Classic Kia’s Road Trip Guide to Midwest Music Fest 2024 in Winona, Minnesota

Apr 12, 2024

Let’s Visit the Mid West Music Fest in Winona Minnesota!

We’re getting ready to take the first road trip of the season! We’re headed out to Winona in Minnesota for the MidWest Music Fest for two jampacked days of incredible music with more than 100 different artists! It’s the perfect spring celebration for music lovers, because you can enjoy all of your favorite genres from folk to indie rock to funk and more.

While we’re there, we’re also going to make it a little mini getaway trip, just to decompress, destress, and enjoy a little more time away from work. So come on and join us as we explore Winona on today’s travel blog. Winona is a fantastic destination filled with just about everything you can think of!

If you’re into nature and the outdoors, there are plenty of trails to hike or bike, and the gorgeous Great River Bluffs State Park. Enjoy a beautiful low-key stroll or bike ride down the 1.5 mile trail while you do a little bird watching at the Prairie Island Nature Trail. Or give yourself a little challenge by visiting John A. Latsch State Park for some incredible vista points overlooking the Mississippi River Valley. Adventureseekers will find plenty of thrills with intermediate and challenging trails for both hiking and cycling at Garvin Heights Park. If you love boating and canoeing or kayaking, you’ll definitely want to book a tour with the Broken Paddle Guiding Co. for an incredible guided look at the wilds along the Mississippi River, or bring your own canoe in tow and row through the Mississippi River Water Trails.

As you may already have gathered from previous travel guides, we’re also a bunch of history buffs here at Classic! One of our favorite things to do when we take a road trip is to get to know the local history through museums, historic sites, and cultural touchstones. Winona is home to the Dakota Nation, and hosts special ceremonies and events such as the Winona Dakota Gathering Homecoming & Powwow”, created to honor and respect the indigenous peoples of the land through the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance at Unity Park.

As you walk through town, you must stop by the historic downtown and explore the historic buildings and architecture like the Pickwick Mill and Bunnell House. And of course, be sure to stop by the Winona County History Center, Watkins Heritage Museum, Kashubian Cultural Institute and Polish Museum, Castlerock Museum, and our personal favorite: The Remlinger Muscle Cars & Event Center! Extend your appreciation of the arts after the music festival and enjoy the beautiful curated collections at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, or take in a live event or film showing at the Winona Arts Center.

As for lodging, there are several charming Bed and Breakfast options in the area, such as the Alexander Mansion Historic B&B, the Carriage House Bed & Breakfast, and the Big River Escape Grandview Manse villa. If you prefer to book with larger hotels, there is a Best Western Plus, the Hampton Inn, and more!