and were finally able to meet her in person!
The campground we stayed at in Winona was right on the Mississippi River.
The boys unloaded their bikes off the back rack of the camper and followed us to the camp site.
They swam in the Mississippi River right from the campground’s beach and dock. They are trying to swim in as many new places as they can. I wonder if they will swim in the glacial lakes as we move further west.
Not only did the boys swim in the Mississippi River, but they also fished there (of course). They tried a couple of different spots, but Levee Park proved to be the most successful!
Levee Park sits along the Mississippi River in downtown Winona and reflects the city’s history of riverboats, steamboats, and river commerce. From the park, we watched tugboats regularly coming and going, pushing barges loaded with goods along the river. The boys were even able to get a tugboat captain’s attention.
A short distance away from the campground is Lake Winona, a tranquil spot with beautiful gardens, walking paths, and views of Sugar Loaf from almost every vantage point. Sugar Loaf is Winona’s famous limestone pinnacle and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Veterans Memorial Park on Lake Winona honors local veterans who served our country. Many Bean family veterans have been memorialized here, and we were able to find most of them during our visit.
Although Winona has the feel of a small town, it is home to three colleges: Winona State University, Minnesota State College Southeast, and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. When students are in session, the city must be especially vibrant and busy.
The timeless feel of the city of Winona is reflected in the restaurants that have been owned and run by the same families for over 100 years.
The Lakeview Drive Inn still offers the classic drive-in experience, with “carhops” that come out to your car and deliver the food on a tray that hooks to the car window. A particularly unique menu item is the homemade Root Beer served in old fasioned frozen mugs.
Bloedow’s (pronounced “Blado’s”) is a beloved doughnut shop that now has lines winding down the street, yet it remains true to the recipes and offerings that made it famous.
Windham Park located nearby Lake Winona is another lovely spot in the city. The fountain located in the center of the park, holds a bronze statue of Princess Wenonah, translated to first born daughter, the Dakota Indian chief’s daughter. Legend says Princess Wenonah is the namesake of Winona.
Those were some of the standout sights of Winona. We ended the visit with a sunset over the Mississipi.