Red Wing

From the elegantly restored St. James Hotel on Main Street to rows of Victorian, Italianate and Tudor Mansions on West Third and Fourth, Red Wing reflects its 19th Century heights as the largest primary wheat market in the world. Other architectural treasures include an impressive array of limestone churches and the Sheldon Memorial Auditorium in the historic Mall District (walking- and driving-tour maps available at the Visitors Center). Specialty shops are concentrated downtown in mid-nineteenth century buildings spruced up with awnings and window boxes.

Situated six miles downriver from lock and dam number three on the Mississippi ...

From the elegantly restored St. James Hotel on Main Street to rows of Victorian, Italianate and Tudor Mansions on West Third and Fourth, Red Wing reflects its 19th Century heights as the largest primary wheat market in the world. Other architectural treasures include an impressive array of limestone churches and the Sheldon Memorial Auditorium in the historic Mall District (walking- and driving-tour maps available at the Visitors Center). Specialty shops are concentrated downtown in mid-nineteenth century buildings spruced up with awnings and window boxes.

Situated six miles downriver from lock and dam number three on the Mississippi River, the city utilizes the water as a recreational attraction, with boat rentals and scenic river cruises, and as a transportation artery. You'll get an eye-level view of river traffic from Levee Park (grain from Red Wing's giant granaries is still loaded onto barges from July through November). The most easily accessible panoramic views are from Soldiers Memorial Park on the bluffs overlooking town. Known through the decades for pottery and footwear, Red Wing chronicles its commercial success at the Red Wing Shoe Museum and at a museum inside the original Red Wing Pottery, now known as Pottery Place Mall. Attractions near Red Wing include the Caribbean-themed Treasure Island Hotel/Casino, one of the most attractive of the 17 Native American casinos in Minnesota.

About the Expert

Connie Emerson is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Cheapskate's Guide to Branson, Missouri and Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guide – Las Vegas.