Red Wing, Minnesota, is a delightful choice for a weekend escape from the Twin Cities. Just over an hour’s drive transports you to this charming historic river town, where you can unwind and absorb the beautiful scenery.
Situated along the Mississippi River, Red Wing boasts a captivating blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Its quaint small-town ambiance invites exploration, from the picturesque, historic Main Street to vibrant parks and the riverfront.
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Red Wing’s renowned pottery heritage and the famous Red Wing Shoes are reflected in various quaint shops and free museums. Activities may include hiking along the Mississippi, watching river cruises, or searching for antiques. The historic St. James Hotel is like a museum in itself. You’ll find welcoming local restaurants scattered throughout downtown Red Wing and along the highway into town.
History of Red Wing, MN
The name Red Wing is said to be derived from Hupahuduta, the early 19th-century chief of the Mdewakanton Dakota Sioux tribe, meaning a swan’s wing dyed red. (He was also known as Tatankamani, or Walking Buffalo.) In the late 1800s, the Mdewakanton people were relocated to the Prairie Island area further upstream, and the city was incorporated in 1857.
This area, valued for its spiritual and practical resources, was a crucial transportation hub along the Upper Mississippi River. The well-known Barn Bluff served as a lookout point for safety. Over time, the natural and human resources contributed to a thriving industrial revolution.
Today, Red Wing is a popular stop for river cruise vessels and attracts visitors interested in history and outdoor activities, particularly boating. You can experience history firsthand by taking to the river. A short boat ride from Red Wing takes you to Lake Pepin, a beautiful 20-mile-long natural lake on the Mississippi that separates Minnesota from Wisconsin. Lake Pepin is known as the birthplace of water skiing, so you’re in for a fun time.
Things to Do in Red Wing
One of the greatest advantages of visiting Red Wing is the accessibility of its cultural attractions. Whether you prefer shopping, walking, or visiting museums and historical sites, the charm of the town—both historical and contemporary—shines through.
Museums
Pottery Museum of Red Wing. This museum doubles as a store, showcasing an impressive collection of Red Wing’s historic stoneware, produced from 1877 until production ceased in 1967. The initial offerings, such as functional urns and pots for food preservation, were eventually complemented by advertising-themed pieces and refined stoneware dinner sets.
Collectors highly prize the mid-century aesthetics of Red Wing pottery. Museum visitors can trace the evolution of the craft throughout the 20th century, learning about the lives of the workers who produced it and perhaps spotting a familiar item reminiscent of treasures from their own families.
In the shop, you’ll find reproductions and some antiques available for purchase.
Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum. If you’ve ever worn Red Wing Shoes or Boots (the iconic Irish Setter style has always been popular in our household), you’ll definitely want to explore where these sturdy boots originated. Learn about how styles evolved to meet the demands of a growing nation and its workers, as well as the craftsmanship behind each pair. The museum features a ‘wall of fame’ showcasing well-known fans of the brand from all walks of life. Don’t forget to take a picture in front of the World’s Largest Boot! For more fun, stop by the outlet store in the lower level or get fitted for your next perfect pair of shoes—Red Wing Shoes are indeed built to last!
Goodhue County Historical Society Center. Located in the county seat of Goodhue County, this center is home to Minnesota’s first county historical society. The museum hosts both permanent and rotating exhibits related to the region’s geology, the stories of Native and immigrant peoples, industry, agriculture, and river ecology. Events and extensive vast collections are also presented online.
American Ski Jumping Museum at the St. James Hotel. It may seem unusual to find a ski jumping museum here, but considering the impressive bluffs lining the Mississippi, it makes sense. This location is celebrated as the birthplace of American Ski Jumping, with organized competitions dating back to 1887. The Hemmestvedt brothers, early settlers from Norway, helped form the Red Wing Aurora Ski Club, which dominated local and national competitions.
Sheldon Theatre. Opened in 1904 and remodeled multiple times, the Sheldon serves as a venue for performing arts, featuring regional ensembles like the Phoenix Theatre and national music and comedy acts.
Red Wing Marine Museum. You’ll find a unique collection of marine engines, outboard motors, fishing gear, and river-related artifacts in this quirky museum. It’s located on Levee Road, just across the river from an interesting boathouse village.
Shopping in Red Wing
Red Wing provides an excellent destination for a day trip focused on holiday shopping. The diverse selection of local stores offers practical gifts and delightful surprises.
Pottery Place Antiques. Located right across from the Pottery Museum, this stunning antique shop, said to be the largest in Minnesota, offers a vast array of unique finds, including Hamm’s beer memorabilia, nostalgic cabin items, and, of course, pieces of Red Wing pottery.
Uffda. This charming gift shop focuses on Scandinavian-themed merchandise, making it a perfect stop for spreading those Minnesota Nice vibes. You’ll find everything from books and toys to decor and apparel—all presented in a compact and lively space.
Duluth Trading. Surprisingly, Duluth Trading Company wasn’t founded in Duluth or even Minnesota, but rather on a barge in Lake Superior. Still, it’s worth exploring for clothes, gear, and accessories aimed at outdoor enthusiasts.
While we previously mentioned the Red Wing Shoes Store as a museum, it’s also the ultimate destination for getting fitted for your new Red Wing shoes or boots. As their tagline suggests, ‘Red Wing Shoes are made to last a lifetime or until you grow out of them.’
Art Gallery in the Depot. This gallery, housed in the historic train depot, features works from local, regional, and national artists and is managed by the Red Wing Arts Association. The offerings include everything from textiles and clay to paintings and mixed-media pieces. Red Wing Arts also runs the Clay and Creative Center, which provides space for art education and exhibits.
Outdoor Activities
You can’t truly experience Red Wing without engaging in some outdoor fun, regardless of the season. Much of the adventure can be found within walking distance, whether you’re exploring the hiking and biking trails or heading for the river.
Levee Park. This lovely park is the first sight for those arriving by river cruise or train. Established in 1904, it provides a scenic spot for watching sunsets, river activities, and local passersby, alongside intriguing sculptures and historical signage.
Barn Bluff. Easily spotted from Main Street, visitors can hike to the top for breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding valley, stretching from the islands to Lake Pepin.
Red Wing Marina. Check out the marina to envision life on the river or rent a boat for a day on the water, taking in either the historic landscape or the revitalization of the bald eagle population.
Memorial Park. Perched on top of Sorin’s Bluff, this park offers stunning 360-degree vistas, as well as hiking and biking trails, disc golf, and picnic spots.
Frontenac State Park
Located just 15 miles south of Red Wing, Frontenac State Park is an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. The park features numerous trails that present breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. With accessible overlooks for all skill levels, you’ll find trails weaving through both woods and prairie landscapes.
During a warm day, we opted for the shadier wooded trails, taking a leisurely hike along both the upper and lower paths. Be mindful that the connecting steep steps can be challenging. The lower trail remains elevated about 20-25 feet above the water’s edge, making it less than ideal for stone skipping, although there are some side trails that take you closer to the river.
On crisp autumn days, you might consider the Hikers Club trail, which winds through the prairie and features splendid views of the Mississippi.
Did you know there’s a Minnesota State Park within 50 miles of every resident? Discover our extensive Minnesota State Park coverage here.
Best Restaurants in Red Wing
Smokin Oak Rotisserie & Grill. This turned out to be our favorite spot in town. Even though we hadn’t planned to eat here initially, we couldn’t resist their appetizers when we settled at the bar for a drink. The Smokin Oak BBQ Nachos are a must-try, with smoked meats being their specialty.
Red Wing Café. It’s the best place for breakfast, featuring a delightful atmosphere with bright lights, locals enjoying their coffee, and even a piece of birthday cake offered to patrons in celebration of one staff member’s special day.
Liberty’s Restaurant and Lounge. A staple of Red Wing, Liberty’s was lively with football fans the day we visited. Their brunch seamlessly transitioned into an afternoon lunch and dinner menu, with a popular demand for burgers, pizzas, and the daily soup. If you prefer, check out the lunch buffet during weekdays.
Scarlet Kitchen and Bar. This American restaurant in the St. James Hotel attracts both locals and visitors looking for a memorable meal. With outdoor seating and large windows boasting stunning views of the river, the establishment offers a more inventive menu compared to other local dining options.
The Port. If you’re after a speakeasy vibe, head to The Port located downstairs from the lobby of the St. James Hotel.
Fiesta Mexicana. Although we had heard great things about Fiesta Mexicana, our experience fell short. The chile rellenos we received were overcooked, and while we enjoyed another dish, the aromas from a neighboring table led us to leave somewhat disappointed. We suggest improving the flavors and dialing down the heat.
Red Wing Brewery. Swing by Red Wing Brewery for an exciting selection of craft beers, root beer, pizza, calzones, and more.
Accommodations in Red Wing
St. James Hotel. If you’re seeking a historic experience, this hotel is the place to stay. Over the years, it has expanded its event space and added guest rooms while maintaining its charming historic appeal. The hotel also offers delightful lounges, portraits of civic leaders, intricate woodwork, and charming room names, all reflecting the area’s rich history.
Country Inn and Suites by Radisson. Located near the popular Pottery Museum, this is one of several national chain hotels in the area.
For a cozy bed and breakfast vibe closer to downtown, consider the White House of Red Wing.
Additional Attractions near Red Wing
Treasure Island Resort and Casino.
Lake Pepin. The Mississippi Valley Partners is a collaboration between the tourism offices of Minnesota and Wisconsin, designed to promote Lake Pepin and its surrounding small communities, including Lake City, MN, and Stockholm, WI.
Cannon Valley Trail. This bike, walking, and ski trail extends nearly 20 miles from Cannon Falls to Red Wing. It’s a rail-to-trail paved route funded by user fees, not considered a state trail.
Fresh Art Fall Tour. This annual event is a self-guided tour showcasing home studios and galleries along the eastern shore of Lake Pepin, particularly around Stockholm, Wisconsin.
More Information from MNTrips
Explore our comprehensive list of Minnesota State Parks, which includes essential permit information. We also highlight Minnesota Historical Society sites, adding personal insights as we visit each location.
For those planning on hiking or biking within Minnesota State Parks, we highly recommend downloading the Avenza Maps app for offline access to trail maps. This app is invaluable for navigation, as many parks lack proper directional signage.
Camping at Minnesota State Parks requires a reservation. You can find the online reservation form here.
Check our suggestions for what to pack in your hiking day pack as you explore Minnesota’s extensive State Park and National Park system.
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Kristin Henning, a Minnesota native, embraces all four seasons. A former newspaper publisher and editor, she has been writing and photographing the beauty of Minnesota throughout her life.
