Historic Island City
Winona is one of the most beautiful places on earth, nestled between the covered limestone river bluffs that rise 500 feet and the majestic mighty Mississippi River Valley. The historical architecture and cultural opportunities give Winona a soul that is living, breathing and growing. Still, Winona and its wealth of recreational activities, arts and culture is relatively undiscovered.
Winona was founded in 1851 by a steamboat captain. Positioned on a large island in the Mississippi, the lumber industry helped it grow quickly and by 1900 Winona had more millionaires per capita than any place in the United States. Winona’s history lives on in architecturally significant historic buildings and vintage homes that thrill history buffs with the Alexander Mansion has a prime example.
Today, Winona is driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit that has given birth to a city that has built its future by embracing its past. With U.S. Highway 61 traversing through Winona, we host a portion of the Great River Road. There is a strong arts movement, nature preserves, lively shops and art galleries, several renown museums, historical sites and a variety of restaurants.
In many ways Winona is still an island in the wilderness waiting to be discovered again. Eagles fly overhead, deer sleep in yards and on the outskirts of Winona you can hear the sound of coyotes on still summer nights. All of this is waiting for you. Make your plans today for a stay at the Alexander Mansion and discover Winona, the historic island city.
