Just because the season changed to winter in the Red Wing, Minnesota, area doesn’t mean you have to stay at home. So whether you want to play in the snow, visit a museum, or kick up your heels at a music festival, our team at Tom Kadlec Kia has put together this list of six fun winter activities to participate in around the Red Wing area.
Swoosh Down the Slopes at Welch Village Ski Resort
Break out the skis and snowboards and visit Minnesota’s premier ski resort, Welch Village Ski Resort, for a fun day playing in the snow. With over 140 acres of skiable terrain and 50 trails to ski on, everyone in the family can find a course suitable to their skill level.
Ride up the nine chairlifts, including a brand new one, to get to the top of the 1,060 top mountain to see sweeping views of the Welch area. When you get hungry and thirsty, head over to the resort’s Madd Jaxx for burgers and brews. Drive over to 26685 County 7 Blvd. in Welch to enjoy a day of skiing at Welch Village Ski Resort.
Visit the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum
See the world’s largest boot when you visit the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum located at 315 Main Street. This location is the Red Wing shoe company’s flagship store that also houses a museum and a factory outlet with over 30,000 pairs of Red Wing boots and shoes to shop for. As you stroll through the three levels of the store and museum, look at several of Norman Rockwell’s original illustrations depicting Americana art and life. See how Red Wing boots and shoes helped to shape footwear for working people across the United States.
Interestingly, Red Wing also makes the famous hiking boots launched under the Vasque name. Other boots you can find made by Red Wing include Irish Setter hunting boots, WORX industrial safety footwear, and the S.B Foot Tanning Company, which supplies the U.S. military with boots and shoes. If you stay at the St. James Hotel in town, know that it’s also owned by the Red Wing Shoe Company. Don’t forget to snap a selfie of you and your family standing by the big Red Wing boot.
Listen to Music at Big Turn Music Festival
Held every February in Red Wing, the Big Turn Music Festival brings in hundreds of music lovers to listen to over 200 bands play during this two-day music event. As you listen to music ranging from indie-rock to bluegrass in the streets of Red Wing, stop by the many eateries and bars to sample delectable foods, handcrafted beers, or warm up with your favorite espresso drink at any of the local coffee shops.
One of the beautiful parts of the Big Turn Music Festival is how it pulls the community together during the cold winter months. In addition, the festival invites visitors to experience the magical charm of the town of Red Wing.
Take Photographs of Migrating Bald Eagles
You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of SD cards for your digital camera when you visit Southern Minnesota Bluff Country to view the migrating bald eagles. These magnificent birds nest on unfrozen parts of the Mississippi River near Red Wing using the Mississippi Flyway as part of their migratory route. The peak season to watch the bald eagles is around February where you see them nesting high in the trees, fishing in the river, or soaring majestically in the sky.
Stop by the Red Wing Waterfront, Bay Point Park, or Colvill Park to have the best viewing opportunities. To learn more about the United States national bird symbol, stop by the National Eagle Center in Wabasha or view the eagles virtually through the center’s eagle cam. Before heading out to go bald eagle watching, stop by one of these Rochester bakeries to pick up a piping hot cup of coffee and some sweet treats to help keep you warm.
Enjoy Interactive Arts at the Red Wing Arts Association
From looking at art to taking jewelry-making classes, the Red Wing Arts gallery and shop strives to connect the community through art and culture. Gallery exhibits include abstract art related to trees and forestry, landscape paintings painted by local artists, and summer Plein Air paintings. Bring out the inner artist in you by taking a class or workshop such as bezel setting, fusing silver for bracelets, creating earrings, or how to make a wooden cutting board.
When you shop the beautiful retail shop, you can find handcrafted gifts for everyone on your shopping list, including yourself. In October, mark your calendars for the Red Wing Art Festival hosted by Red Wing Arts and local businesses. You can find the Red Wing Arts at 418 Levee St.
Master the Art of Snowshoeing in Frontenac State Park
Just 10 miles south of Red Wing is the diverse Frontenac State Park located at 29223 County 28 Blvd. in Frontenac. This state park sits on the Mississippi River and is one of the top places in Minnesota for bird and wildlife watching. In addition, the park is a great place to hike along the bluffs overlooking the river and Lake Pepin during the summer months.
Once the snow falls, pull your snowshoes out of storage and snowshoe or cross-country ski along the seven miles of groomed trails. The trails take you through serene hardwood forests and over the bluffs, where you can see bald eagles, hawks, and migratory birds. Keep an eye out for fluffy foxes, mischievous raccoons, or graceful deer as you quietly slide through Frontenac State Park. After a fun day of snowshoeing at the park, you’ll want to refuel at one of these tasty Thai food restaurants around Rochester.
There you have Tom Kadlec Kia’s list of fun winter activities to do in the Red Wing area. What activity did you and your family enjoy the most? Is there something special that we missed? If so, feel free to contact us, and we’ll add your recommendation to the list.
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