Sitting along the Mississippi River, Red Wing Minnesota has been attracting Day Trippers from Minneapolis for years. At only an hour’s drive, it makes for the perfect southern Minnesota destination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The riverfront, views, hiking and outdoor activities, architecture, and ding options are some of the reasons to bring you in. There are so many things to do in Red Wing MN, I dare you not to spend more time there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Red Wing Minnesota is one of those small towns I’ve driven through a bunch of times and looked out the window in awe. I’ve always been so tired from my previous adventures that I could bring myself to get out of the car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, it was going to change. I decided to play a whole day devoted just to things to do in Red Wing MN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Red Wing Minnesota is probably most famous thanks to the Red Wing Shoes. But settlers first started stopping in town because of its proximity to the Mississippi River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bend of the Mississippi River is said to be the sharpest navigable turn on the entire River, and its natural flood plain became an ideal resting stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first inhabitants were the Dakota, settled at the base of Barn Bluff<\/a>. Missionaries started arriving in 1837. By the late nineteenth century, riverfront trade was big, and soon came the railroad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Today this riverfront town has been charming visitors on their day trips from Minneapolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Red Wing has tons of fun things to do. From hiking Barn Bluff to catching a boat cruise down the Mississippi River. Or hit up a free sculpture garden or stand next to the worlds largest boot! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s dive right into why Red Wing MN is a great day trip location:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the best towns I visit are the ones that are rich in history. I can spend hours just looking at the details that went into the construction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Red Wing is unique in that it’s almost impossible to find something that is not a historic building. You’ll find 1890s Queen Anne Style houses, and wood ornamented rooflines along with the commercial buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to help visitors, find out more about the homes, they have put together three different walking tours, each taking about 45 minutes to complete. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I recommend starting with the Downtown Historic District first. If you want a printed guide<\/a>, stop by the historic depot or the Visitors Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the summer months, set aboard the Pearl of the Lake<\/a> and cruise Lake Pepin. Cruises take guests on a 90-minute tour of the lake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The cruise is narrated by knowledgeable Captains who explain the geological features and history. Often times they spot eagles. The paddle boats have an upper deck allowing unobstructed views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On weekends, you won’t want to miss their sunset cruise. Make sure to get your tickets ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThings to do in Downtown Red Wing MN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Wing Historic Walking Tour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cruise Lake Pepin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hike to the top of Barn Bluff<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n