Fall seems to be shorter this year…maybe it has something to do with the SNOW we got this morning?? Either way, we hopefully have a few weeks left to enjoy the pretty colors.
We took a fall day trip to Winona MN yesterday to hit up our favorite spots and take in the fall colors! We crossed the border into Wisconsin too – so many cute towns on the other side of the river!
Get donuts at Bloedow’s
These might just be some of the best donuts in the country. Bloedew’s Bake Shop is a Winona staple and always has a line out the door. They keep things simple and do it well. No crazy concoctions or prices here! We ordered three donuts for $3.50. All sorts of restaurants around town use Bloedew’s buns and bread, so if you see that on the menu, make sure to get it! Open every day but Sundays.
Get up close to Sugar Loaf
Sugar Loaf stands tall on a bluff overlooking Winona. You can see it from all around the city, but seeing it up close is the best way! The hike to Sugar Loaf is really easy and takes about 15 minutes. Start behind the Edina Reality building and you will see signs that lead you to the trailhead. The views of Winona and the surrounding bluffs are amazing!
Hike from Sugar Loaf to Garvin Heights
Looking for something a little more challenging? Or want to see some more fall colors? Take the hike from Sugar Loaf to Garvin Heights. The hike is about 2.5 miles and is relatively flat with a few steep inclines. Make sure you pay attention to the trail though, we somehow got lost (because Cole say a buck!) and had to climb up some muddy slopes. That’s why hiking is an adventure though, right?! If you don’t want to hike and still want the views, you are able to drive to Garvin Heights lookout.
Grab a beer from Island City Brewing Company
Winona now has a brewery! This was our fist time stopping by Island City Brewing Company. I love IPAs, and there were 3 on the menu! Yay! The brewery has plenty of seating both inside and outside.
Find the giant Winona letters
The Winona letters (or is it called a sign? Not sure.) frequently change locations around the city, but we were lucky enough to stumble across them at the lake! Such a fun photo op! Even if the letters aren’t here, Lake Winona is a beautiful spot to take photos, walk around, or even rent kayaks.
Visit Elmaro Vineyards
Head across the bridge into Wisconsin to sip some wine at Elmaro Vineyards, one of my favorite wineries in the Minnesota area! It has the most beautiful views of the bluffs. My sister and I would always stop by when she went to school in Winona because it’s only 20 minutes away. On the weekends, you’ll find food trucks and live music, but also make sure to get a cheese tray! So yummy.
Eat pizza from Winghaven Pizza Farm
I’m so obsessed with pizza farms. (If you are too, check out the other one we visited in nearby Nelson, Wisconsin!) At Winghaven Pizza Farm, order your pizza from the pizza truck and then sit inside the barn to eat! While we waited, we got a few beers from the bar and played games outside. This was the perfect way to wrap up our day trip to Winona MN. And the pizza was delish! I love me a good crispy crust.
Bonus: Visit an apple orchard
We didn’t have time to visit an apple orchard, but Ecker’s Apple Farm and Ferguson’s Orchards are right by Winghaven Pizza Farm. We’ve been to Ecker’s Apple Farm a few times in the past and LOVE it! Pick apples and sip some beer outside while listening to live music. This is a perfect spot for kids and adults alike! We also drove by Ferguson’s Orchards and it looked like a kid’s paradise. Make sure to check them out if you have the time!
A fall day trip to Winona MN is seriously one of my favorite things to do every year. Make sure to get there soon to see the colors!
For more great fall day trips, check out our trips to Montgomery, MN and Nelson, WI!
