There are few things that beat the picturesque landscape you find during winter in Minnesota. Whether you are from Red Wing or are just visiting, the beauty of this land is undeniable. No matter the time of year, there are many things to do in Red Wing to keep you and your loved ones entertained. You can escape the cold and head indoors for some culture, or go outside, enjoy the view, and feel the fresh winter air on your skin. Read on to learn about our list of the top five fun ways to experience winter in Red Wing.
Frontenac State Park
Frontenac State Park is a prime location to experience the beautiful Minnesota winter weather in a serene and majestic surrounding. With 19 of the 58 drive-in campsites electric and a ranger in the park every day of the week during normal business hours, Frontenac State Park is a safe way to enjoy the great outdoors in colder climates.
Visitors can rent snowshoes for a lovely hike with trees dusted white with snow. Bring your camera to capture jaw-dropping photos of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River. With Lake Pepin’s diverse habitats ranging from bluff land, prairie, floodplain forest, and upland hardwood forest, the park is a birder’s paradise. Year-round, over 260 species of birds, from warblers, hawks, and waterfowl, call the park home. The park provides an excellent setting for hiking year-round and winter skiing. Ideal for families, there is also a winter sliding hill that will have the kids giggling all day.
You can find Frontenac Park by heading south on Highway 61 to 29223 County 28 Blvd. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Currently, there are no dedicated winter hours. However, park officials suggest visitors use the self-registration option when the office is closed. Make sure to purchase a Parks Vehicle Permit before you go. One-day permits start at $7. To gain access to all of Minnesota’s 35 parks for one fee, purchase a yearly $35 permit.
Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum
Head indoors to escape the winter frost and visit the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum in downtown Red Wing. The museum is home to the world’s largest boot, standing over 20 feet tall. The immense boot, measured as a size 638 1/2, is a wonderful photo opportunity for kids and the young at heart. The museum showcases different styles of Red Wing shoes throughout history and provides an interactive approach to learning. Visitors can dress up as an ironworker would and see for themselves how shoes are manufactured.
Visit the “William D. Sweasy” exhibit to see an exploration of Red Wing Company’s president and how his vision and leadership helped shape the company and community until his death in 1991. Then walk the steel skyscraper beam to test your balance and agility.
You’ll find the museum inside Red Wing’s flagship store at 315 Main St. The museum is free and open to the public seven days a week. Museum hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sheldon Theater of Performing Arts
The historic Sheldon Theater of Performing Arts, open since 1904, is the premier performing arts venue in Red Wing. With a mission to entertain, educate, and enlighten the community through the power of performing arts, the Sheldon Theater hosts an array of different performances throughout the year.
Scheduled for this winter, guests can celebrate the new year with “Monroe’s Crossing” on New Year’s Eve, see a Children’s Theater performance of “Johnny Appleseed” on January 8, 2022, or see Hiplet Ballerinas of Chicago, Illinois, in February. These ballerinas of Chicago fuse classical pointe with hip-hop dance styles rooted in communities of color to promote inclusivity in the dance world and within their audience. See the website for performance times and ticket prices.
The Sheldon Theater is at 443 W. 3rd St. in Red Wing. Box office hours are Wednesday through Friday from 1 to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
National Eagle Center
Because Red Wing is located along the Mississippi Flyway, one of the larger migratory routes of birds, winter is an ideal time to see bald eagles in the area. Although the majestic birds have been spotted near the St. James Hotel, at Bay Point Park, Levee Park, and Colvill Park, the perfect spot to really enjoy these creatures up close is the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Newly renovated for Spring 2022, the center hosts habitat tours and eagle field trips year-round.
Guests can learn about the different eagles and grab a Highway 61 viewing map to take their eagle spotting abilities on the road. The National Eagle Center has an Eagle Watch Webcam and Eagle Nest Cam that offer live video of wild birds.
The center is at 50 Pembroke Ave. in Wabasha, Minnesota.
Big Turn Music Fest
The Big Turn Music Fest is an annual event happening next on Feb. 18-19, 2022. The festival is one of the most anticipated Red Wing events that features performances by local musicians. The event unites the community with music, dancing, and opportunities to support local musicians, artists, and vendors.
So there you have it. Tom Kadlec Kia has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top five winter activities to keep you entertained and active in the Red Wing, Minnesota, area. Whether you want to escape the cold or be out and about in nature, there are many options for you to choose from. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite activity or event to participate in during the winter? If we did, let us know! Leave a message and we’ll be happy to check out your recommendations.
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