Getting Out On the Water
Summer in Minnesota is the best time of the year for water activities. And what better place for water sports than the land of 10,000 lakes!
In this Post…
What To Do
Winona has an abundance of diverse water activities for all skill levels and ages. Let's explore some of those opportunities some more.
Paddling
Paddling can take many different forms, and can be both a solo activity or a group excursion.
Canoeing and kayaking are common forms of paddling. Popular for families or groups, tandem kayaks offer a similar experience to canoeing as multiple paddlers can be in the same boat.
Paddle boarding is also another popular paddling option. Combining paddling with balancing technique, paddle boarding can require some skill or practice to feel confident on the water.
Lake Lodge on East Lake Winona offers daily rentals of standup paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, as well as pedal boats to help you enjoy some time out on the water.
Boating
“Takin da boooot out an da laaaake” is a common Minnesota pastime. With the multitude of lakes and boating opportunities, many Minnesotans have their own boats and cabins. But even if you don’t you can still enjoy all that the water has to offer.
Winona has many different boat launches, and marinas for those who own their own boat. Winona also has Minnissippi River cruises and tours that take you out on a professionally narrated and guided trip of the local Mississippi waterway.
Don’t have your own boat, but still want to take one out? There are opportunities along the Mississippi to rent boats or take guided trips and tours of the waters.
Fun N’ the Sun offers houseboat rentals in the upper Mississippi river.
Lake City Boat Club offers boat rentals in both Lake City and Wabasha.
Blown Away Fishing has opportunities for fishing trips as well as sightseeing trips.
Fishing
From a boat or from safely on land, fishing is another great way to get outside and take advantage of the outdoors. Winona and the surrounding lakes and rivers have some of the best waters for walleye and trout, as well as the largemouth bass.
Yes, the lakes in the area are home to many popular fishing holes, but the mighty Mississippi and surrounding streams are also great spots to check out. The dams in the Mississippi also stop of slow the migration of fish and create unique rushing water patterns that fish seem to love.
Where To Do It
Winona and the surrounding areas have so many opportunities for water play. Flanked on one side, Winona offers shoreline on the Mississippi River ideal for boating, paddling, and fishing activities.
On the other side of the city is Lake Winona. While not ideal for swimming, Lake Lodge offers rentals for all types of paddling activities. The lake is also popular for anglers and boaters, with boat launches on both sides of the lake.
Commercially, the Bob Welch Aquatic Center is a great place to get out into the water and the sun. Offering a water slide, an olympic sized pool, lap swimming area,, and a large zero depth area ideal for children, the park offers something fun for all ages.
Michael LaCanne Memorial Park in Goodview and Latsch Island also offer good swimming beaches. These beaches are situated along the Mississippi which can have strong currents which can potentially be dangerous.
Whitewater State Park is just 30 minutes from Winona and has much to offer for water fun. The park has an outdoor swimming area with a sandy beach. The park also offers many opportunities for trout fishing.
Safety Considerations
In order to make sure that everyone is having fun, it is also important to make sure that everyone is staying safe.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are one of the most important things to have with you when out on the water. Whether you’re out on a boat or on the beach, you should at least know where one is at all times, just in case.
Sun protection is also something that most people tend to underestimate or forget about completely. The sun’s rays can be amplified by the surrounding water’s surface. Even when it doesn't feel that sunny or bright, it might be more than you expect.
Making sure that all of your equipment is in proper working order also helps to make sure that everyone involved will stay safe. When taking out a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, make sure to inspect the boat for any visible. cracks or abnormalities. When out on a boat, make sure to check all the equipment, gauges, and motors are functioning properly and have enough gas and power.
River currents can be particularly dangerous, even for the strongest swimmers and paddlers. Make sure that you are aware of how far you are from shore and how the water is flowing.
Taking breaks can save lives. It is important to know your limits and take breaks whenever you feel you may need them. Swimming and paddling can take a large physical toll on the body, especially if you are new at these activities or have fallen out of practice over the summer.
Being aware of and following all laws and regulations is crucial, particularly when engaging in activities in mixed-use areas (e.g. boating near a swimming area or paddling near fishing boats). Following all local fishing regulations is also important, both for the safety of you, those around you, and local ecosystems.