ITINERARIES Mississippi River, it reopened after a $27 million facelift in 2022. See six decades of eagle fandom — from sheet music to stamps — or admire eagles in their natural habitat. The center also leads seasonal fi eld trips and “fl oating classroom” courses along Lake Pepin. Winona CELEBRATE THE ART & LOVE OF WATER While the artists, mediums and eras featured in Winona’s Minnesota Marine Art Museum are in constant fl ux, one thing has remained the same since 2006: its focus on exploring the connection between creativity and water. Past exhibits have revolved around everything from popular European paintings, to painters from the Hudson River School in the mid 19th-century, to the surreal work of Anishinaabe artist Karen Savage-Blue and large-scale portraits of Minneapolis photographer Alec Soth. “It’s always telling how a city protects or celebrates its greenspaces.” Winona GEAR UP FOR ICE CLIMBING Winona Ice Park is one of just fi ve U.S. facilities devoted to the gravity-defying sport of ice climbing. The six volunteers who maintain its many routes are driven not just by the joy of reaching higher ground, but by sharing that thrill with others. The Winona-based Big River Climbing Guides offers courses at the park for climbers of every age, skill and experience level and also co-hosts a full-on Ice Fest alongside the Recreation Alliance of Winona and the city itself. It’s the most exhilarating way to embrace winter. Ice Fest at Winona Ice Park Tips for Your Trip Distance from MSP Airport to Winona : 117 miles (one way, approximate mileage) Where to Stay in Winona : The riverfront city offers hotels, motels, cottages, inns, B&Bs, campgrounds and more. Browse all the options at visitwinona.com/places-to-stay . Catch Pro Sports Action : With so many pro sports teams in Minneapolis-St. Paul, it’s exciting to be a spectator. Depending on your trip dates, you may be able to catch a Vikings football game, a Minnesota Wild hockey game, a Timberwolves basketball game, a Lynx women’s basketball game, a Minnesota United FC soccer match or a Twins baseball game. More Winter Sports : From snowmobiling to snowboarding to snowshoeing, Minnesota offers winter fun in a range of styles and speeds. Discover fat biking, ice fi shing and other thrilling sports at exploreminnesota.com/things-to-do/ outdoor-adventures/winter-sports . Celebrating at Ice Fest #ONLYIN MN | 107
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2025 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 107
