Luminary Hike
The RECREATION ALLIANCE OF WINONA (RAW) partners with the FROZEN RIVER FILM FESTIVAL in February to host a Luminary Hike, adventure documentary film viewing, and chili and drinks at the historic lodge of the Will Dilg Chapter of the Isaac Walton League in Prairie Island Park. Families are invited to enjoy winter and support RAW in raising money to install an accessible dock at the Spillway boat launch. This dock will improve access to backwater paddling on the Mississippi River.
A homegrown, family friendly music festival that happens the last weekend in September and features musical acts that perform in the genres of Bluegrass, Folk, Americana, Country, Old-time, and everything in between! Celebrating roots music, come hear over 40 bands all weekend long. Camping, canoes, and Kids 16 and under are included with a ticket. Get tickets and make camping arrangements early because this one sells out!
Click HERE to learn more.
BaseCamp is SANBORN CANOE Co.’s annual celebration of the outdoors, tight-knit communities, and good old-fashioned pride in craftsmanship and quality. June 21st-22nd, Sanborn’s folks put together an outdoor recreation festival right on the banks of the Mississippi River, creating a summer camp atmosphere with opportunities to explore the incredible Driftless Region around Winona, MN.
This festival is designed to engage people, in their bodies, hearts AND minds.
The activities planned in outdoor recreation, environmental education, the arts, and more, every moment of the weekend, appeal to the entire family. Experiences include guided hikes through the prairie and floodplain forest, backwater paddling, and listening to live music each evening. There also will be outdoor spaces set up for learning, hearing some great stories, and trying your own hand at outdoor-inspired artwork. Beyond the planned activities, there are endless opportunities to join us for the community but still create your own adventure.
USFWS 100th year anniversary
Save the date! June 7th & 8th. Prairie Island Campground is partnering with the Will Dilg Winona Chapter of the Isaac Walton League to celebrate the 100 years of conservation in the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge.
Storm the Day Race
STORM THE TRAIL race series hosts an inclusive race event at Prairie Island Campground every fall. This event is made for EVERYONE!!! The goal is to complete as many loops from sun-up until sun-down, at your own pace. The course is a 2.57 mile loop that is 50% gravel and pavement and 50% trail. You can do one-loop or 50 loops….it is all up to YOU!! The clock begins at sunrise and you will have until sunset to complete the looped course as many times as you can. Tired after the 3rd loop….take a rest! Want to stop and eat lunch after your 10th loop…..go for it!! It is all up to you!!
The Storm the Trail organization aims to promote health and wellness while raising awareness for youth mental health through inclusive events for all ages. Their goal is to raise funds for programs and scholarships dedicated to providing essential services in youth mental healthcare.
observing spring & fall Bird migration
Located in the heart of the Mississippi Valley Flyway, Winona is a natural destination for birds and bird watchers. Both the city and the region host a great variety of birds who nest here, are year-round residents or pass through the area during migration. Over 280 species of birds have been identified in the bluffs, valleys and backwaters of the Winona area