Visit Winona Group Tour Planner

160 Johnson St, Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-0735 [email protected] or www.visitwinona.com

Dear Tour Planner,

Congratulations - you have found it: the Midwest’s most beloved and best kept secret. From its sculpted bluffs to its mighty river and all the places in between, Winona has unparalleled beauty mixed with a cool urbanity and old-world charm that proves that yes, you really can have it all in one enchanting place. The gilded era of lumber barons and paddle-wheelers is immortalized here in the lavish architecture that has become a hallmark of this picturesque river hamlet. Elaborate cor- nices, grand buildings, and vibrant stained glass beckon for a stroll through the historic downtown today just as they did a century ago, and all who pass this way agree that Winona is truly a beautiful place.

Winona has many attractions that appeal to group tours. The Minnesota Marine Art Muse- um, the region’s access to Monet and Picasso, features four galleries of “art inspired by water”. The Watkins Museum displays products of one of the oldest direct sales companies and current Watkins products are also available. The Garvin Heights Vineyard opens each Spring with tours and wine tasting. Winona even has its own Minnesota Beethoven Festival which enters its eighth season. The Great River Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 12th season, running for five weeks in June/July/August. The Trester Trolley offers a guided tour of Winona.

By looking over this brochure you can plan your tour the way you want it. I am available to assist you in planning the itinerary, booking, and confirming your plans.

Winona is a member of the Explore Mississippi Bluffs group that enables you to visit the southeastern part of Minnesota for extended trips. Being a member of this group allows me to work with Red Wing, Wabasha, and Lanesboro to plan your itinerary. Winona is uniquely posi- tioned to be a perfect hub and spoke city for your trip. Indeed, this community has the best of all worlds wrapped into one delightful destination, a city remarkably undiscovered and regarded as a treasure by those who do. Whether for a day or a week, we invite you to visit and see for yourself why, no matter where your interests lay, everyone loves Winona.

Mary Farrell Visitor Services Coordinator

Winona Group Tour Attractions

 Watkins Headquarters and Museum and Company Store (45 minutes) Famous for its award-winning vanilla and spices, this company dates back to 1868 when it purveyed the only health “remedies” that came with a money-back guarantee. Watkins products are available for purchase.

 Winona County History Center (45 minutes) WCHS is one of the largest county his- torical society museums in Minnesota. Showcased are artifacts of Winona and Winona County’s history including a stained-glass window exhibit, county timeline, and an award- winning children’s exhibit. The new Laird/Norton addition houses exhibits and The Muse- um Shop .

 Winona National Bank and Merchants Bank (30 minutes each) The banks are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer amazing architecture, collectibles, and stained-glass windows. Winona National’s African Safari museum is not to be missed.

 Step-on Guide Tour (2 to 4 hours) You will receive a history lesson about Winona on this tour as you drive by Levee Park and the Mississippi River, Winona County Court House, historic downtown area, east end shotgun houses, Windom Park, mansions from the lumber baron days, Winona State University, Lake Park (which includes Veteran’s Memori- al, Rose Garden, Bandshell), Sugar Loaf Bluff, Basilica of St .Stanislaus Kostka, Princess Wenonah statue, Lakeview Drive Inn (the oldest drive inn in Minnesota), Port of Winona, Garvin Heights Overlook that boasts of a magnificent view of the Mississippi Valley.

 Minnesota Marine Art Museum (1 hour) Winona’s newest museum! Located on acres of riverfront gardens, the museum is home to some of the best marine artworks in Middle America, including Impressionist and Modern masterpieces.

 Garvin Heights Vineyards (1 hour) You can tour Winona’s first vineyard with taste test- ing and learn “Why no White Zin in Minnesota?” Along with the scenic view , enjoy different types of wine made with University of MN grapes.

 Stained Glass Studio Tour (1hour) Tour the Willet Hauser Architectural Glass Co. , a renowned stained glass window firm, and observe crafts people make and restore stained glass windows.

 Treasures Under Sugar Loaf (1 or more hours) While you roam around all 35,000 square feet of antiques and crafts to see what treasures you can find, look for the caves that use to keep the brew cool. This mall is located in the old Bub’s brewery below Sugar Loaf bluff.

 Polish Cultural Institute (45 minutes) Founded to preserve the rich Polish history of Winona, it houses Kashubian artifacts, family heirlooms, religious articles, folk art and more. A gift shop sells Polish items. Three day sample itinerary:

Day 1: 10:30am-11:30 am – Minnesota Marine Art Museum 11:45 am-12:45 pm – Lunch at one of our local restaurants 1:00-4:15 pm – City Tour with Step-on Guide with a stop at the Watkins Museum 4:30-5:00 pm – Check into your hotel & get ready for the evening 5:15-6:30 pm – Dinner at Signatures Restaurant 7:00-10 pm – Attend a play at the Great River Shakespeare Festival or a concert at the MN Beethoven Festival 10:15pm – Return back to your hotel for a good nights rest

Day 2: 10:00 am-10:45am – Trester Trolley guided tour 11:00-12:00 pm – Winona Tour Boat Cruise 12:15-1:15pm – Lunch at local restaurant in Historic Downtown Winona 1:30-2:30pm – Stroll Historic Downtown and shop at the local gift shops. 2:45-3:30 pm: --Winona County History Center 3:45-4:45pm – Garvin Heights Vineyard tour and tasting 5:00pm - Relax at your hotel. Prepare for dinner out, a walk around the lakes, or another play or concert.

Day 3: 9:00-10:00am – Treasures Under Sugar Lugar Antiques 10:30-11:30am – Polish Museum 11:45am - Lunch at another one of our local restaurants

One day sample itinerary:

10:00-11:00am - Minnesota Marine Art Museum

11:15am-12:30pm – Stroll through downtown Winona and see more than 100 historic sites named on the National Historic Register

12:45-1:45pm - Lunch at one of the restaurants in Historic Downtown

2:00-4:00pm – Watkins Heritage Museum Unique tours (continued)

City Tour with step-on guide

Tour guides will provide a history lesson while visit- ing all the wonders of Winona. You might start at Garvin Heights Overlook with a magnificent view of Winona “the island city” and the Mississippi River Valley. On a clear day you can see 20 to 30 miles up and down the valley. There is also Lake Park with Veteran’s Memorial Park, a Rose Garden, a bandshell (Winona Municipal Band plays during the summer) and a fantastic view of Sugar Loaf Bluff. On the east end of town, learn about shotgun houses, Basilica of St Stanislaus Kostka, and Winona’s polish heritage. Downtown has two large historic district plus unique restaurants & stores. While downtown drive by Levee Park and see where the Majestic America Line steamboat, the American Queen docks . Historic Victorian built by the early lumber & wheat barons surround the beautiful Win- dom Park where the Princess Wenonah statue now resides. Learn about the river port and the many unique businesses that make Winona home. Winona has a diversified base of businesses including: Wenonah Canoe, Fastenal, Technigraph, Knitcraft, United Building Center and many others.

Step-on guide: Cost: $4.00/person (2 to 4 hours)

Guided walking tours: Take a walk downtown which boasts over 100 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and learn about the history of a river city that was once one of the richest cities in America. Cost: $4.00/person Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours Unique tours (continued)

Garvin Heights Vineyard (45 minutes)

Tour Winona’s family owned vineyard and learn why White Zinfandel is not made in Minnesota and how to make cold climate wines. Enjoy tasting the different wines and be amazed at the gorgeous view from 600 feet above the Mississippi River.

Cost: $3/person Min: 15 Max: 30 Groups by appointment only.

Treasures Under Sugar Loaf (Variable, 1-3 hours)

This mall is located below Sugar Loaf Bluff with 35,000 square feet of vendor space and well over 100 vendors. Roam around the old “Bubs” brewery building to find treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Vendor treasures are displaced in the caves where brew was cooled.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Friday 12 p.m- 5p.m. Closed Wednesdays Saturday 10 a.m.-45p.m. Sunday 11a.m.-5 p.m. Groups: Call ahead of time Unique tours (continued) Walkabout Winona (Two hours with a break for refreshments)

Discover the heart of Winona on a cas- ual and informative walk with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Learn little-known stories and see over twenty-five beautiful and historic structures. Cost: 5-7 people $14/per person; 8-10 people $12/pp; 11-20 people $10 wwww.pointourwinona.com/

Trester Trolley Tour (45 minutes to 1 Hour)

Trester Trolley LLC offers charter services within a fifty-mile radius of Winona. Guid- ed Tours of Winona will go past many points of interest including museums, historic homes, Winona’s historic downtown district, Veterans Memorial Park, Levee Park, Garvin Heights Scenic Park, Woodlawn Cemetery and many other historic places. The Trolley holds 27 adults. A second trolley is also available. Cost: (Based on at least 10 passengers) $10.00 per adult. www.trestertrolley.com Unique tours (continued)

Willet Hauser Stained Glass Tour

Tour the Willet Hauser Architectural Glass Co. , a renowned stained glass window firm, and observe crafts people design and restore stained glass windows. Cost: $5 per person

Museums

Watkins Museum and Company Store (45 minutes) Famous for its award-winning vanilla and spices, this company dates back to 1868 when it was the purveyor of the only health “remedies” that came with a money-back guarantee. This museum opened in 1993 to celebrate Watkins’s 125th anniversary. Located in the space formerly occu- pied by the Watkins’ print shop, the museum displays a large collection of memorabilia, and a self -guided pictorial tour. The store is where Winonans go for their Watkins pepper, vanilla, and Petro Carbo salts.

Cost: Free Min: 15 Max: 30 Groups by appointment only.

Polish Cultural Institute (45 minutes)

The Polish Cultural Institute known as the Polish Museum was founded in 1976.The museum pre- serves the rich Polish history of Winona and it houses Kashubian artifacts, family heirlooms, religious articles, folk art, parish records, photo- graphs and other treasures that have been loving- ly donated, a legacy from these hardworking people. The gift shop sells Polish items.

Cost: Free Groups by appointment only. Museums (continued) Winona National Bank and Merchants Bank (30 Minutes each)

The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offer amazing architecture, history, and lovely stained glass windows.

Winona National Bank was designed by prominent architect George Maher of Chicago, in the Egyptian Re- vival style. The building’s face has a formidable look highlighted by the two grand granite columns. A secret lies under the south column, a copper time capsule bur- ied there in 1915. The lovely interior, a Prairie School “look”, has many stained glass windows. A decorative cove above the mammoth vault were created by the Tif- fany Studios of New York. The second floor houses a small safari museum and antique gun collection. This building was completed in 1916 and is replete with hid- den architectural gems.

Merchants Bank founders chose to make the original building a reflection of strong Midwestern values. The Minneapolis firm of Purcell, Feick and Elmslie designed the bank to be dignified, yet functional and economical. Founded in 1875, the glass walls which dominate the interior beauty of the building are original, produced by Mosaics Art Shops of Minneapolis. The mural that remains on the north wall is the original by Albert Fleury and is a depiction of West Burns Valley area that lies behind Sugar Loaf Bluff. The original bank cash vault which was used until 1927 is displayed in the lobby. Additions have been made but discreetly so as to keep its original design.

Cost: Free, Groups by appointment only Museums (continued)

Winona County History Center (45 minutes) Professionally constructed exhibits examine life in Winona as lived by both lumber barons and laborers. The encircling balcony gallery (once an exercise track) houses the “County Time- line” exhibit, which begins with the area’s unique geologic formation and a superb collection of Native Americana. The exhibit surprises visitors with the unexpected: Winona’s rowdy past, a brief history of our sewers, and the Cold War parking plans to be used during a nuclear war. Our hands-on children’s exhibit, “Walking through Time,” received an award from the American Association of State and Local History; children are invited to explore a cave, teepee, and river steamboat. Other main floor displays include vehicles, period rooms and thematic exhibits on industry, com- merce and transportation. The new Laird/Norton addition has changing exhibits and a museum gift shop.

Cost: $4.00/person Customized tours available for groups

Minnesota Marine Art Museum (1 hour)

The collections of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum are becoming recognized as one of the finest and most unique collections of art in Middle America. The collections are vast—containing works within the marine art tradition, Hudson River School, Impressionism, and more. Highlights include masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Cassat, Picasso, O’Keefe and Homer.

Cost: $5/person (10 or more people) Docent-led tours by appointment Parks

Lake Park The park has picnic and play areas, tennis courts, softball fields, a rose garden and free open-air concerts at the bandshell during the summer. Lake Winona is divided into east and west lake by Huff Street. There is a path around each lake for walking, running or biking and it is 5.5 miles around both lakes. Canoeing and Kayaking on Lake Winona during the summer. A beautiful view of the soaring bluffs in a quiet, natural set- ting is a treat.

Windom Park

Surrounded by lovely Victorian-era homes, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, this city block is the “home” of a beautifully restored fountain. The fountain's center is a turn-of-the century bronze statue of Princess Wenonah (“first born daughter”) circled by water- spraying pelicans and turtles. A wooden gazebo and the unique landscaping complete this Victorian-era square.

Veterans Memorial Park

The park was built with pride to honor our veterans from the Civil War through the Vi- etnam War. Veterans Park provides a quiet and beautiful spot to remember veterans from conflicts, past and present. Coming soon are memorials for the Gulf War and the Iraq War. The walk is paved with names of veterans that have served our great country. Unique Adventures

Big Valley Ranch

A ranch in the city? Yes! Enjoy the beautiful weather by taking a tour of the ranch. You may also choose a horse ride on the great trails If you Join us in September or October, you can make a bittersweet swag. 1/2 hour ranch tour: $2/person 1 hour ranch tour: $5/person 1 hour trail ride: $35/person

Winona Tour Boat

Take a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River on the 64 passenger Winona Tour Boat. Snacks and beverages available for purchase on boat. Weekend and Themed cruises. 90 minutes: $15 per adult

Hotels

Days Inn  Number of rooms: 58  Complimentary room: 1 per 20 rooms  Baggage handling: No  Deposit policy: Yes, $25 deposit  and 1 week cancellation notice  Motor coach parking: Yes  Electrical hook-up: Yes  Meeting space: Yes  Restaurant: Nearby  Bar: Nearby  Breakfast: Complimentary  Indoor Pool: No  Whirlpool/Sauna: No  Fitness Center: Yes  Wireless Internet: Yes

Express Suites Riverport Inn  Number of rooms: 106  Complimentary room per coach  Baggage handling fee: $2 per room  Deposit policy: Yes, ½ needed 2 weeks before stay  Motor coach parking: Yes  Electrical hook-up: Yes  Meeting space: Yes  Restaurant: Yes, Brewski’s  Bar: Yes, Brewski’s  Breakfast: Complimentary  Indoor Pool: Yes  Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes  Fitness Center: Yes  Wireless Internet: Yes Hotels (continued) The Plaza Hotel and Suites  Number of rooms: 135  Baggage handling fee: $2.50 per room  Deposit policy: None  Motor coach parking: Yes  Electrical hook-up: Yes  Meeting space: Yes  Restaurant: Yes, Green Mill  Bar: Yes, Green Mill  Breakfast: Yes, Green Mill  Indoor Pool: Yes  Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes  Fitness Center: Yes

Holiday Inn Express and Suites  Number of rooms: 96  Baggage handling fee: $3.00 per bag  Deposit: policy: 1/2 down  Motorcoach parking: Yes  Electrical Hook-up: No  Meeting Space: Yes  Restaurant: Nearby  Bar: No  Breakfast: Hot Breakfast Bar  Indoor Pool: Yes  Whirlpool & Sauna: Yes  Fitness Center: Yes  Wireless Internet: Yes Hotels Continued Super 8  Number of rooms: 60  Complimentary room: negotiable  Baggage handling fee: None  Deposit policy: None  Motor coach parking: Yes  Electrical hook-up: Yes  Meeting space: No  Restaurant: Nearby  Bar: Nearby  Breakfast: Complimentary  Indoor Pool: No  Whirlpool/Sauna: No  Fitness Center: No Restaurants

Green Mill Signatures Restaurant 1025 Hwy 61 E 22852 County Rd 17  Capacity: 280  Capacity: 100  Private dining: 50  Private dining: 75  Meals priced: $9-$25  Meals priced: $8-$30

Brewski’s Bar & Grill Betty Jo Byoloski’s 900 Bruski Dr 66 Center St.  Capacity: 40  Capacity: 40  Private dining: yes  Private Dining: Yes  Meals priced: $6-$17  Meal priced: $6-$20 Bub’s Brewing Co. Ground Round Restaurant 65 East 4th St. 405 Hwy. 14  Capacity: 30  Capacity: 50  Meal Priced: $6-20  Private dining: Yes

 Meals priced: $6-17 Lakeview Drive Inn Jefferson Pub and Grill 610 East Sarnia 58 Center St.  Capacity: 30 (outdoor seating)  Capacity: 50  Meal Priced: $6-$8  Private Dining: Yes  Meals priced: $6-$20 Black Horse Bar and Grill 34648 Old Homer Rd.  Capacity: 30 Beno’s Deli  Meal Priced: $6-$20 78 E. 4th St.  Capacity: 50  Private Dining: Yes Annual Events February August Frozen River Film Festival Municipal Band Concerts in the park Winona Winter Carnival Cruise Night at Lakeview Drive-Inn Goodview Days April Earth Day September Bluff Country Studio Art Tour Great Dakota Gathering Mid West Music Fest Pickwick Mill Day Boats and Bluegrass Festival May 100 Mile Garage Sale October Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk June Apple Day Chocolate, Shakespeare & Champagne Municipal Band Concerts in the Park November Cruise Night Tundra Swan Watch Steamboat Days Winona Art Walk Great River Shakespeare Festival Upper Mississippi Dixieland Jazz Festival December Artist s’Holiday Sale 100 Miles of Christmas July Great River Shakespeare Festival September-May Municipal Band Concerts in the Park Art exhibits, theatre, dance, concert Cruise Night performances are available at Saint Winona County Fair Mary’s University Page Theatre, Minnesota Beethoven Festival Winona State University Performing Arts Tour of Gardens Center, Winona Arts Center and Theatre du Mississippi.

Visit our Website for dates, times and locations:www.visitwinona.com Winona A beautiful city nestled in the soaring bluffs along the mighty river that created them. Winona (We-no-nah) is an American Indian name meaning 'first born' or 'eldest daughter'.

Originally settled by a band of Mdewakanton Dakota in the early 1800’s, Winona was later founded by steamboat Captain Orrin Smith in 1851. Winona stands on a giant sandbar created by the meandering of the Mississippi. As the nation pushed its growth west, explorers Father Louis Hennepin, Zebulon Pike, George Catlin, and the French fur traders at one time or another came upon the area known today as Winona. The early rivermen referred to this region as "Sand Prairie" or the more common name, "Wapasha's Prairie," after the powerful Chief Wapasha of the Dakota Sioux Tribe. Early European settlers named the city Montezuma, which was later changed to Winona.

Mark Twain once called this area of the Mississippi River the "Thousand Islands." Winona occupies a large one, which in time, attached to the Minnesota shore. Still near- ly surrounded by water, life in this historic (1851) city centers on the river.

Winona became a full-fledged river town very soon after its founding. Many settlers and immigrants from the east traveled up the Mississippi River to Winona, which was the last source of supplies before these groups were to head further west to establish new homes and farms. Wheat was the first money crop of this area. By the 1860's the nation's wheat belt was in the Upper Midwest.

Winona now has a very diverse economy. Unique products made in Winona include but are not limited to gummy bears, galvanized metal products, quarried stone products, stained glass windows, printed music, graphite and fiberglass composite mate- rials, canoes and kayaks, decorative commercial lighting, vanilla, spices and extracts, emblematic items, and more.

And YES, the actress Winona Ryder was born in Winona, MN on 10-29-1971.

For more information, contact: Visit Winona 160 Johnson Street Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-0735 (800) 657-4972 www.visitwinona.com [email protected]