Visit Winona Group Tour Planner
Transcription
Visit Winona Group Tour Planner
Visit Winona Group Tour Planner 160 Johnson St, Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-0735 [email protected] or www.visitwinona.com Dear Tour Planner, When you come to Winona, you will be surprised at the wonders of our small city with a big heart! Winona is an historic island city with scenic beauty and architecture that will astound you. The history of Winona begins as a river town during the mid-1800’s, growing into one of the wealthiest cities in America in the early-1900’s. Our architecture demonstrates what the lumber & wheat barons left as their legacy. Winona has many attractions and in the last few years our attractions have grown. The Great River Shakespeare Festival kicks off its seventh season, running for five weeks in June/ July. I n 2006, the Minnesota Marine Art Museum opened and it features four galleries of art inspired by water. The Sugar Loaf Antique & Craft Mall located in the old Bub’s Brewery has over 100 vendors. The Garvin Heights Vineyard opens each Spring with tours and wine tasting. Winona even has its own Minnesota Beethoven Festival which enters its fifth season. 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 positioned to be a perfect hub and spoke city for your trip. So plan a few days in Winona and enjoy a small city with a big heart! Mary Farrell Visitor Services Coordinator Winona Group Tour Attractions · Stained Glass Studio Tour (1 hour) Location: Cathedral Crafts . Winona is known as the “Stained Glass Capital” of the country. During this tour, you may observe craftspeople design, paint, restore, refurbish and/or assemble stained glass windows. · 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 historical 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. A Museum gift shop is on site. · 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 Memorial, Rose Garden, Bandshell), Sugar Loaf Bluff, St Stanislaus Koska Church, 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. · Agri Tours (Bison--45 to 60 minutes) You can choose this tour and learn about the animals while viewing them. You will also learn about the farms products and where to buy them. · Minnesota Marine Art Museum (1 hour) Winona’s newest museum! Features four galleries of art inspired by water. Leo & Marilyn Smith Folk Art Collection, and marine art paintings of national and international significance. · Garvin Heights Vineyards (1 hour) You can tour Winona’s first vineyard with taste testing and learn “Why no White Zin in Minnesota?” Along with the scenic view , enjoy different types of wine made with University of MN grapes. · Sugar Loaf Antiques and Crafts Mall (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 4:30-5:00 pm – check into your hotel & get ready for the exciting 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 – Sugar Loaf Antique & Craft Mall 11:00-12:00 pm – Watkins Heritage Museum 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: Polish Museum or 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 – Stained Glass Studio Tour 10:30-11:30am – Bison farm tour or Big Valley Ranch 11:45am - Lunch at another one of our local restaurants One day sample itinerary: 10:00-11:00am - Stained Glass Studio Tour 11:15am-12:30pm – Minnesota Marine Art Museum 12:45-1:45pm - Lunch at one of the restaurants in Historic Downtown 2:00-4:00pm – Step-on guide tour in and around Winona Unique tours Stain Glass Studio (1 hour) Cathedral Crafts : Winona is known as the “Stained Glass Capital” of the country. At this studio, observe craftspeople fabricating leaded stained glass windows using many of the same techniques of the past. Artists may demonstrate how they design, paint, restore, and/or assemble these fine windows. Cost: $3/person Min: 15 Max: 30 Groups by appointment only. Limited number of tours. Unique tours (continued) City Tour with step-on guide Tour guides will provide a history lesson while visiting 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 Orchestra plays during the summer) and a fantastic view of Sugar Loaf Bluff. On the east end of town, learn about shotgun houses, St Stanislaus Church, 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 dock as well as the Julia Belle Swain Steamboat. Historic Victorian built by the early lumber & wheat barons surround the beautiful Windom 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. Sugar Loaf Antique & Craft Mall (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-Friday 10 a.m-5p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday 11a.m.-4 p.m. Groups: Call ahead of time Unique tours (continued) Trester Trolley Tours (45 minutes to 1 Hour) Trester Trolley LLC offers charter services within a fifty-mile radius of Winona. Guided 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. Trolley holds 27 adults. A second trolley is also available. Cost: (Based on at least 10 passengers) $10.00 per adult 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 occupied 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 preserves the rich Polish history of Winona and it houses Kashubian artifacts, family heirlooms, religious articles, folk art, parish records, photographs and other treasures that have been lovingly donated, a legacy from these hardworking people. The gift shop sells Polish items. Cost: $2/person 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 Revival 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 buried 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 Tiffany 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 hidden 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, commerce 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 museum features four galleries of world-class art with over 400 paintings and artifacts including Impressionism and Hudson River School paintings, marine art, folk art sculptures and traveling exhibits. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Museum is located in a unique, turn-of-the-century-style building and landscaped with over 60,000 native plants. It has a group-friendly atmosphere with unique items in the Gift Shop. Cost: $5/person Docent-led tours by appointment Museums continued Arches (45 minutes) Before the completion of the Interstate Highway System, roadside museums were common sights to America’s motoring public. Usually owner operated, they ranged in quality from tawdry to excellent. A rare example of the latter still operates today-the work of one dedicated individual, folk-artist and collector Walter Rahn (1902-1984). Motivated by a love of children and a genuine appreciation of pioneer ingenuity, Walter collected everything imaginable to illustrate the past, and what he couldn’t collect he created. Today his charmingly constructed handmade models—many of them operable—bring to life by gone machinery, vehicles and processes to the delight of all age groups. The grounds of the Arches also feature a furnished log home and barn from the 1860’s, displays of large agricultural equipment, and a complete one-room pioneer school. Cross the covered bridge over the brook for a serene, shaded picnic spot. Cost:: $4 person Groups by appointment only Bunnell House (45 minutes) In 1849, Chief Wapasha granted permission to his friend, fur-trader Willard Bunnell, to build a cabin on Dakota land in what is now Homer, Minnesota. Within a decade, Bunnell had built another, much finer, home nearby to house his wife and family –the present day Bunnell House. An outstanding example of Rural (or Steamboat) Gothic Architecture, the home is built of northern white pine and furnished with items appropriate to the mid-to-late 1800s. Knowledgeable guides walk visitors through three floors of pioneer life, encompassing the historical period during which Native American canoes gave way to steamboats and game trails became roads and highways for Euro-Americans. Listed on the National Register, the home was acquired by the Winona County Historical Society in 1954. Cost: $4 person Groups by appointment only 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. A beautiful view of the soaring bluffs in a quiet, natural setting 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 Vietnam 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 wagon or horse ride on the great trails Join us for smores around the campfire and remember to bring your favorite campfire songs and stories. If you Join us in September or October, you can make a bittersweet swag. 1 hour tour: $2/person 1-3 hour tour: $5/person 1-3 hr. tour : hayride or bittersweet:$8/person 1-3 hr. tour : hayride, bittersweet and refreshments: $10/ person Rockie Hill Bison Farm (1 Hour) The farm offers a guided wagon tour amongst the farm's buffalo herd. Your experience is tailored to your interests. Located six miles south of Winona. The farm sits on a ridge top, overlooking the Mississippi River. Rockie Hill Bison Farm offers visitors a visually beautiful rural adventure. Cost: $3/person Available from May through October. Tours by appointment only Accommodates 50-60 or one motor coach Hotels AmericInn of Winona · · · · · · · · · · · · · Number of rooms: 46 Baggage handling: $2 per room Deposit policy: Yes, credit card required Motor coach parking: Yes Electrical hook-up: Yes Meeting space: Yes Restaurant: Nearby Bar: Nearby Breakfast: Complimentary Indoor Pool: Yes Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes Fitness Center: No Wireless Internet: Yes Days Inn 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 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 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 Hotels (continued) The Plaza Hotel and Suites · · · · · · · · · · · · · Holiday Inn Express and Suites · · · · · · · · · · · · · Number of rooms: 94 Baggage handling fee: $2.00 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 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: No Indoor Pool: Yes Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes Fitness Center: Yes Wireless Internet: Yes Hotels Continued Nichols Inn & Suites · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 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 Wireless Internet: Yes Quality Inn · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Number of rooms: 112 Complimentary room: 1 per coach Baggage handling: Yes, $1 per bag/trip Deposit policy: None Motor coach parking: Yes Electrical hook-up: Yes Meeting space: Yes Restaurant: Yes Bar: Yes Breakfast: Complimentary Indoor Pool: Yes Whirlpool/Sauna: Yes/No Fitness Center: Yes (passes to Anytime Fitness) Wireless internet: Yes Restaurants Green Mill 1025 Hwy 61 E · · · · Capacity: 280 Private dining: 50 Meals priced: $9-$25 Complimentary meal for driver Brewski’s Bar & Grill 900 Bruski Dr · · · · Capacity: 40 Private dining: yes Meals priced: $6-$17 Complimentary meal for driver Ground Round Restaurant 405 Hwy. 14 · · · Capacity: 50 Private dining: Yes Meals priced: $6-17 Jefferson Pub and Grill 58 Center St. · Capacity: 100 · Private Dining: Yes · Meals priced: $6-$20 Signatures Restaurant 22852 County Rd 17 · · · · Capacity: 100 Private dining: 75 Meals priced: $8-$30 Complimentary meal for driver Betty Jo Byoloski’s 66 Center St. · Capacity: 40 · Private Dining: Yes · Meal priced: $6-$20 Rubio’s Family Mexican Restaurant 1213 Gilmore Ave. · Capacity: 30 · Private Dining: Yes · Meal Priced: $6-$15 Bub’ Brewing Co. 65 East 4th St. · Capacity: 30 · Meal Priced: $6-20 Annual Events January Frozen River Film Festival April Earth Day Bluff Country Studio Art Tour Mid West Music Fest May 100 Mile Garage Sale June Chocolate, Shakespeare & Champagne Municipal Band Concerts in the Park Cruise Night Steamboat Days Great River Shakespeare Festival July Great River Shakespeare Festival Municipal Band Concerts in the Park Cruise Night Winona County Fair Minnesota Beethoven Festival Upper Mississippi Dixieland Jazz Festival Tour of Gardens August Municipal Band Concerts in the park Cruise Night at Lakeview Drive-Inn Goodview Days September Dakota Gathering & Homecoming Pickwick Mill Days Boats and Bluegrass Festival October Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk Big Muddy River Rendezvous November Tundra Swan Watch Winona Art Walk December Artist Holiday Sale Christmas Lighted Parade Christmas Candlelight House Tour September-May Art exhibits, theatre, dance, concert performances are available at Saint Mary’s University Page Theatre, Winona State University Performing Arts 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 nearly 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 materials, 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
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