$10 public / $6 members Register by the Thursday before, 507-454-2723 ext. 0
Step back in time with a guided walking tour! This season we are focusing on a different theme each month. People, architecture, and stories galore fill each engaging walk through areas of historic Winona, Minnesota. Did you ever wonder who built or worked in the wide variety of businesses? Learn about the changes of Downtown with the Then & Now tours. The Haunted History tours are always a favorite and fill fast.
Tours are 60 minutes and begin and end at the History Center, 160 Johnson Street. A beverage is included. Also visit the History Center and get $1 off admission per person with your walking tour purchase.
2024 Weekend Walking Tour Schedule June 29 & 30, 10:30 a.m. • People of the Past: Those Who Built and Worked in Downtown Winona with Lacey Korb July 27 & 28, 10:30 a.m. • From Fires to Floods: Downtown Disasters with Lacey Korb August 10 & 11, 10:30 a.m. • Then and Now: Second Street with Mary Alice Anderson September 14 &15, 10:30 a.m. • Then and Now: Third Street with Mary Alice Anderson October 26 & 27, 1:00 p.m. • Haunted History in Downtown Winona: Origins and Places of the Unexplained with Lacey Korb
Tour the History Center
We welcome group tours of all ages at the Winona County History Center! From bus groups to class field trips we can help you have a great experience that is both educational and entertaining. Guided or On Your Own: We provide a Museum Docent for your group (15 or more) at no extra charge with admission. Groups who do not wish to have a guide do not need to call in advance, but it is encouraged so we know you are coming, and can meet any needs your group might have.
Group Admission Rates for the History Center
Adult Groups of 15 or more, $4 each, bus driver and tour leader are free. (Regular Adult admission is $5 ea.)
Student Groups, $3 per student, Teachers and limited number of chaperones are free.
Preschool Groups, Children $2 each, Adults free (please have at least one adult per 3-4 children). Also check out Mini-Museum Visitor Mondays!
Plan your visit with Jennifer Weaver, Museum Educator, educator@winonahistory.org or 507.454.2723 ext. 3 All guided group tours must be booked a minimum of 3 weeks in advance.
Field Trips
We are in an exciting stage of updating the main exhibit hall. Some exhibits will be moving around or closed over the next several years as we work on this large project. During construction we will be offering Field Trip weeks in the Fall and Spring only for guided experiences. Self-guided visits are welcomed anytime, but we appreciate a heads up so we can help plan your visit. Thank you! 2023 - 2024 School Year Field Trip Weeks: November 6 - 10 and May 6 - 10
We welcome students of all levels - Pre-school to College! Guided Field Trips are offered November 6 - 10 and May 6 - 10 for the 2023-2024 school year. Our museum docents will lead your students back in time to explore our local history and community. Groups rotate to various topic stations and activities throughout the museum exhibits. We still welcome self-guided visits at anytime and can supply you with an activity and more information when you schedule in advance.
Field Trips to the Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk Each fall WCHS schedules hundreds of students for the Voices From the Past Cemetery Walk. This educational outing focuses on a different historic theme annually with actors portraying people from Winona County's past throughout Woodlawn Cemetery. Best for students 5/6th grade and older. Cemetery Walk Field Trip Dates 2024: October 2 - 4 2025: October 1 - 3
Local Learning Luggage
Bring the museum to your classroom or group meeting! Sign out a piece of Local Learning Luggage filled with educational materials for classrooms, nursing home activities and more. Free to use! Stop in the History Center or call 507.454.2723 ext. 0 to reserve or check out a piece. Topics available: 1. Native American and Dakota Heritage: We have complied educational resources from local Indigenous Nations, the Minnesota Historical Society and our own materials. 2. Artifact Activities: Use a variety of artifacts to hone reasoning skills and concepts of time. Learn about how objects and inventions change over time and what makes something an artifact. Also explore Related Online Resources to pair with luggage materials and activities.
Are you a group tour planner or have a large family gathering in Winona?
Winona County Historical Society guides are trained historical interpreters, offering a professional, authentic, and personal experience for your group's visit to Winona, not just our museums. Learn more and book directly with us or with Visit Winona for even more group tour options and amazing Winona experiences.