Great River Road: See Red Wing And The Gigantic Boot

Great River Road: See Red Wing And A Gigantic Boot

 

See Red Wing For An Ideal All American Small Town Experience

 

The charming small town of Red Wing, sits on the Mississippi River in southeast Minnesota. Even though this beautifully restored downtown is a popular shopping destination, its river history churns by every day like the paddle boats that still visit. Get an up-close view of this historic town, or better yet, view the whole town at once from the best scenic overlooks you’ll find of any town.

Red Wing is no secret to eastern Minnesotans. However, more people looking for a weekend getaway are finding this Mississippi River town of 16,000 as a delightful destination. Red Wing has plenty of things to do to satisfy your desire to escape everyday life.  Come drive the Great River Road to see Red Wing and a gigantic boot.

Downtown by the shorefront is the center of activity for soaking up the sun in its parks and shopping fun stores. On a nice weekend, you can sit and watch the parade of boats go up and down the Mississippi River. There’s a good mix too, from fishing boats, houseboats, ski boats, pontoons, cruisers, and even yachts.

Red Wing And Its Rivertown History

 

As paddle boats became more popular for traveling the Mississippi River in the 1850s, so did settlers. Moving goods eventually transitioned to these bigger steam-powered boats. Along with freight came the curious and adventurous minds of those looking for a new challenge.  

Norwegian, Swedish, German, and Irish made up the majority of settlers. 

Soon after, wheat became a staple crop. So much was grown in the county that it became the leading grower in the country. Consequently, the innovation of trains changed the way of life just like paddle boats did earlier. Wheat wasn’t transported to market by the way of the Mississippi River anymore. Instead, trains took it inland to Minneapolis and St. Paul.

As the town grew, brick storefronts occupied the streets with goods to satisfy its community. Newly built Victorian houses lined the streets, one by one. 

Red Wing started taking on the personality of its immigrants. They influenced everyday living with their butcher shops, bakeries, religion, and celebrations. Some winter activities included ice skating, skiing, and ice fishing, just to name a few.  

Probably the most exciting winter activity was ski jumping brought by the Scandinavians. In fact, the Aurora Ski Club was one of the first North American clubs formed in 1887. The Red Wing ski jumpers developed a technique known as the Red Wing style.  

See modern ski jumping in nearby Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Riedell Skates is another famous company from Red Wing. They make ice skates along with roller skates.

 

Red Wing Lies On The Great River Road

Red Wing lies on the Great River Road. The Great River Road was formed by an act of congress in 1938 to oversee a highway along the Mississippi River. Therefore it extends from northern Minnesota to the Gulf Of Mexico in Louisiana. In any case, follow the white signs with the green pilot’s wheel logo.

This scenic drive follows along the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles and 10 states through hundreds of river towns. A majority of these are small towns with each one having its distinctive personality.

It’s full of history, culture, scenic beauty, nature, wildlife, bird watching, and plenty of outdoor recreation. Along the way, you’ll also come across over 70 interpretive centers, historical sites, museums, and visitor centers.  

If you want to travel the Great River Road then plan on 4 to 10 days on average. Regardless, to drive it straight through would take about 36 hours.

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See Red Wing From Easy To Get To Overlooks

You don’t want to miss these three acclaimed scenic overlooks. The astonishing view of Red Wing from these overlooks beats just about any small town view you will find. We delighted in picking out landmarks and shops from the bluff.  

Our advice is to go early in the morning, or at dusk for delightful golden hour effects

Two have wonderful hiking trails but one is so easy you don’t have to get out of the car.

 

Barn Bluff

 

Without a doubt, Barn Bluff is the most well-known and it’s easily accessible. Bring your dog along too since Barn Bluff is dog friendly. Four main trails lead to the top for an extraordinary view of Lake Pepin, Wisconsin, and most importantly Red Wing. Specifically, take the south trail for the shortest way to the top of Barn Bluff.  

To see this epic view follow this map (LINK)

 

Sorin’s Bluff

 

Sorin’s Bluff is similar but is located in Memorial Park. Sorin’s Bluff is the easiest view of Red Wing since you can drive right to the overlook. Simply pull into the parking area to see this outstanding view. You don’t even have to get out of the car!

This is the perfect way to see Red Wing with instant gratification. To top it off, it’s a relaxing drive through Memorial Park.

Sorin’s Bluff does have easy trails too if you’re looking for another great place to hike with views of Red Wing.

However, Sorin’s Bluff is what we recommend to anyone looking for accessible ways to enjoy nature.

 

Frontenac State Park

 

Follow the Mississippi River twelve miles southeast to Frontenac State Park for another spectacular overlook of Lake Pepin. The Old Frontenac Overlook is also next to a parking area but its brief walk is right there and accessible.  

By the same token, hike 13 miles of trails in Frontenac State Park. Sand Point Trail is unique in that a section of the boardwalk glides over part of the trail when water is high on the river. Otherwise, it spans over dry land.

Keep in mind these tips when visiting. Hike the Bluffside Trail clockwise because it’s less demanding. Additionally, canoes and kayaks are available so check with the park office.

If you like to fish then bring your fishing gear for walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and panfish.

Frontenac State Park is known for birdwatching, especially bald eagles.  

In winter, go sledding on an excellent hill behind the park office. Furthermore, Frontenac State Park grooms almost 6 miles of cross-country trails and over 5.5 miles for snowmobiling. 

 

Red Wing Has Excellent Parks

In Memorial Park, you’ll find plenty of peaceful open spaces and overlooks of Red Wing. If you’re looking for more active activities then check out the hiking trails, along with an 11-mile single-track mountain biking trail. Or, you can ride on the roads inside the park. There’s also an appealing 9 hole frisbee golf course.

Definitely go to downtown Red Wing for another extraordinary place for a bike ride. A paved walking and bike path connects Bay Point Park and Levee Park. You’ll pass the marina as you travel along the Mississippi River. If you enjoy people watching then this is the perfect place.  

 

The Famous Red Wing Shoe Company

While downtown you will notice that historic buildings from Red Wing Shoes preside over Main Street. Mainly because they started here. Being that they were founded in the town’s early years of 1905 they still have many of their original buildings on Main Street.  

A German immigrant named Charlie Beckman initially had a retail shoe store. He decided to close it to start the Red Wing Shoe Company along with 14 investors.  

Not long after the company started they became the main supplier of footwear for soldiers during World War 1. Now, Red Wing Shoes has a reputation around the world for high-quality boots.  

 

See The World’s Largest Boot In The Red Wing Museum

In 2005 Red Wing Shoes decided to celebrate their 100th anniversary in a big way. They created a size 638 ½ replica of their most famous model 877 boot by their skilled craftsmen. Every single piece is made exactly like the original but on a massive scale.

This special boot was made from the exact same design and materials. 

Some interesting facts about the Red Wing World’s Largest Boot.

 

• Dimensions of 20 feet long, 16 feet high, and 7 feet wide.
• Size 638 ½
• Eyelets are 4 pounds each
• Over 80 pounds of brass was used for the eyelets
• Lace is 104 feet long
• Weighs over 2,000 pounds
• It took approximately 80 cowhides for the leather
• 15 companies worked together to create the boot
• Over 60 volunteers helped build the boot

You can see this gigantic boot and their free museum inside the Red Wing flagship store at 315 Main Street. The museum is open 7 days a week with the same hours as the retail store.

Did you know Norman Rockwell created advertisements for Red Wing Shoes? You can also see some of them on display here.  

More Authentic Things For You To Do In Red Wing, Minnesota

• Visit the American Ski Jumping Museum and Hall Of Fame
• Red Wing Marine Museum
• See the American Queen riverboat when docked nearby
• Pottery Museum of Red Wing
• Aliveo Military Museum
• Goodhue County Historical Society
• Wineries
• The Red Wing Brewing Company (For homemade root beer too)
• The Red Wing Farmers Market
• Boating (Rent a boat or slip for the day)
• Fishing
• Bald Eagle Watching
• Historic St. James Hotel
• Rent a bike from the St. James Hotel
• Watch the boats cruise by from the parks
• Enjoy The Restaurants
• Shopping, of course!
• Duluth Trading Company outlet beside Red Wing Shoes on Main St.
• Check out Uff Da Shop for Scandinavian gifts
• Festivals

Our Final Thoughts About Red Wing

 

Red Wing is a fun town with unique shopping and restaurants.  The downtown brick buildings have been beautifully restored and flower planters hang throughout.  It’s a nice All-American town to visit with plenty to do for every taste.  You will see beautiful views of Red Wing not only from overlooks but also from the shoreline.  Keep in mind weekends are busy and more pricey.  In order to avoid crowds and hang on to a few bucks, we recommend going during the middle of the week.

Have you driven a river road before?

What are some of your favorite small towns?

What town or city would you like to see from an overlook?

Thanks for reading Great River Road: See Red Wing And A Gigantic Boot.

Tom and Kristi