Red Wing - the gateway to a great getaway.
City Pages - BEST DAY TRIP - 2010 - Red Wing, Minnesota
Is there a more versatile one-day destination than Red Wing? The charming little town of about 16,000 seems able to mold itself to any day-trip agenda. For one thing, it's only an hour and 15 minutes from either of the Twin Cities, which gives you all day to play and is close enough to beckon even on a whim, without the dread of a long drive home. If you're looking for a mellow getaway, spend a quiet day browsing its famous antique and pottery shops, poking through the farmers' market (open seven days a week in summer), or sauntering along the riverfront watching boats cruise through the marina.
If you need to get the blood circulating, hike to the top of Barn Bluff for a picnic and spectacular views of Red Wing and the Mississippi as it widens into Lake Pepin. For a bit more exercise, Frontenac State Park is just 20 minutes downstream, with equally thrilling views, or pedal along one of the state's most eye-popping bike paths, the Cannon Valley Trail, which runs 20 miles along a river and through farmland from Red Wing to Cannon Falls. In keeping with the town's versatility, Red Wing's pleasures can be had year-round, including eagle-watching on Lake Pepin in early spring, leaf-watching in late autumn, and cross-country skiing along the Cannon Valley Trail in winter.
At the end of the day, treat yourself to a meal at Norton's Downtown and Lucky Cat Lounge on Main Street, where a boldly flavored, globally inspired menu ranges from duck confit and Cuban roast pork to a Saigon sub and lamb burger. If you tire of quaintness, head 20 minutes up the road to Treasure Island Casino for an indoor adrenaline rush. Or if you can't get enough of the town, bed down at the historic, 135-year-old St. James Hotel and spend another day.
Red Wing, Minnesota has been selected as one of the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The award was presented to city and tourism officials at a celebratory event held at
the historic St. James Hotel on February 7. Selected communities are recognized for their vibrant downtowns, cultural diversity, attractive architecture and strong commitment to historic preservation and revitalization. The Dozen Distinctive Destination program is in its ninth year, and Red Wing is the first Minnesota city that has made the list. Read More...
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING CANNON VALLEY TRAIL: September 7th, 2010 the Cannon Valley Trail will begin work on an asphalt restoration project. The project will involve removing and replacing asphalt in 17 areas along the entire trail between Cannon Falls and Red Wing. PLEASE NOTE: TRAIL USERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PASS THROUGH AREAS THAT ARE BEING WORKED ON. Detours will be set up where it is feasible. A schedule listing the areas that will be affected by the Asphalt Restoration Project will be published daily click on the Cannon Valley Trail Website If you plan to visit the trail September 7th - October 1st please continue to check the site for up-to-date information. Because of heavy equipment in the project areas and for safety it is imperative that trail users do not enter closed sections of the trail during this project.
Red Wing, MN, Named One of the Top 25 Historic Destinations in the World by National Geographic Traveler
Red Wing, MN (November 5, 2008) Red Wing, Minnesota, has been selected as one of the Top Historic Destinations in the World by National Geographic Traveler Magazine. The publication released a list of the top 109 worldwide historic destinations in its November-December issue, and Red Wing came in at #23. Only three other American cities and one Midwestern city made it in the top 25. Click here to read the full story
For more than 150 years, Red Wing's scenic beauty has inspired artisans, craftspeople and artists, and has been home to world-famous manufacturers of quality shoes and collectible pottery.
Less than an hour from the Twin Cities and Rochester on the Great River Road, Red Wing is a one-stop destination for your getaway - whether for a day, weekend or more! Please contact staff at the Red Wing Visitors and Convention Bureau - located in the historic depot - for help planning your visit. Just call 651.385.5934 or 800.498.3444 or email visitorscenter@redwing.org for personal assistance.