Spring break is coming up, which is exciting! What’s better than a week off in the middle of the semester to give yourself some time to relax? But, Spring Break can get expensive if you are planning to travel—plus the added stress of figuring out where to go and what to do. One great alternative that is zero stress and will save you money is having a Staycation.
If you do not know what a staycation is, it is exactly what it sounds like. You ‘go on vacation’ but you stay at home and explore your city.
If you are planning to stay in Winona over Spring Break there are lots of free/cheap places to explore.
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
Located 1.4 miles from campus, the Marine Art Museum hosts exhibits from an array or artists. Whether you want to see an original Van Gogh or look at some art made by locals, this is your one-stop shop. Fun fact: students receive a discount on admission!
You can find Hours of Operation here.
Holzinger Lodge and Trails
These trails are found 1.3 miles from campus. They start at the Holzinger Lodge and make their way through the bluffs. There are numerous different trails, all varying in difficulty. So, whether you are new to hiking or a pro, this is a great spot to go out and stretch your legs.
These trails are shared with bicyclists so make sure to be aware of your surroundings while hiking.
The trails are open when there is snow on the trails, and let’s be honest, there is a good chance there will still be snow on the ground over Spring Break. If you want to use snowshoes to explore the trails, you can rent a pair from Lake Lodge (Located in Lake Park).
Climb the Ice Wall
If you find yourself looking for some more outdoor recreation to take part in, or just looking for a fun adventure, you should look at visiting the Winona Ice Park! Located only 2 miles from campus, the Ice Park can be found at the Sugar Loaf Trailhead. It offers a once in a lifetime experience to climb up frozen waterfalls.
Find your Equipment Rentals here.
If you’re not a climber but still want to watch the climbers in action or have a beautiful view of Winona, there are lots of hiking trails in that area for you to walk through.
Live Music
If you ever find yourself in the mood to see some live music, there are a couple cafes around Winona that host local musicians and bands such as Blooming Grounds Coffee House and Acoustic Café.
Westgate Bowling
Westgate Bowling is only a 5-minute drive from campus and offers a night of fun. Whether you want to get a group of friends together for a quick game, or just practice your form, this is a great, inexpensive way to make some memories.
You can find Hours of Operation and Prices here.
Retail Therapy
Now, these are just some suggestions, but there is a lot more to do around Winona. If you want to know about everything Winona has to offer, you can check out the Visit Winona website.
Whether you are staying in Winona, or traveling the world, we hope you have a fun and safe Spring Break.
Written by: Megan Johnson