If you are graduating soon and getting ready for the start of reality, here is a list of must-haves you MUST do before you graduate from Winona State University! Graduation can be bitter-sweet, so make the most of it by making unforgettable memories.
1) Eat at Lakeview Drive Inn
Grab a bite to eat with friends at the famous Lakeview Drive Inn! Known for its smiley face fries, Lakeview Drive Inn has been around since 1938 and is Winona’s oldest restaurant.
2) Stargaze from the bluffs
Take a night stroll on top of Garvin Heights for some stargazing on the bluffs!
3) Hike up Sugar Loaf
Enjoy some fresh air and get your body moving with a hike up Sugar Loaf. About a 10-15 minute hike, the local trail brings you to the top of the bluff where you can see all of Winona and beyond.
4) Enjoy a beach day at Latsch Island
Work on your tan while enjoying the sound of the Mississippi River with a day at Latsch Beach!
5) Go to a sports game
Whether it’s football, volleyball, basketball or one of our many other home games, go show off your Warrior spirit and support a team. You’ll have a blast!
6) Indulge in chocolate and marshmallow
Roast a delicious s’more at the Fire Feature outside of Kryzsko Commons.
7) Go rock climbing on campus
The WSU Climbing Center is one of the largest university climbing walls in the Midwest and features nearly 6,000 square feet of climbing surface, 32 top ropes, and much more!
8) Grab a coffee from a local coffee shop
Take a break from your books and treat yourself to a cozy cup of coffee from a local shop like Blooming Grounds Express, Acoustic, and Ridgelands, just to name a few!
9) Go to $5 movie Tuesdays
Grab your friends and catch the latest flick for just $5 on Tuesdays at Winona 7 Theater – it’s the perfect midweek adventure!
10) Grab a bite to eat at Penguin Zesto
Penguin Zesto has been locally-owned for over 60 years, serving the best ice cream, shakes, burgers, and other fried foods at a great cost!
11) Visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Dive into art inspired by water at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum!
12) Go to Bloedow's Bakery
Indulge your sweet tooth with a trip to Bloedow’s Bakery and treat yourself to a delicious donut!
13) Take a picture with Wazoo
Strike a pose with Wazoo and capture the perfect selfie!
14) Go for a walk around both of the lakes
Take a stroll around both lakes and soak up the scenic beauty around you!
15) Volunteer with a Winona non-profit organization
Make a difference in your community and spread some love by volunteering with a Winona non-profit organization!
16) Go axe throwing
Ready, aim, throw! Grab your pals and unleash your inner lumberjack at Winona Axe and Arcade!
17) Go to a Kryzsko After Dark event
Come to one of WSU’s Kryzsko After Dark events and engage in activities such as laser tag, trivia, bingo, crafts, scavenger hunts, and karaoke.
18) Tour some of the local thrift shops
Embark on a treasure hunt through the local thrift shops including Grace Place, The Clothes Shop, and DJ Warehouse, because who knows what hidden gems you’ll find?
19) Take pictures around campus in your cap and gown
Put on your cap and gown for a photo session around campus. Every snapshot is a celebration of your hard work, unforgettable memories, and the exciting road ahead!
20) And last but not least… graduate
Take that final step towards your dreams, walk across the stage, toss your cap high, and graduate!
All of the items on this list have at least one thing is common, taking advantage of what Winona really has to offer. Winona State University is a one-of-a-kind campus, so don’t take this for granted and make sure you are making memories that will last a lifetime!
Embrace your college experience and cherish every single moment!