Red Wing, Minnesota
Located in southeast Minnesota right on the Mississippi River, Red Wing is a historic small town with a lot of character. Settled in the early 1850s by settlers who wanted to use the lush riverside farmland, Red Wing quickly became famous for its high wheat production.
Throughout the later half of the 1800s, Red Wing developed a pottery and stoneware industry, was home to two colleges which no longer exist, and invited a great number of European immigrants who learned skilled trades. They even gained notoriety for their skiing club, which was founded in the late 1880s and was the source of the Red Wing Style of skiing.
Red Wing has such a rich history. The Pottery Museum is a great place to go to learn about the town’s previous involvement in the pottery industry, and the Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum displays the history of shoe-making and leather tanning, two other common trades in historic Red Wing. These are just a couple of the numerous Red Wing museums – there are military and ski jumping museums as well, among others.
Red Wing has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, so make sure you stop by Barn Bluff or Lake Pepin, which both have incredible views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding area. Red Wing is home to two vineyards, which are perfect for touring and of course wine tastings.
You can also appreciate the art and theater scene in Red Wing by catching a show at the Sheldon Theater of Performing Arts. If you’re traveling with children or just looking for something to do in your hometown this weekend, try Kids Quest, the kids’ gaming center. Whatever you do in Red Wing, you’re sure to have a great time!