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With the Mississippi River on one side of town and majestic limestone bluffs on the other, a more beautiful place than Winona is hard to find. This charming city—located in southeastern Minnesota—is home to historically significant buildings, a variety of dining, shopping, and lodging options, and numerous recreational opportunities. Winona has also earned a reputation as an arts and cultural mecca, with four museums (the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, Watkins Museum/Store, Polish Museum, and the Winona County Historical Museum undergoing a $4 million expansion), Garvin Heights Vineyard (located on the Great River Road Wine Trail), Sugar Loaf Antiques and Crafts, and interesting festivals taking place throughout the year.
Some of the events scheduled this fall and winter include the Boats and Bluegrass Festival, combining canoeing and kayaking with great music, at Prairie Island September 25-27; Voices from the Past: Woodlawn Cemetery Walk October 10-11; the Big Muddy River Rendezvous October 13-18 offering a glimpse into life during the pre-1840s fur-trading era; the Minnesota Beethoven Festival November 8 (Vienna Boys Choir) and January 23 (Emerson String Quartet); the Great River Road Wine Trail Holiday Festival November 14-15; the Annual Tundra Swan Watch November 14; the Christmas Art Walk December 5-6, Holiday Art Sale, and Holiday Lighted Parade December 5; Christmas Candlelight House Tour December 6 and the Frozen River Film Festival January 27-31, 2010, providing a unique perspective on environmental issues, sustainable communities, world cultures and adventure sports.
