There are numerous small towns along the length of the Mississippi River, all with their own charm and history. Nestled amidst the picturesque bluffs of the Driftless Region and cradled by the majestic Mississippi River, Red Wing, MN beckons travelers with its blend of rich history, scenic beauty, and a plethora of activities.
Red Wing was originally the territory of the Mdewakanton Sioux. In fact, it was named after a Dakota Sioux chief. Settlers came in the 1850s by steamboat and began to farm the land. Before railroads were constructed in the area, Red Wing led the country in the amount of wheat sold by farmers. In 1889, a Mdewakanton Sioux Indian reservation was established along the Mississippi River, and it is now known as the Prairie Island Indian Community.
Some early industries in the city were pottery, shoe-making, and manufacturing of boats, clothing buttons, and furniture. The Red Wing pottery and stoneware industry started up in 1861 when glacially deposited clay beds were discovered in the area. The history of the pottery industry is so rich in Red Wing, that there is even a museum with thousands of pieces of pottery and stoneware.
Red Wing Shoe Company was founded in 1905, and has been a big employer in the area and has been known for their high quality work boots. The Red Wing Shoes Museum is free and open 7 days a week, and is home to the world’s largest boot, which is a size 638.5 and is a whopping 20 feet tall! The museum is part of the flagship Red Wing Shoes store, and contains a virtual tour of the factory, as well as a Norman Rockwell original art gallery with 1960s footwear ads.
There are a few museums in Red Wing, each that can spike an interest in anyone. There is the Alveo Military Museum, which showcases military artifacts from many of America’s wars. The Red Wing Marine Museum showcases marine and motor engines, while the American Ski Jumping Museum houses the American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame.
The St. James Hotel was built in 1875 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is still operated as a hotel, with 62 rooms.
Special Attractions
Did you know that a man named Dr. Alexander Pierce Anderson created the breakfast cereals, “Quaker Puffed Wheat” and “Quaker Puffed Rice?” The Anderson Center at Tower View estate is the former home of Dr. A.P. Anderson and his family. Since 1995, the estate has been dedicated to supporting artists and the creative process. The outdoor sculpture garden is open 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year. It is free and open to the public. The main and permanent galleries are open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am to 4pm, and are free to the public as well. Donations are accepted.
Located outside of Red Wing on the Mississippi River, Treasure Island Resort and Casino features dining options, spa, bowling, a water park, and an event center, as well as, of course, gambling! In the warmer months there is also a marina and a 100 passenger cruise ship, as well as a golf course and an RV park.
If you love to shop, you will not be disappointed by the streets of downtown Red Wing. There are small craft stores, second-hand and antique stores, and big-name clothes stores. From Duluth Trading Company to Red Wing Shoe Company, and jewelry to confections, and even a find Scandinavian gift shop called UFFDA Shop, there is something for everyone in this town.
Outdoor Attractions
Red Wing is a beautiful town, in a gorgeous region known as the Driftless Area. Here, along the Mississippi River, bluffs jut out and contain prairies and forests. One such bluff is the He Mni-Can/Barn Bluff. This bluff is very well known and was used as a landmark on the river. It offers hiking trails, both easy and moderate, and the Kiwanis Stairway to Barn Bluff’s summit. Whichever hike you choose to take, they are worth it and offer incredible views of the Mississippi River Valley, Wisconsin, and Red Wing.
If you don’t feel like hiking up a bluff, you can drive to the top of Sorin’s Bluff, where you will find Memorial Park, and some excellent views of the Mississippi River and the city of Red Wing. Memorial Park also offers a Frisbee golf course, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails.
Cannon Valley Trail is part of the Rails to Trails project. It connects the city of Cannon Falls to the city of Red Wing. Built on the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line, the paved trail is 19.7 miles and runs parallel to the Cannon River. The trail is open year round to bicycling, in-line skating, skateboarding, hiking, walking, and cross-country skiing. Wheel passes are $5 a day or $25 a season, while a Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required to cross-country ski on the trail. No pets are allowed.
Food & Drink
There are plenty of options to wet your whistle or fill your tummy in the city of Red Wing. There is Bierstube, a German themed restaurant and bowling alley, and Red Wing Brewery, which offers a variety of beers to try and they have a lot of pride in the history of brewing in the city.
If you are looking for a quick bite with your morning coffee, Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop offers delicious donuts, cakes, breads, cookies, and pastries. It was once voted the best bakery in Minnesota, and it is located in downtown. The bakery is closed on Sunday and Monday.
If you’re like me, you could always go for a burger. Kelly’s Taphouse and Grill sits along the river, and has a wide selection of tap beers and yummy eats. They have excellent burgers, as well as wraps, sandwiches, steaks, and a Friday fish fry. The cheese curds are a must have!
Cross the river into Wisconsin and you will be in for a real treat. Harbor Bar sits on the banks of the Mississippi, directly across from Red Wing’s Levee Park. In the warmer months you can sit outside on one of their colorful picnic tables and enjoy a delicious meal with great views of Red Wing and He Mni-Can/Barn Bluff. Harbor Bar is open 365 days a year, and they are known for their Caribbean Jerk recipes. They offer burgers, wraps, seafood, and my personal favorite, pork belly tacos!
If you find yourself in the Twin Cities area, or meandering down the Great River Road in Minnesota or Wisconsin, Red Wing promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit and let this charming town weave its magic, creating wonderful memories and enticing you to return.