Quiet Minnesota river town is a great place to escape.
The charming town of Red Wing, Minnesota is nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River. It’s named after the symbol of the Mdewakanton Dakota tribe, which was a swan’s wing dyed red.
If you’re a history or architecture buff, don’t miss the St. James Hotel in the heart of downtown. Built in 1875 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s been restored to its original Victorian elegance.
This is a great place for strolling. In summer, hundreds of flower baskets line the streets, courtesy of a joint city/Kiwanis Club project.
It’s very relaxing to browse through antique shops and watch the boats from Levee Park behind the hotel. Red Wing is known for its salt-glazed pottery and Red Wing shoes, so enjoy visiting the Red Wing Shoe Museum and the Historic Pottery District. For information about week-day tours of Red Wing Stoneware, visit their website at www.redwingstoneware.com.
You’ll also want to see the renovated Sheldon Theater which was America’s first municipal theater built in 1904.
Then there’s the Goodhue County Historical Museum …the scenic view from Barn Bluff…and more.
You could easily spend a weekend exploring this charming area.
Fast Facts
Red Wing is located on U.S. Highway 61 in southeastern Minnesota, about 55 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. For information, visit Red Wing online at www.redwing.org.
Interested in camping nearby? Check out KOA campgrounds in Minnesota.