Celebrating at Ice Fest “It was an absolutely breathtaking view.” REACH NEW HEIGHTS Winona Ice Park is one of just five U.S. facilities devoted to the gravity-defying sport of ice climbing. The Winona-based Big River Climbing Guides offers courses to climbers of every age, skill and experience level at the park, and co-hosts a full-on Ice Fest alongside the Recreation Alliance of Winona and the city itself. The ice climbing experience with Big River Climbing Guides left Robin drawing a direct love-of-the-sport line from Southern Ontario’s surfers to Winona’s ice climbers. “The ice climbing community was very much like the lake surfing community. Everyone was so welcoming” said Jordan-na. “It was an absolutely breathtaking view” exclaimed Robin. Follow Robin, Jordan-na and Diana’s steps. Other stops along the way include getting caffeinated at Backstory Coffee Roasters inside the historic Duffy Flats in Minneapolis, the former home of an old paper company; shopping and lunch at the Midtown Global Market ; curling at the St. Paul Curling Club; relishing in baked delights from Marc Heu Pâtisserie Paris; shopping heritage brands at Faribault Woolen Mill and Red Wing Shoes ; eagle spotting at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha; a stop at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum ; and filling up on Minnesota’s best burgers at King’s Place Bar and Grill in Miesville. WATCH NOW Backstory Coffee Roasters inside The Historic Duffey Flats ItInerarIes | 109
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2026 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 109
