Red Wing, Minneasota

Depot in Red Wing

Just north of Frontenac State Park, we chose Red Wing to venture around for the day. Many times we've stopped briefly in this quaint little town along the Mississippi River on our way to visit family in Minneapolis. Now it was time to savor the place.

Sculpture at the Levee

Our first stop to see the Depot Gallery and levee park. A friend told me about the display of Plein Air artist works, it was a delightful stop to begin our day. Redwing celebrates the arts with lots of sculpture in the park.

Salmon at Olivers Wine Bar

Between sightseeing we stopped for a refreshment at Olivers Wine Bar. It was hard to choose with so many fine establishments. The place had huge paintings adorning their walls. The kinda place I like.

Red Wing Pottery Museum

We tried to find an old favorite stop, the outlet for Red Wing pottery, but it was closed. Instead found a new favorite, the Red Wing Pottery Museum. Free and lots of great displays of their collections over the many years they've been around.

Old Kiln

Red Wing Pottery

Bloody's at the Bar

We also played 18 holes at Frontenac Golf Course. Situated on the top of another bluff, with more great views.

Lucky 13 Hole

Villa Marie Center  FOR SALE

Another surprise find was the Villa Marie in Frontenac. This Castle like building was once a girls school turned retreat. Unfortunately we couldn't get inside since it closed for good this summer. Wouldn't this make a grand place to stay. If only I'd win the lottery.












Crossing Over -Frontenac

Lake Pepin View

We expanded out camping destinations to include Minnesota. Our first location was Frontenac State Park, just between Redwing and Lake City, Minnesota.

Sunrise dappling trees in woods

Located right along the Mississippi River with a lovely overlook of Lake Pepin.

Open prairie view next to campground

The position of the park afforded us a wonderful sunrise but alas no real sunset views. I guess you can't have it both ways. Lots of trails along the top of the ridge and due to a nice breeze we experience few mosquitos.

Wisconsin early in the morning

Campsites are tucked away in a wooded area but just a few steps away we could get some real big sky views to watch the moonrise. Frontenac also has primitive sites and backpack camping.

Queen Anne's Lace



Smooth Sumac in Bloom




During the Saturday morning Nature Walk Program we learned about Smooth Sumac. Since it was in bloom we got to sample it's lemony buds, which I learned make a great citrusy drink.


Boats gather at Sand Point

Another hike in the park was Sand Point which took us through a very buggy wet area along the Mississippi, to a nice little gathering spot for boaters to set anchor.




Sand Point Trail Shelter

 We enjoyed our first Minnesota State Park and found the campers there are just as nice. A family from the Twin Cities area shared their favorite stories.

Now that we have a MN State Sticker we have our sites set on Whitewater and Mystery Cave parks for 2017.