Red Wing is often regarded as the premier day-trip from the Twin Cities, mainly because of its historical significance, natural beauty, and downtown shopping. By now, most Minnesotans know all about Barn Bluff, Red Wing Shoes (home to the world’s largest boot), Hanisch Bakery, the 20-mile Cannon Valley Trail, and the 145-year-old St. James Hotel. But there are so many more hidden gems that only locals and shrewd travelers know about, making Red Wing one of the best weekend getaways in Minnesota.
Hidden Gems in Scenic Red Wing
Filling your days with history, outdoor recreation, and fine dining comes naturally in Red Wing. Because of its sprawling natural beauty, Southern Minnesota’s Mississippi River Valley is a four-season spectacle, especially if you plan to spend two or three nights inside one of St. James Hotel’s opulent accommodations. Yes, Red Wing is minutes away from a beloved state park, a dazzling casino, and several other river towns, but what sets it apart from other like getaway destinations is its many hidden gems, ranging from a valley-view golf course to a tiny cafe and an oft-overlooked sculpture garden.
- Anderson Center Sculpture Garden: Even locals tend to forget about the Anderson Center’s 15-acre, open-air sculpture park, complete with dozens of thought-provoking artworks near the Mississippi River’s edge.
- Fair Trade Books: Fair Trade is a quintessential book store, with its resident pooch, mystery book bundles, author readings, local artisanal crafts, and crates of vinyl.
- Falconer Vineyards: Most folks know all about Old Main Street’s Red Wing Brewery. But it’s hard to imagine a more peaceful locale to enjoy an adult beverage than Falconer Vineyards, a lovely slice of Southern Minnesota backcountry.
- Mandy’s Coffee & Café: Mandy’s is often overlooked because of Hanisch, the award-winning bakery located across the street. However, you won’t find better house-brewed coffee and fresh-baked muffins in town. It’s also a sublime spot to catch a live performance.
- Mississippi National Golf Links: Mississippi National, one of three golf courses in the Red Wing area, is a 36-hole visual masterpiece just a few ticks south of Highway 61.
- Pottery Museum of Red Wing: There are several absorbing museums in the region, but none of them are as memorable as the Pottery Museum of Red Wing, mainly because of its $3 tours, which include access to over 13,000 square feet of head-turning artifacts.
- Red Wing Arts: The folks at Red Wing Arts do it all: concerts in the park, workshops, exhibits, and, of course, tours. Art tours include stops at Pollinator Park, Main Street, multiple murals, Levee Park, and Oakwood Cemetary.
- Scarlet Kitchen & Bar: The newly-renovated Scarlet Kitchen & Bar is an idyllic lunch or dinner destination for those who relish locally-sourced culinary delights, historic charm, and hand-crafted artistry.
Extended Weekend Getaways in Minnesota: Choose Red Wing
The St. James Hotel is centrally located in the heart of Red Wing along bustling Main Street. Regardless of the season, St. James acts as one of the premier weekend getaways in Minnesota, primarily because of its romantic charm, luxurious suites, and instant access to countless shops, museums, and eateries. Guests are minutes away from a bevy of winter activities, including snowshoeing, alpine skiing, and ice skating. The time to save on a well-deserved wintertime escape to Red Wing is right now, as many of our hotel packages run from January through April. To book a long-awaited weekend getaway, please check availability online (or call us directly at 1-800-252-1875).