Red Wing
Around Red Wing
Photo: Fred775 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Minnesota · 47k people
Red Wing
Locals say Goodhue County · “Shoe City”, “River City”
River town pride, bluff country soul.
Red Wing RedMississippi BlueBluff Tan
Welcome to Goodhue County, where the Mississippi bluffs meet small-town charm. Whether you're here for the pottery, the orchards, or just a walk along the river, you'll find a community that knows how to enjoy every season. Come say hi—you betcha you'll feel at home.
Clubs for Red Wing
No clubs for Red Wing yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Red Wing. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Red Wing. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Barn Bluff Iconic 350-foot limestone bluff with hiking trails and panoramic river views.
- Frontenac State Park Bluffs, prairie, and Mississippi River overlooks.
- Sheldon Theatre Historic 1904 performing arts venue in downtown Red Wing.
- Red Wing Pottery Museum Celebrates the city's pottery heritage with exhibits and demos.
- Zumbrota Covered Bridge One of Minnesota's last covered bridges, built in 1869.
- Cannon Falls City Park Features the Cannon River waterfall and picnic areas.
- Outdoors Hike Barn Bluff
- Outdoors Birdwatch at Frontenac State Park
- With kids Visit the Red Wing Pottery Museum
- With kids Swim at Colvill Park Pool
- Evenings Catch a show at the Sheldon Theatre
- Evenings Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Locals love Apple orchards
- Locals love Pottery studios
Through the year
- River City Days June Community festival in Red Wing with parade, food, and live music.
- Goodhue County Fair August County fair in Zumbrota with livestock, midway, and exhibits.
- Cannon Falls Arts and Crafts Festival September Juried arts and crafts show in Cannon Falls.
- Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival September Celebration of the historic covered bridge with music and food.
- Red Wing Winterfest January Winter activities including ice skating, sledding, and bonfires.
Continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The best times to be out are from May to October, when the bluffs are green and the river is inviting. Best: Late spring to early fall
Talk like a local
- “Uff da”
- Exclamation of surprise or exhaustion
- “You betcha”
- Affirmative, yes
- “Hotdish”
- Casserole, a comfort food staple
- “Bluff country”
- The hilly river area of southeastern Minnesota
Getaways
- Twin Cities Big city attractions: museums, sports, and dining.
- Rochester Home of the Mayo Clinic and a growing downtown.
- Winona River town with historic architecture and bluff views.
- Eau Claire Wisconsin city with a vibrant music scene and riverfront.
Local flavour
Rooting for Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Wild (NHL), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota United FC (MLS), PWHL Minnesota
Eat and drink
- Walleye The state fish, commonly fried or grilled, a staple of local supper clubs
- Krumkake Norwegian waffle cookie, a local bakery specialty, especially at Hanisch Bakery
- Apple cider donuts From the many orchards in the surrounding countryside, especially in Cannon Falls and Pine Island
- Minnesota hotdish The classic casserole (e.g., tater tot hotdish) served at every potluck and family gathering
Where people go
- Mississippi River bluffs The defining natural feature—limestone and sandstone cliffs rising above the river
- Riverfront parks Public spaces along the river for walking, fishing, and watching barges
- Apple orchards Family-run orchards in the surrounding countryside, especially near Cannon Falls and Pine Island
- Historic downtown with pottery studios
- Bluff-top overlooks Scenic viewpoints like Sorin's Bluff and Memorial Park offering panoramic views of the valley
Heritage and traditions
Red Wing is proud of its river town heritage—the bluffs, the Mississippi, and a legacy of pottery and shoemaking that put it on the map. Locals cherish the blend of Scandinavian roots, small-town festivals, and outdoor life.
Say it like a local: “Hotdish” — Hotdish
Festivals
- River City Days August Red Wing's summer celebration with a parade, live music, and food vendors.
- Goodhue County Fair August Traditional county fair with livestock, demolition derby, and grandstand shows.
- Cannon Falls Arts and Crafts Festival September Juried artisans and crafters line the streets of downtown Cannon Falls.
- Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival June Celebrates the historic covered bridge with a parade, music, and family activities.
- Red Wing Winterfest January Ice sculptures, chili cook-off, and a torchlight parade on the river.
- Red Wing Summer Concert Series June–August Free outdoor concerts in the band shell at Bay Point Park.
Landmarks with a story
- Red Wing Pottery Museum Housed in the original factory, it showcases the city's famous stoneware and art pottery.
- Sheldon Theatre A 1904 vaudeville house, now a performing arts center and the oldest theatre in Minnesota.
- Zumbrota Covered Bridge The only remaining covered bridge in Minnesota, built in 1869, now a pedestrian crossing.
- Barn Bluff A National Natural Landmark and Dakota sacred site, offering panoramic views of the river valley.
- St. James Hotel A 1875 hotel that hosted riverboat captains and later celebrities, now a boutique hotel.
- Goodhue County Courthouse A Romanesque Revival building from 1891 with a distinctive clock tower.
Food traditions
- Krumkake at Christmas Norwegian waffle cookies rolled thin, a staple in many Scandinavian-heritage homes.
- Walleye fish fry Friday night fish fries feature locally caught walleye, often from the Mississippi.
- Apple cider donuts Fall orchards fry fresh cider donuts, a must with a cup of hot cider.
- Minnesota hotdish A creamy casserole (often tater tot) served at potlucks and family gatherings.
Music and arts
- Pottery making Red Wing's clay heritage continues with working potters and a museum.
- Community band concerts Summer band shell performances draw families with brass and woodwind favorites.
A little history
- 1853 City named after Dakota leader
- 1860s Pottery industry begins
- 1904 Sheldon Theatre opens
- 1905 Red Wing Shoe Company founded
- 1869 Zumbrota Covered Bridge built
- Game day High school hockey
- Game day Friday night football
- Outdoors Hike Barn Bluff
- Outdoors Birdwatch at Frontenac State Park
- With kids Sledding at Memorial Park
- With kids Ice skating at the outdoor rink
Locals speak with a classic Minnesota accent—long vowels, flat 'a's, and a friendly, understated tone. You'll hear 'you betcha,' 'uff da,' and 'don't cha know' sprinkled in, and 'pop' for any carbonated drink.
Only here
- Red Wing Pottery—the original stoneware and art pottery is a local icon.
- The only covered bridge in Minnesota spans the Zumbrota River.
- Barn Bluff is a sacred Dakota site and a beloved hiking spot.
- The Sheldon Theatre is the oldest operating theatre in the state.
New here? A few tips
- Dress in layers—winters are cold and snowy, summers can be humid.
- Learn to say 'pop' for soda and 'you betcha' for 'you're welcome'.
- Try a krumkake or lefse at a holiday market, and don't miss a Friday fish fry.
- The bluffs are steep; wear good shoes for Barn Bluff and the river trails.
- When driving in winter, give extra time for snow and ice—studded tires help.
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Part of Twin Cities
Nearby
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Red Wing, MN. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.