Winona County Historical Society

Winona Walking Tours: Third Street, Part I
2026-08-08 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-08-09 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Join a WCHS local guide on either Saturday or Sunday for a historic walk down Winona’s Third Street. There’s so much to see that we had to make a sequel to this tour! Look for the companion walk coming up on September 12 -13, 2026.
To guarantee your spot on a Winona Walking Tour, call 507-454-2723 ext. 0. Pay at the tickets desk when you check in on tour day. Fees are $10 public or $6 WCHS members, per person, per tour. All tours start and end at the Winona County History Center, are 60 minutes, include a bottle of water.
COMING UP!
September 12 & 13 • Third Street Part II

Bunnell House Self-Guided Tour
2026-08-08 12:00 - 15:00 | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
Embark on a self-guided tours into the world of the Bunnell family at the historic Bunnell House in Homer, Minnesota. Explore the three floors of this unique historic home at your own pace. $5 admission paid at the door, free for WCHS members.
Built about 1850, the home is made of pine with a limestone foundation. The style is often described as Rural or Steamboat Gothic. It was a private residence until acquired by the Winona County Historical Society in 1954. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Save enough time on this tour date (Saturday, August 8th) to hear the Women in the Fur Trade program with speaker Terri Karsten, beginning at 1PM!

Women in the Fur Trade
2026-08-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Bunnell House, 36016 Old Homer Road Homer, MN, Homer, Minnesota, 55987
On Saturday, August 8th at 1PM, join researcher and writer Terri Karsten at the Bunnell House as she explores the world of women in the fur trade.
Tour the historic house before or after the program. It will be open for self-guided tours Noon – 3:00 PM.
Cost: $5 public, Free for members

Museum Makers Class: Beer Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
2026-08-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Two Fathoms Brewing
This special Museum Makers class heads to Two Fathoms Brewing, where we will explore some history of the Winona beer brewing scene, enjoy local craft beer, and create a beer bottle hummingbird feeder. We’re holding this class is in memory of long-time WCHS volunteer and local beer fan, Scot Simpson.
All supplies and one beverage of your choice are included. Spots are limited so register today by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0!
Cost: $25$ members and $30 public per spot.

History on the River: Navigating the Lock and Dam System
2026-08-27 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-08-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Cal Fremling Cruise Boat, Winona Levee, Winona, MN, 55987
Learn about the history, creation, and modern work of the Mississippi River Lock and Dam System with local lock master, Judy Denzer.
Cruises must be booked in advance by calling 507-454-2723 ext. 0 or stopping in the History Center. Space is limited.

Rural Heritage Museum
2026-08-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Rural Heritage Museum, Winona County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, Minnesota, 55972
Visit the Rural Heritage Museum on the Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, MN to learn about life in the rural reaches of Winona County! It’s free!
Open for the Winona County Fair, July 9 – 12, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM and during Gladiolus Days, August 29 -30, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Please consider a free-will donation for admission!

Winona Walking Tours: Third Street, Part II
2026-09-12 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-09-13 10:30 - 11:30 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
The second in a two-part tour series featuring Winona’s Third Street. Even if you didn’t make the first tour, you’ll have a blast with our WCHS local guide for a walk down this historic Winona street.
To guarantee your spot on a Winona Walking Tour, call 507-454-2723 ext. 0. Pay at the tickets desk when you check in on tour day. Fees are $10 public or $6 WCHS members, per person, per tour. All tours start and end at the Winona County History Center, are 60 minutes, include a bottle of water.

Voices from the Past: Indoor Accessible Performance
2026-10-01 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-10-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona, MN, 55987
Join us for “Winonans Just Wanna Have Fun!” during the 2026 Voices from the Past Indoor Accessible Performance of the annual Cemetery Walk! Traverse through time with community actors portraying people of our past — from the comfort of the History Center’s Wanek Hall.
Admission is taken at the front door when you arrive. Seats are first-come-first-served, so keep this in mind as you plan your evening!

Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk
2026-10-03 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-10-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Woodlawn Cemetery, 506 W Lake Blvd, Winona, Minnesota, 55987
For 2026, we are excited to present, “Winonans Just Wanna Have Fun!” on October 3rd and 4th from Noon – 4PM.
If you cannot make the walk, then join us at the History Center for an accessible performance of the sites on October 1st at 5:00 and 6:30pm.

This event is proudly sponsored by Merchants Bank.

Holiday House Tour
2026-12-06 15:00 - 19:00 | MN
Explore some of Winona’s beautiful homes, their architecture, and the lives of past homeowners as you add some festive cheer to the holiday season. Also enjoy the stained glass, architecture, and history of a featured local church each tour year. The tour locations will be announced this fall! Stay tuned!
