by Andrew Ellis
Hiking, paddling or pedaling along the bluffs in Winona, and you feel as if you’re Indiana Jones scouring foreign lands for lost treasure. But you’re still in Minnesota, enjoying the thrills of one of Winona’s many rivertown features. The city and the surrounding area must-visit for those yearning for a freeing outdoors experience.
The area allows you to roam nearly wherever you choose – and there’s plenty for you to explore. You can forget about your weekday worries as you pedal down the scenic country roads. And if you’re looking to spend some time on the water, then there’s several lakes, rivers, and streams to wet your line, take your boat out, and more.
More About Bike-Friendly Winona
Sitting on the edge of the Mississippi River, Winona is also home to three unique colleges: St. Mary’s University, Minnesota State College Southeast, and Winona State University. These colleges add a lot to the city’s bike-friendly atmosphere, and offer many more easily accessible attractions you can take in.
The city’s bike-friendly nature allows for more than just hitting the trails and its scenic roads. There’s plenty to discover about its history, especially that of the Dakota community, its buildings that are on the National Register of Historical Places, and its many locally-owned shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone.
Biking Opportunities in Winona
The town of Winona and the area surrounding have biking opportunities galore. You can travel on the different county roads to check out the area’s nature, ride the local section of the Mississippi River Trail, get in some good mountain biking around the bluffs, and more. Whatever you and your two wheels crave, there’s something for you.
Mississippi River Trail
You can also hop on the Mississippi River Trail where you’ll ride along the river and Highway 61. There are a few parts that take you inwards towards town, and then it slowly meanders back towards the river’s edge.
Lake Park Bike Path
It’s a 5-mile paved trail. It runs along the south side of the city and circles both segments of Lake Winona through Lake Park. The terrain is flat and easy for all skill levels. It’s also a multi-use trail so be aware of other users.
Richard J Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest
This reserve contains over one million acres of land, and the state only owns 45,000 of it. There are great areas for bikers, such as the Bronk Unit Plowline Trail has north and loops, and offer a mixed terrain ride. The North loop has two spur trails that lead to scenic overlooks of Stockton Valley and the Mississippi River Valley. There’s also the Trout Valley Forest Management Forest Unit which has two multi-use loops that take you from the valley to the top of the bluffs and more. You can also go on another unforgettable adventure in the Kruger Forest Management Unit that takes you along the Zumbro River and the area’s bluffs.
Holzinger Lodge Trail
The mountain bike trail is 12 miles of short and steep climbs and downhills as well as winding curves as it forks and wanders through mature hardwood forest and bluff top. Wildflowers bloom in the spring, adding to the scenery, and most of the surface is rocky clay.
Road Biking
Winona’s roads offer long, refreshing rides down county roads where you’ get a glimpse at all the nature it has to offer. And there are many loops you can follow so you won’t have to fear getting lost. There’s the Gilmore Valley Loop which takes you past St. Mary’s University, the Burns Valley Loop, the Pleasant Ridge Loop takes you by the Bunnell Historic House, the Prairie Island Loop, the Richmond Ridge Loop, and the Rollingstone route goes through Winona State University and ends at the Luxembourg Historical Museum.
A Next Advenure look at Winona
Be sure to check out our Next Adventure Winona Article for more details on where to stay, play, and explore for your hand-held devices. As this story and the At-A-Glance Article are mobile-friendly for your convenience, have fun!