Best Things to Do near Red Wing MN

The city of Red Wing, MN, tucked along the Mississippi River, is both a beautiful drive and a worthy destination once you arrive with many fun things to do. Hike the bluffs. Reward yourself with fresh donuts. Hop around to a few bars. Pop into the small shops. And enjoy the culture, history, and views. (And you can’t miss the world’s largest boot!)

How far is Red Wing MN from Minneapolis?

Red Wing, Minnesota is 55 miles from Minneapolis and it takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes to get there. But you will enjoy just about every minute of the scenic drive. It is the perfect day trip from the Twin Cities.

What To Do in Red Wing MN

Famous boots aren’t the only thing that should bring you to Red Wing, Minnesota. The charming river town offers plenty to do on a day (or even weekend) trip to the area including places to eat, hike, drink, shop, and eat again! Where to start…

Grab Donuts at Hanisch Bakery & Coffee Shop

*Almost* too pretty to eat! A simple shop located downtown Red Wing with a display case full of donuts. You’ll see inflatable donuts hanging from the ceiling and bakers behind the counter ready to ring up your order with a smile. This really is a great place. What should you get? Really, anything. But you can never go wrong with sprinkled. And to get more adventurous, maple bacon.

They also offer cookies and other desserts, as well as fresh baked bread and buns to take home! Don’t come to Red Wing and miss this bakery, even if it’s just treats to pick up for later.

Hike Barn Bluff in Red Wing MN

Post-donuts calls for a hike! And you’re in luck because there’s a scenic place to do it. Right near downtown, you can hike the bluffs along the Mississippi River with steady climbs, a lot of steps, and a rewarding river view. It’s one of the best places in Red Wing Minnesota! We hit a few different paths for the full experience – here’s how:

Start with South Trail

The easiest way to reach the top of Barn Bluff. Length: .83 miles with slight inclines and a set of steep steps. This wide trail is easy to navigate with rocky paths, trees, and a few slight inclines (first pic below). Eventually, you come up to the Kiwanis Stairs that will lead you up where there is only a short distance left for the view.

Follow the NEW Central Trail

If you’re looking for a challenge, skip the rest of South Trail at the top of the steps (to keep it simple, stay to the left), and head upward on the hill to the right. It’s a steep climb, though short (they are in the process of getting stairs in place). And at the top, you’ll see city views including the houses and buildings of Red Wing, Minnesota. From there, continue to loop back around and head west to end up on Prairie Trail.

Head Back on North Trail + Quarry Trail

After taking the beautiful views in and snapping a few pictures at the top, don’t go back the way you came. Instead, continue on North Trail, which is more adventurous with skinny pathways, steep ledges, areas for rock climbing, and views of the river and Municipal Treatment Plant. Do be mindful on this side if you’re with kids and/or dogs!

On the Trail Map, this trail is marked as Most Difficult – more so based on danger than difficulty, I would say. Eventually, you will connect to Quarry Trail and find yourself looping back to where you started.

Enjoy Parks in Red Wing MN

Memorial Park

Find multi-use trails, including hiking and biking, with Memorial Park Tower at its center. Walkthrough to the Upper Quarry and Lower Quarry for scenic views and hit the memorial bluff, or just grab some lunch (info below) and grab a spot at one of the picnic tables.

Bay Point Park

Located right on the Mississippi River and Red Wing Bay sits the quiet park of Bay Point Park. Red Wing Marina & Boat Rental sits just on the other side of the bay, so rent your own or enjoy a casual afternoon in the sun watching the boats go by.

Colvill Park Universal Playground

Visit the marina where you can launch a boat, choose one of the picnic areas, or play on the tennis courts.

Lunch at Mandy’s Coffee and Cafe

After your hike, head back to downtown Red Wing and explore the area. If you love a cute little coffee shop (who doesn’t?), stop in at Mandy’s, the perfect place for a sandwich. Friendly staff. Cozy atmosphere. Strong coffee. And some great panini’s! Would absolutely go for the Roast Beef again.

Red Wing Brewery

You’re probably ready for a beer so head over to the Red Wing Brewery for a popular spot to chill and enjoy a beverage. To keep it real, it’s not my favorite brewery vibe-wise – a bit of a strange location without a view, but their beer is solid. I went with three of the Flight Glasses (5 oz.) – Anderson Wheat (my favorite), Red Wing Premium, and the Stoneware Stout. P.S. the handmade pizza smelled (and looked!) delicious.

Shop Downtown Red Wing MN

Historic buildings, locally-owned shops, and historic charm. Spend some time in the downtown area looking around the gift shops and supporting the local businesses of Red Wing, Minnesota.

• Red Wing Shoe Store; the boot company that gives the city its recognition. Take a photo with the world’s largest boot and peak around (or buy!) Red Wings shoes–some of the best footwear around.
• Uffda Shop; All the little trinkets you can think of and a fun place for Scandanavian gifts!
• Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery; bowls and jars and drinkware and much more high-quality, and beautiful, products.
• Pottery Place Antiques: one of the largest antique shops in Minnesota with three rooms of antiques and collectibles and 40+ antique vendors.

Visit Red Wing MN Museums

• Pottery Museum of Red Wing: a free museum with more than 6,000 vintage pieces with special exhibitions and a gift store to get your own Red Wing pottery.
• Red Wing Marine Museum: another free museum in one of the city’s historical venues along the river that displays restored marine engines, outboard motors, and a display of fishing tackle, photographs, documents, and other river-related items.
• Aliveo Military Museum: a museum that honors those that have served their country.

Cross Over into Hager City, Wisconsin

To continue on a little pub crawl, of course. You can’t go wrong partying in Wisconsin, so drive across the Red Wing Eisenhower Bridge (it’s 5 minutes from downtown Red Wing to Hager City, Wisconsin) to keep the fun day rollin’. Stop at one of these fun bars or make your way to Lake Pepin in Maidan Rock, Wisconsin if you want to spend more time outside.

Harbor Bar

I love this bar. Right on the river. Dive bar feel. Live music. Jamaican vibe. Food trucks. Darts and slot machines. If you’re not having a good time at Harbor Bar, you’re probably boring 🙂 There’s both a bar inside and a more popular outdoor one that’s close to their live music stage. If that’s too rowdy (this place gets packed on a beautiful summer day), take your beer to one of the colorful picnic tables closer to the water. If you’re hungry, go with anything that includes their Jerk Chicken (and famous sauce!). Or a taco from the truck.

Mr. Sippi’s Yacht Brokerage Bar

The name sucked me in. Make (at least) one more pit stop at Mr. Sippi’s in this rockstar location. Order a beer (cash only!) and head out to the deck for a great view. The bar is located at a campground so you’ll likely be around those staying in the area. Don’t forget your fishing pole, there’s a long dock to fish off of if you’re looking for something to do – or tonight’s dinner! There’s also a boat launch to get out on the water.

A Day Trip to Red Wing, Minnesota is a Day Well Spent

And is easily combined with a cross over the state line. Spend a Saturday or Sunday exploring southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. (And I’m serious, get a donut!) You’ll love your day in this little town.

Need more Minnesota Day Trips?

Check out Taylors Falls (my favorite one yet!), and Stillwater.