| Winona is one of the most beautiful places on earth, nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs that rise 500 feet and the stunning Mississippi River. The historical architecture and cultural opportunities give Winona a soul that is living, breathing, and growing. Still, Winona and its wealth of lodging, shopping, and culture remains relatively undiscovered.
Winona was founded in 1851 by steamboat captain Orrin Smith. Positioned on a large island in the Mississippi, the lumber industry helped it grow quickly, and by 1900, Winona had more millionaires per capita than any place in the United States. Winona’s history lives on in architecturally significant historic buildings and vintage homes that thrill history buffs. |
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Today, Winona is driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit that has given birth to a city that has built its future by embracing its past. There’s a strong arts movement, abundant shopping, comfortable lodging, and a variety of restaurants.
In many ways, Winona is still an island in the wilderness waiting to be discovered again. Eagles fly overhead, deer sleep in yards, and on the outskirts of Winona you can hear the sound of coyotes on still summer nights. All of this is waiting for you. Make your plans today to discover Winona, the historic island city. See the Visit Winona tourism website for more details.