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Outdoor Recreation
Bike
Bluffside Park Trail System
The Bluffside Park trail system contains over 10 miles of multi-use trails, providing picturesque views of the valley from the bluffs. Trail use is designated for mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Trails are available during all seasons. The trails feature winding curves and rolling hills, picturesque views and vary in difficulty.
Lower trailhead and parking are available at Holzinger Lodge. Upper trailhead with a small amount of on-street parking is available on Wincrest Drive.
Flyway Trail - Winona Connector
The Flyway Trail - Winona Connector is a new trail linking Winona to Buffalo County, WI. The trail begins in Levee Park on Johnson Street, traverses the Highway 54 Interstate Bridge and the John A. Latsch Historical Wagon Bridge, as well as the new 842-foot bridge over the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe railroad.
Flyway Trail Winona Connector Map
The Flyway Trail Board has plans for expansion on the Wisconsin side to connect to the Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge and the Great River State Trail. For more information about the Flyway Trail, please visit the Flyway Trail Board's website: https://flywaytrail.com.
Lake Park Path
Lake Winona Path is a popular destination for both visitors and local residents. The five-mile blacktop trail runs along the south side of the city and circles both segments of the lake through Lake Park. The route is flat and easy. This is a good place for families to ride or walk with children. Pedestrians, in-line skaters and cyclists use the path, so be alert. The trail provides excellent views of Lake Park, the surrounding bluffs and some of the city’s neighborhoods. Lake Winona trail is a great place to begin exploring the city and the area.
- Both East and West Lakes not using Huff Street: 5.3 miles
- East Lake: 3.7 miles
- West Lake: 1.8 miles
- Bridge by the inlet to Vila Street: 0.4 miles
Bike Repair Stations
The city of Winona provides four bike repair stations, available for use to the public. Map of Public Bike Repair Stations.
Bike Registration
Bike registration is free for residents of the City of Winona through the Police department. For more information, visit Winona Bicycle Registration.
Prairie Island Campground
Please visit Prairie Island Campground website to book and for additional information.
Prairie Island Campground provides a safe family camping atmosphere along the riverfront of the majestic Mississippi River. Adults and children alike will enjoy the abundance of activities provided by the park and the surrounding community. Some of the campground attractions include 106 electrical, 69 non-electrical, and 4 organization group sites (all on level ground) as well as campground and public boat launch.
The natural beauty of our river valley and prairie will impress people of all ages. Adjacent to the campground is a fenced dog park and trails. The Kiwanis Shelter located near the spillway is available for rentals through the City of Winona Park and Recreation Department.
Climbing in Winona, MN
The City of Winona has three climbing areas to choose from for rock and ice climbers alike. Descriptions and policies for each area are listed below. If you work or volunteer with a commercial or institutional guiding operation, please see the Sugar Loaf Climbing Permit section below.
- Rock Climbing at Sugar Loaf in Sugar Loaf Park
- Ice Climbing at the Winona Ice Park in Sugar Loaf Park
- Bouldering at the Levee Park Boulders in Levee Park
Sugar Loaf Park contains Winona's most iconic landmark, the 85 foot Sugar Loaf.
All commercial and institutional guiding operations must have a Sugar Loaf Climbing Permit (see application info below).
More information about climbing Sugar Loaf.
The Winona Ice Park, which is located within Sugar Loaf Park, is a manmade ice climbing park set high above the Mississippi River with wonderful views of the city of Winona below.
The Winona Ice Park is a premier ice climbing destination due to its location within the city of Winona, trail accessibility, and the quality of ice. More Information about the Winona ice Park.
Facebook Pages and Groups
Test out your climbing skills on the City of Winona's two manmade boulders! These boulders are free and open to the public and are located on the east end of Levee Park. This style of climbing is known as bouldering and it's a great way to get exercise and try a new sport. If you're a seasoned climber, it's also a great way to hone your climbing technique and stay fit before moving on to larger climbing projects.
More information about the Levee Park Bounders.
Sugar Loaf Park Climbing Permit Information
All Commercial Guiding Operations and Institutional Groups must have a Climbing Permit issued by the City of Winona Park & Recreation Department in order to climb within Sugar Loaf Park. Sugar Loaf Park has two climbing areas: Sugar Loaf (rock climbing) and the Winona Ice Park (ice climbing).
Climbing Permit Process:
- Complete the Sugar Loaf Park Climbing Permit Application
- Please allow 72hrs for Winona Park & Recreation staff to process your application. Once it has been reviewed, an email will be sent out notifying the applicant whether it meets the City of Winona’s guiding standards or not.
- If the Climbing Permit Application has met the City of Winona’s guiding standards, payment can be made over the phone with a credit card by calling the Winona Park Rec office at 507-457-8258 or our office can send out an invoice via email or USPS.
- Upon payment, a Sugar Loaf Park Climbing Permit will be issued.
Fee Schedule:
Commercial Guiding Operations | ||
---|---|---|
Permit Season | Dates | Fee |
Summer | 4/16/23 - 10/15/23 | $220 |
Winter | 10/16/23 - 4/15/24 | $220 |
Year (starting in summer) | 4/16/23 - 4/15/24 | $396 |
Year (starting in winter) | 10/16/23 - 10/15/24 | $396 |
Institutional Groups | ||
---|---|---|
Permit Season | Dates | Fee |
Summer | 4/16/23 - 10/15/23 | $50 |
Winter | 10/16/23 - 4/15/24 | $50 |
Year (starting in summer) | 4/16/23 - 4/15/24 | $90 |
Year (starting in winter) | 10/16/23 - 10/15/24 | $90 |
Paddle
Lake Lodge
Lake Lodge is your hub for watercraft rentals on East Lake Winona. Daily canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available, as well as seasonal and annual memberships.
Note: Lake Lodge rentals are for on-site use only.
Prairie Island
Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are available at Prairie Island Campground. public boat launches provide access to Mississippi backwaters, with main channel access. For more information, visit the Prairie Island website for additional information.
Additional Resources:
Trails & Paths
Soft-Surface Trails
Paved Trails
- Mississippi River Trail - Downtown Winona Map
- Misssissippi River Trail - Minnesota City to Winona Map
- Flyway Trail Map
Parks and Other City Maps
- City of Winona Bikeways Map (PDF)
- East End Area (PDF)
- East Lake Park Area (PDF)
- Parks and Facility Map (PDF)
- Prairie Island Area (PDF)
- Road Bike Winona Map
- Tillman Park, Gilmore Valley, Knopp Valley Area (PDF)
- Valley Oaks, Sugarloaf Area (PDF)
- West Lake Park, Holzinger Lodge, Garvin Heights Area (PDF)
- West Recreation Center, Aquatic Center Area (PDF)
- Willows Disc Golf Course - Map of East Course (PDF)
- Winona County Bike Loop Maps (PDF)
East & West Lake Bike Path Distances
- Both East and West Lakes not using Huff Street: 5.3 miles
- East Lake: 3.7 miles
- West Lake: 1.8 miles
- Bridge by the inlet to Vila Street: 0.4 miles