Winter in Red Wing, MN, is an ideal time to explore Frontenac State Park, one of Minnesota’s most scenic state parks. Just a short drive from downtown, this park transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered bluffs overlooking Lake Pepin and trails winding through quiet forests. Visitors come to experience the beauty of the outdoors, whether enjoying snowshoeing, skiing, or taking in the sweeping river views that define this corner of the Mississippi Valley. Red Wing captures the true spirit of a Minnesota winter for those seeking an outdoor adventure and cozy nights inside.
The area’s appeal goes beyond the trails. Red Wing’s historic downtown shines in the winter months, offering welcoming cafes, local art galleries, and boutique shops where you can take a break from the cold. Along the Mississippi River, wildlife thrives even in the wintertime, bald eagles glide overhead, and the frozen landscape sparkles beneath soft morning light. With a fantastic selection of Minnesota State Parks to explore with scenic overlooks and small-town hospitality, Red Wing is an inviting place to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the season.
Round Barn Farm, a welcoming Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing, MN, makes the perfect home base for your cold-weather retreat. Located just minutes from town, our charming inn offers comfort, history, and heartfelt hospitality with a smile. After a day in the snow at Frontenac State Park, returning to your welcoming guest room to unwind by the fire is the perfect way to end your winter adventures in Red Wing. Book your stay today!
Winter Fun at Frontenac State Park and Beyond
For outdoor lovers, Frontenac State Park is a highlight of any winter trip to Red Wing. The park offers over four miles of snowshoe trails and nine miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that range from easy to challenging, with two warming houses at the trailheads.
Frontenac State Park is part of a group of more than 30 state parks in Minnesota that offer snowshoe rentals for $6 per day, making it simple for beginners to join in. As you make your way along the bluffs, you’ll find sweeping views of Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River, which is some of the best winter scenery among all Minnesota State Parks. In addition to rentals, many state parks in Minnesota offer guided snowshoe hikes. If you find that the snowshoe trails in the state parks are too packed down, snowshoeing is permitted in Minnesota Natural Areas.Â
Blaze your own path through fresh snow in Frontenac State Park, enjoy beautiful views, wildlife sightings, and follow your tracks back. Snowshoeing is easy to learn, affordable, and perfect for exploring off-trail.
Here are a few favorite winter activities to try in and around Red Wing:
- The Cannon Valley Trail connects Red Wing and Cannon Falls and is popular for snowshoeing and skiing in winter.
- Cross-country ski through rolling terrain at Frontenac State Park or Memorial Park, both offering beautiful routes for all skill levels.
- Go downhill skiing at Welch Village, one of Minnesota’s best ski areas, only about 25 minutes from our Bed and Breakfast.
- Red Wing sits along the Mississippi River migration corridor, attracting hundreds of wintering bald eagles from December through March. Frontenac is one of the best Minnesota State Parks to view the eagle migration, and Colvill Park also offers excellent viewing opportunities. Alternatively, Captain Brian K offers scenic boat tours on the Mississippi to view eagles in Red Wing, MN.
- A Fat tire bike is a bicycle equipped with large, low-pressure tires designed to travel smoothly over snow and sandy terrain, making it perfect for winter riding. Fat tire biking is allowed on designated trails. The Cannon Valley Trail features a section open to fat tire biking, offering a scenic, well-maintained route through the Mississippi River Valley. For a more rugged adventure, the Bronk Forest Unit- Plowline Trail provides 7.5 miles of groomed paths ideal for exploring the quiet winter woods on two wheels. Â
- Snowmobiling on the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail is a great way to explore the countryside on a crisp winter day.
- Few winter activities capture the season’s charm quite like gliding across an outdoor rink surrounded by fresh snow and crisp air. In Red Wing, you can enjoy this timeless pastime at one of the city’s outdoor skating rinks, where twinkling lights and laughter fill the air. Bundle up, lace your skates, and take a few laps hand in hand under the open sky. It’s a classic winter tradition that perfectly complements your getaway near Frontenac State Park.
- If you’re looking for some indoor activities to stay warm, one of the most popular things to do in Red Wing, MN, is to play games or enjoy the live entertainment at Treasure Island Casino
Warm Up at our Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing MN
After a day outdoors at Frontenac State Park, return to our Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing, MN, to warm up and relax in your beautiful suite. The Hearts and Flowers Suite features a luxurious king bed dressed in elegant linens, a welcoming seating area where you and your loved one can unwind by the fire, and a private jetted tub perfect for soaking after a day in the snow. Watch the winter landscape through your window as evening settles over the countryside. Our peaceful rural setting provides a quiet retreat where you can rest and recharge for another day of adventure in the best Minnesota state parks.
If you prefer to spend a slower-paced day closer to home, the pleasures of country life are right outside our door. Snowshoe the paths that wind through our 35 acres of fields and wooded hills, or follow the re-opened tractor path that leads through the forest to a scenic overlook where you can glimpse Lake Pepin in the distance. Keep an eye out for deer or wild turkeys as you make your way up the bluff; it’s a reminder of Red Wing’s natural charm in every season.
Each morning, our innkeepers will send you off for another day of exploring Frontenac State Park and other state parks in Minnesota with a hearty, homemade breakfast served in our inviting dining room. Coffee and a fresh pastry are available starting at 7:30 am, and our full three-course breakfast is served at 9:00 am. Savor a fruit course, followed by a sweet or savory entree paired with rosemary-stacked potatoes, and finished with a delightful dessert. There’s always plenty of hot coffee or tea to accompany your meal, setting the perfect tone for your day’s adventures.Â
When you’re ready for a quiet escape filled with fresh air, winter beauty, and hospitality, plan your stay with us. Our inviting Bed and Breakfast in Red Wing, MN, offers everything you need for a relaxing, memorable getaway amid the natural wonders of Frontenac State Park. Experience the warmth and peace of a independenly owned B&B, reserve your room today!
