engaging exhibits, fun experiences, great resources, and good people.
WCHS offers three museums, annual events, a research archives, workshops, classes, tours and programs! We were founded in 1935 and are headquartered in our main museum, The Winona County History Center. 

For over 80 years WCHS has been a vibrant member of the Winona community with currently about 1400 members and 60 business partnerships. We have an 18 member board of directors, dedicated staff, with many amazing volunteers. 

Our Museums

Admission: $5 Adults; $3 Students; free for WCHS members and kids 7 and younger. 

Winona County History Center

Open: Weekdays 9 a.m -5 p.m. 
​Saturday 10 a.m. -4 p.m.
& Sunday 12 -4 p.m.
​Closed Holidays

​The WCHS headquarters, the History Center is made up of Winona's 1915 Armory and the contemporary Laird Norton Addition (2010).  It houses WCHS offices, engaging exhibits, The Museum Shop, The Laird Lucas Library and Archives, and beautiful event and meeting spaces. 

160 Johnson Street
​Historic Downtown Winona, MN
The History Center's Parking Lot is under construction and will not be usable until further notice. ​

Historic Bunnell House

Open:  June 1 - August 31
Thursday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

In the late 1840s, well known Dakota 
Chief, Wapasha, granted permission to fur-trader, Willard Bunnell, to build a family home. An outstanding example of Rural Gothic Architecture, explore the home with a lively guided tour and try a few Victorian and pioneer activities of the day.

Just off HWY 61 about 3 mi. south
of Winona in Homer, MN

Rural Heritage Museum

Open: 
Gladiolus Days, Saturday, August 24
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, August 25 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 4 p.m.
(Break for the Parade!)

​Our newest museum is filled with exhibits about rural life in Winona County. There is also a log house and log barn to explore, and the one room Gainey -McCarthy schoolhouse. Various activities, will be offered during the Fair and Gladiolus Days. Pioneer School sessions are also offered each summer! 

On the Winona County Fairgrounds
off HWY 14, ​St. Charles, MN
Looking for Pioneer School Information? Learn More Here

Get a sneak peek at Winona's Storied Past...

Learn. Have fun. Make friends.

History is social. There are many programs, events and classes offered by WCHS.
Here are a few ongoing offerings, and be sure to check out more on the To Do page!

Food For Thought

A lunchtime learning series offering programs several times a month! Learn on your lunch hour. Welcome to bring your lunch. 

Book Chat

The Book Chat Group meets every fourth Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. monthly. Anyone is welcome at anytime to join the conversation. 

History on the River

Get out on the river and gain some historical knowledge too! This series hosts weekly programs aboard The Cal Fremling or Winona Tour Boat as we cruise the waters of the mighty Mississippi. 
Would you like to become a WCHS Volunteer? Contact us to learn more!

Find us. Visit us. ​​Stay Connected.

Get in touch and stay connected to all things Winona County history!
160 JOHNSON STREET
​WINONA MINNESOTA 55987
MAIN: (507) 454 2723
FAX: (507) 454 0006
INFO@WINONAHISTORY.ORG
Staff Contacts
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Also check out...

Travel guides and more at

visitwinona.com
Winona has a ton to do! Paddle at the Lake or on the river trails, bike or hike our bluff trails, or take in the abundant art, heritage and cultural experiences! Offices are also located in the History Center and stop in the Visitors Center at Lake Winona just off Huff Street!

Walkabout Winona

This new tour company is run by students in the Winona State College of Business! An exclusive and entertaining walking tour of Winona's historic and hot spots.  
Learn more and Book a Tour...

Enjoy Downtown Winona

Explore historic downtown Winona and all it has to offer! From a great new brewery to fantastic shops and art galleries, there's plenty to see and don't forget to look up at all our beautiful architecture too. 
Winona App coming soon!