Attractions

 

Winona County Historical Society & Armory Museum

The Winona County Historical Society is located in downtown Winona in the former National Guard Armory. Housed in a 1915 brick fortress recalling its original purpose as an armory, this is one of the largest historical society museums in Minnesota. Here you will find   of artifacts of Winona and Winona County's history on display, include a stained glass window exhibit, Main Street as it may have been, and many other bits of local history. The new children's exhibit provides  hands-on opportunities to learn via a replica limestone cave, tipi, and steamboat pilot house, complete with bell. Open from   10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday year round. The Museum is closed weekends in January and February. Low admission fee. Call 507- 454-2723 for more information. Located at 160 Johnson St.

Polish Cultural Institute of Winona

The city of Winona became home for the largest concentration of Kashubian Poles in the U.S. The museum, comprised of family heirlooms, religious articles, parish records, and photographs was organized in 1976 by the Rev. Paul J. Breza, a Winona native. The museum is open from May to November from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1-3 p.m. Sunday. Call (507) 454-3431 for more information. Located at 102 Liberty St.

Watkins Heritage Museum

This museum opened in 1993 to celebrate Watkins' 125th anniversary. This museum tells the story of the Winona-based Watkins Company, which pioneered the direct sales techniques in the 1860's. Watkins memorabilia are displayed as well as everything in the Watkins product line. Call 507-457-6095 for more information. Located on East Third Street.


Julius C. Wilkie Steamboat Center

Located in Levee Park, The Julius C. Wilkie Steamboat Center is an actual size replica of a steamboat offering a museum including river history and miniatures of steamboats. The Center was destroyed by a fire in March 1981 but was rebuilt through donations to serve as a museum and focal point of Levee Park. Call 507-454-1254 or write to P.O. Box 733, Winona, MN 55987 for further information.