Minnesota is full of beautiful small towns that are home to an array of unique local finds. One river town is a hidden gem that you will not want to miss on your next Minnesota getaway. When you stay with us at Minnestay, take a day trip to one of the best places to visit in MN — Red Wing!
RED WING WEST END DISTRICT
Beautiful river views, an artistic community, and a historical setting will welcome you just an hour south of the Twin Cities. Red Wing, Minnesota is located right on Highway 61 on the great Mississippi River and has a population just over 16,000 people. With a mix of new, trendy stores and a historic main street area, you will find great shopping in Red Wing MN, as well as local stores that you won’t find anywhere else. The Pottery Place holds several antique stores, Pie Plate Café & Coffee, an adorable confection candy shop, and the Buzz hair salon in a historic building that is a museum in itself. Continue down Old West Main Street to find stops like Vintage Vinyl and Red Wing Artisan Collective where an array of local artists have their unique works on display for sale. There are also several delicious Red Wing MN restaurants along this stretch like the Red Wing Brewery, Bayside Saloon & Steak House, and Kelly’s Taphouse Bar and Grill; which features 61 different tap brews!
A WONDERFUL MINNESOTA DESTINATION
One of the first things you will notice when you enter Red Wing is the gorgeous bluffs along the river valley. As you make your way down Main Street, you will see Sorin’s Bluff (a.k.a. Memorial Bluff) along the right side of town and Barn Bluff (a.k.a. He Mni Can) along the river to the left. Both of these bluffs offer great rock climbing and hiking trails with overlooks that open up to gorgeous views over the river valley. Memorial Park on Sorin’s Bluff can be accessed by car just off of 7th St East with a driveable loop on top for the best views in the city. Disc golfers can enjoy a full 18-hole course, there is a dog park to take your pooch, and trails for mountain bikes wind through the wooded landscapes. You can also hop on the Cannon Valley Trail for a scenic bike ride from Red Wing to Cannon Falls and back.
Other local must-sees can be found right in Downtown Red Wing, making it easy to see why this charming town is one of the best places to visit in MN. Visit the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum on Main Street to see the giant Red Wing Shoe boot that stands a whopping 16-feet tall and is a size 638 1/2-D! You can find smaller painted boots scattered around town as well.
The Red Wing Confectionary is only a few doors down and offers an array of artisan chocolates.
If you are looking for great Red Wing MN restaurants, you won’t need to look far. The best coffee and fresh panini/soup lunch combos can be found at Mandy’s Coffee & Cafe while delicious doughnuts and pastries are just across the street at Hanisch Bakery. The Staghead Gastropub offers fantastic lunch and early dinner choices while Liberty’s Restaurant & Lounge provides a full menu of incredible dishes all day long.
THE BEST DAY TRIP YET!
Whether you want to spend an easy-going day of shopping in Red Wing MN or wish to explore with an adventure up Barn Bluff, you can discover it in this delightful river town. Historical sites, art, local restaurants, stunning natural areas, and incredible heritage all make Red Wing one of the best places to visit in MN. So the next time you are looking for a fun way to spend the day during your time with us at Minnestay, take a trip down to Red Wing, Minnesota to discover this Midwestern gem!
