Unless you’re lucky enough to be from somewhere sun-kissed like California (in which case, what made you pick Winona?!) you’re familiar with our blustery, high-energy-bill-filled winters in Minnesota. We also have fall, but realistically, that only lasts about a month (or less!). With the warning of snow looming over us, it’s time to get your butt outside and enjoy these last few nice days. Grab your bestie or fly solo while trying out these great ideas to get outdoors while you still can!
1. Bike/Rollerblade/Skate Around the Lakes.Grab your wheels and hit the trails! I can bet that when you visited WSU’s campus for the first time, you couldn’t help but take in the beauty of the natural glacier-cut bluffs that overlook the city. The circumference of the big lake and the small lake together add up to 5.3 miles, so if you’re feeling ambitious, try tackling the whole path.
2. Hike the Steps to Garvin HeightsIf you’re feeling lazy, we won’t judge you for driving instead of walking; the view is spectacular either way! The stairs for the hike start right at the bottom of the hill on Garvin Heights Rd, and make sure to bring a water bottle, hiking buddy, and a camera if you want. This one will kick your butt, but the look out at the top is well worth it!
3. Hike SugarloafSugarloaf, the well-known ancient rock formation that overlooks the city, offers an easy-to-hike trail and optional rock climbing if you make it all the way to the top. This entrance is a little more concealed and can be tricky to find, but it isn’t a difficult trail and includes beautiful scenery. The trail is marked by a small water tower and is located on West Burns Valley Rd, just off of Sugarloaf Rd.
4. Rent a Boat at the Lake LodgeEver tried paddle boarding? It’s the surf-board-looking boat that you’ve seen several Pinterest pictures of girls doing yoga on. For five bucks a year, you can rent this boat and others at the Lake Lodge located on the East Lake of Lake Winona. The East Lake is the larger one, and it’s on the left side of Huff St. when facing Garvin Heights. You can also rent bikes, kayaks, canoes, and liberty boats with your membership (If you actually know what a liberty boat is, kudos to you! It is a large canoe that can fit up to 12 people, so make sure to grab your friends). Additionally, this lodge rents ice skates and snowshoes over the winter, so you don’t have an excuse to be stuck inside the whole time!
5. Eat Lunch at Lakeview Drive InnThis is a definite must! The Lakeview Drive Inn has been a Winona favorite since 1938, and has several events throughout the summer and early fall including a vintage car show. Visit this family owned and operated drive-in for ice cream, a cheeseburger, or their signature root-beer floats.
6. Visit a Vineyard 21+There are several wineries around the Winona area, but for now we’ll highlight Seven Hawks Vineyards. They never charge for wine-tasting because they’re so confident you’ll love their well-made, reasonably priced local wines, that you won’t leave without purchasing a bottle of your own. It’s located in Fountain City, which is just over the bridge on Winona St., so make sure to designate a driver so you can enjoy a plethora of different wines safely.
7. Go to the Rope SwingCalling all adventure seekers! Leave your fears at home, it’s time to try something new! This is one of my favorite warm-weather activities in Winona, and of the first outings I had when I was a freshman. There is one located on Airport Lake in Winona. Here’s a bada** example of someone jumping with some GoPro skills:
8. FROLF! What’s frolfing?!Frolfing is also known as Frisbee golf or disc golf. Around the lakes of Lake Winona is a large disc golf course called the Willows, and if you’ve never frolfed before, it’s worth giving it a shot! It’s almost as fun to play as it is just saying the word “frolf” and it’s a great team activity.
9. Tube Down The Dodge RiverGrab a tube, some friends and a cooler of Twisted Teas and head down the Dodge River. For a few hours, you can lazily float down the river from Dodge down to Trempealeau, Wisconsin. For $10 a person, start at the Safe House River Rat Outfitters where you can grab a bite to eat, then you can start your tubing adventure! Here is a picture of a group of us that went a few weeks ago, it was a blast!