by Kayla Weller

Created on: October 08, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

For such a small town, there's actually a lot to see and do in Red Wing, MN. It sits approximately 40 miles southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul on the banks of the Mississippi River and is a popular destination for those in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs. One Twin Cities newspaper, City Pages, even voted Red Wing as "Best Day Trip" in 2010. 

Many sites around town tell tales of the town's past. In 2008, the National Trust for Historic Preservation placed Red Wing on its distinctive destinations list because of the town's dedication to preserving these places. A few of these places include:

Red Wing Shoe Store and Museum: Red Wing Shoe Co. has been making work boots and other shoes since 1905. With most products being manufactured overseas these days, the shoe company is one of the few factories that still manufactures their goods in the USA. During both World Wars, the shoe company created hundreds of thousands of pieces of footwear for soldiers. The museum is also home to the World's Biggest Boot, which stands 16 feet tall and is a size 638 1/2 D. The boot was built in 2005 to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary.

Barn Bluff: Even if you don't climb to the top of Barn Bluff, you'll probably see it. This limestone-faced bluff rises 343 feet above the town and amazing views of the town, the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin are at the top.  It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has had many famous visitors including Thoreau. The climb up to the top is made a little easier by a stairway built in 1929 by The Kiwanis Club.

St. James Hotel: The St. James Hotel first opened in 1875 after 11 businessmen decided there was a need for a first-class hotel in the popular river town. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places of in 1977.

Levee Park: Most towns on the Mississippi River have beautiful city parks along the riverfront and Red Wing is no exception. Walking paths and landscaped gardens decorate Levee Park. Right next to the park is a historic train depot that's still used by Amtrak and is also home to a visitor's center where you can get more information on the town.

Sheldon Theater: The Sheldon Theater was built in 1904 after a local businessman, Theodore B. Sheldon, willed $83,000 to the city upon his death. He wanted the money to be used for a building that the public could use. His wife and the city eventually agreed upon a theater. Because of its extravagant design, it was referred to as a "jewel box" of the Midwest. The Sheldon was the first city-owned theater in the US and continues to host events throughout the year.

Red Wing Pottery Museum: The pottery industry was important to the early economic development of Red Wing because of the area's access to clay deposits. Red Wing pottery is still collected by collectors around the world. The museum can be found in Pottery Place Mall alongside many shops and has both interactive and static displays of pottery and of the processes used to make it.

Of course, these aren't the only places to see while in Red Wing. Antique and pottery shops can be found all around town. Bars and restaurants of all types exist and you can bicycle or walk or cross-country ski along the 19.7 mile Cannon Valley Trail that runs from Red Wing to Cannon Falls, MN. Treasure Island Resort & Casino can be found only 11 miles north in Welch, MN and has all the usual casino entertainments.

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