Outdoor activities are a favorite among local residents of Red Wing.  Visitors and residents to the area have activity options that range from vigorously climbing a bluff to the more subdued art of golfing. One may also want to tour local vineyards or set off on an adventure to find that perfect antique.

In the spring and summer months, the river town of Red Wing becomes festival headquarters.  Many celebrations feature free concerts and entertainment in local parks, the downtown area and the levee, located conveniently behind the St. James Hotel. The Annual Spring Flood run also cruises by the St. James front doors. Please check our calendar of events page for dates, times and locations.

For those interested in water activities, fishing, boating, canoeing and tubing is available in the area. The bluffs surrounding Red Wing offer amazing hiking or rock-climbing trails. Biking, walking or in-line skating is also available on the diverse 19.7 mile long Cannon Valley Trail, which parallels the beautiful Cannon River. 

The stunning fall colors enhance the artwork at Red Wing’s Annual Fall Festival of Arts, located just outside the St. James Hotel’s front doors.  The festival features over 95 artists with the option to purchase their work. 

Apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and the Annual Fall Flood Run offers fun for the whole family.  And be sure to end your day at one of Red Wings spectacular parks, many located along the Mississippi River. Red Wing's ports are frequent stops for classic riverboats such as the Mississippi Queen, American Queen and Delta Queen. 

Red Wing’s winter season starts out with the Holiday Stroll the day after Thanksgiving.  Illuminating the town full of lights, Red Wing comes alive with the Annual Lighting Ceremony.  The Holiday season begins with carolers, bell ringers, shopping and, of course, food, ranging from soup and cider to cookies and popcorn.

The late winter months features some of the most amazing scenes of eagles soaring in the Hiawatha Mississippi Valley.  The St. James Hotel offers eagle watching packages. 

Year around, Red Wing is here to make your vacation perfect.  Whether it is a full body massage or a visit to the Historical Museum, indoor activities are just as fun.  The Red Wing area features bowling, shopping, spa treatments, theaters, wine tasting, art galleries and much more. Bowling is available at Nybo’s Landing, located in the Historic Pottery District on Withers Harbor Drive.  Evergreen Cinema is located in the Red Wing Mall. For local listings, please check with the concierge on duty.  Click on our Arts page for more information on the Sheldon Theatre.

Bluffs: The trail system at Barns, or La Grange Bluff offers some of the most spectacular hiking and rock climbing in the state.  The 350-foot cliff features moderate to hard climbs and a historical stairway leading the way to the top.

Memorial Park, located at the top of Sorins Bluff, is accessible by an automobile.  Once on the bluffs summit, visitors have the option of playing Frisbee golf, picnicking, hiking and biking. 

Frontenac State Park: located about 10 miles south of Red Wing, Frontenac State Park offers over 13-miles of hiking trails with beautiful views of wild flowers, migrating birds and bald eagles.  The trails also feature limestone quarries where tons of stone were used for building much of Frontenac and Lake City, as well as the Cathedral of St. John in New York.

Golfing: Red Wing has three picturesque golf courses, each featuring some of the most challenging golf in the Midwest.  Our Golf page has further information on local golf courses and golf packages available through the hotel.    

Blue Airways: River Valley site seeing flight through Blue Airways.

Alexis Bailly Vineyard: Officially opens to visitors in May, Alexis Bailly has wine tastings every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Located 20 miles North of Red Wing, the vineyard is nationally acclaimed in the wine-drinking world.  Whether it is red or white you prefer, Alexis Bailly has the wine for you.   

Falconer Vineyards: Located in Red Wing Falconer Vineyards is a local favorite.  The Cellar Doors are closed for winter, however they open the first weekend in May.  Guests are invited to join Falconer Vineyards for wine tasting, winery tours and vineyard walks.  They welcome guests to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the picturesque view of their vineyard and surrounding bluff lands.

Cannon River Winery: A visit to Cannon River Winery makes for a perfect daytrip. They are located in historic downtown Cannon Falls. They offer wine tasting as well as guided tours of the winery and walking tours of their scenic vineyard in the beautiful Sogn Valley, just a couple miles away. Stop by Cannon River for a visit and bring your family.

Welch Village: Whether it is 85 degrees and sunny or 25 degrees and snowy, Welch Village can enhance your stay at the St. James Hotel.  In the winter, the St. James offers great ski and snowboarding packages, which includes an all day adult lift ticket as well as breakfast for two at the Veranda.  Welch Village has been ranked as a superior ski and snowboarding resort by Ski Magazine for the past two years.  With eight chair-lifts, over 100 snow runs, daily grooming, three terrain parks, learning center and a half pipe, there is something for every type of skier and boarder.  After you are done skiing, you can enjoy you evening relaxing in luxurious comfort at the St. James Hotel.

In the summer, the town of Welch is full of people who love to get out and adventure.  This quaint town, located 15 miles north of Red Wing, offers summer tubing, canoeing and picnicking.  

The Route Inc.:  Features bikes and accessories for everyone! Quality service on all brands and quick turnaround time keeps customers riding. Several rental categories including Trek hybrid, Trek road bikes and recumbent in our Red Wing and Hastings locations.  Located conveniently adjacent to the Cannon Valley Trail in Red Wing.

Colvill Aquatic Center: The City of Red Wing is proud of their Colvill Aquatic Center. The beautiful new facility opened in 2000. Colvill Aquatic Center is an outdoor facility next to the Mississippi River in Colvill Park. The pool has two large water slides, zero-depth entry, diving board and an interactive play area in the water for the young kids. In addition to the pool area, Colvill features a sand play area for the younger crowd, lounge chairs, large sun umbrellas, picnic shelters and a concession stand to fulfill your summer needs.  Bill’s Marina is also located at Colvill Park.  Bill's features a full service Marina.

Treasure Island Casino:  Features lives entertainment on their casino’s main floor.  Located 15 miles north of Red Wing.