Red Wing is a beautiful, laid-back city that offers a great mix of arts and crafts, river town history and theater. The southern Minnesota city sits on a sharp bend of the Mississippi River, nestled between forested hills and valleys. This picturesque setting provides a perfect platform for outdoor recreation.
Red Wing’s districts are enjoyable places to explore on foot. Wander around the Downtown Historic District to spot 19th-century architectural landmarks. Admire the brick storefronts and rows of Victorian houses. Browse independent antique and craft stores. Learn about the city’s shoe-making heritage at the Red Wing Shoe Museum. See local art exhibits at the Red Wing Arts Association.
Check out the grand civic buildings located in the Historic Mall District. Attend a ballet, opera, musical or concert at the century-old Sheldon Theater. Examine archaeological, geological, natural and social history artifacts at the Goodhue County Historical Society. Shop for one-of-a-kind pottery items at the Pottery Place Historic Center. Discover rare stoneware, ceramics and dinnerware at the Red Wing Pottery Museum.
Take time to enjoy Red Wing’s riverside parks. Watch yachts, longboats and fishing trawlers cruise along the gently flowing Mississippi River. Relax on the benches and amid tall trees in Levee Park. Step onboard a traditional riverboat at the park’s jetty for an alternative view of the city. Enjoy a picnic at Bay Point Park and then check out the colorful boathouse village. Colvill Park has a children’s playground, picnic facilities and tennis and volleyball courts.
For some outdoor exercise, hike to the summit of the 340-foot-high (104-meter) Barn Bluff. Pass through thick woodland to lookout decks and sweeping city and river views. An easier walk or short drive will bring you to Sorin’s Bluff, famed for being one of the city’s best sunset viewpoints.
Red Wing is about a 1-hour drive southeast of Minneapolis. Intercity trains stop at the city on the route between Chicago and Portland. Walk between the major attractions or join a guided streetcar tour. Get out of the city and explore the 20-mile (32-kilometer) Cannon Valley Trail.
