The Mississippi River is still a watery highway for shipping products and agricultural operations surround the area. But it's not all business as there are plenty of fun things to do that include watching live performances at the Sheldon Theater, a historic stage that features a circular balcony for excellent views; biking on the Cannon Valley Trail; and enjoying one of the many annual festivals that occur during the warm months of the year.
When should you visit Red Wing, MN?
Minnesota features typical Midwest weather in that it experiences four distinct seasons with what feels like an extra long winter and a very short summer. Temperatures start to cool off at the end of September and drop to bone-chilling temps by mid-December. The cold sticks around until the end of March and warms up in May.
The hottest temps occur in June, July, and August. The region is also known for rain with the potential for rainfall being greater than 25 percent any day between April 5 to October 5. Remember to pack rain gear with you so you stay dry in the event a random shower decides to pop up. If you're there in the winter, bring your winter gear to take advantage of the nearby ski resorts and their reasonable ski runs.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Red Wing, MN:
Red Wing, MN: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Red Wing, MN. Browse these charts to evaluate the least expensive time to book a room in Red Wing for your upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels in Red Wing, Minnesota?
4 Star Average Prices: £86.50
For a luxury stay right in the heart of Red Wing, you can't beat the St. James Hotel. Nestled into the bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River, the hotel blends a Victorian-era hotel with a modern wing and restaurant at its base.
You're going to want to stay in the Victorian side of the hotel to step back in time and enjoy old world luxury with a view that overlooks the river. Rooms in the older part of the hotel feature furnishings that echo the 1875 vintage of the building while adding in modern luxuries that include a flat-screen TV with cable channels, period-style furnishings that include a dresser/wardrobe, desk with lamp, and a sofa or table and chairs. Larger rooms come with views of the river or the town, and you can reserve a room with a whirlpool for an experience that brings together historic and modern elements.
What are the affordable hotels available near Red Wing, Minnesota?
3 Star Average Prices: £112.86
It's understandable that you would prefer to save money on your trip to Red Wing, but you don't have to sacrifice your comfort because you want to pay less. There are hotels that are affordable while giving you some nice extras to make your stay a good one.
The Best Western Rivertown Hotel and Suites is near the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts and near Main Street, which enables you to get around town with ease. A standard room in the Best Western comes with a microwave and refrigerator, desk with ergonomic chair, free high-speed internet, flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a full-sized sofa for a comfortable place to sit while watching TV. Some rooms have a Whirlpool tub and living space. There's free breakfast offered daily and free newspapers in the lobby, along with an indoor and outdoor pool for lounging around.
The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Red Wing MN is a newer property that is easy on the wallet while offering a level of comfort that goes above and beyond its reasonable pricing. Rooms at this hotel include free WiFi, a 32-inch flat-screen TV with cable and premium channels, a free weekday newspaper, microwave and refrigerator, and voicemail on the in-room telephone. If you're looking for more space and amenities, reserve a one-bedroom suite, which has a private bedroom with TV. Or reserve a whirlpool suite so you can soak your cares away after a long day.
2 Star Average Prices: £78.16
Where are the hotels with the best discounts in the Red Wing area?
There's nothing wrong with wanting to save some money on your hotel room. After all, it's a large part of the cost of your trip.
The Americinn by Wyndham Red Wing has some decent discounts for travelers who would like to shave down the price of a hotel room. If you're a member of any auto club, you can get a 10 percent discount on the Best Available Rate as long as you have a valid membership ID. AARP members also get 10 percent off the rate, and seniors who are 60 and older but are not members of AARP can get a 5 percent discount with a valid ID. In the event you're traveling with a group and need more than 10 rooms, you can get a discounted rate, but call the hotel first to find out the amount of the discount.
The Days Inn by Wyndham Red Wing also offers discounts to weary travelers who want a good night's sleep and a little more for a little less. You can save $8 per night simply by asking for the discounted rate. No hotel points membership is required to save some money on a room. If you're a member of an auto club, you can get a discount of 10 percent or more with a valid membership ID. AARP members can save at least 10 percent off the Best Available Rate while seniors who are 60 and older can get a discount with a valid ID. Government employees can get a rate that stays within their per diem even when taxes are included.
What hotels have the best value in Red Wing, Minnesota?
Sometimes you just want a place to rest and store your stuff without worry. You'll get that at the Rodeway Inn Red Wing. Located near the Aliveo Military Museum, the Rodeway Inn Red Wing offers reasonable comforts at a reasonable price. Rooms at the Rodeway Inn feature a flat-screen TV with free premium movie channels, free WiFi, and a reliably hot shower. Some rooms come with more amenities in the form of a refrigerator and microwave, coffee maker, and iron and ironing board. If you want more, you can reserve a room with a whirlpool, kitchenette, and a suite for the family that comes with a sitting room. There's also free breakfast, a sundeck, indoor heated pool, and hot tub to round out the experience.
Another place that offers a solid night of rest is the Super 8 by Wyndham Red Wing. This pet-friendly hotel is a modern property that offers very attractive nightly rates for a room. All rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, free WiFi, free breakfast daily, and a spa tub. You can upgrade to a room with a refrigerator, microwave, and Jacuzzi tub, or save your money and hang out at the indoor pool instead.
What are the top things to do in Red Wing, MN?
You can't make a stop in Red Wing without going to the Red Wing Museum and Store. The museum highlights the history of the venerable boot manufacturer and is home to the biggest boot in the world. Its size is a healthy 638 1/2 (D) and was made using the same techniques and materials that are used for regular boot production. The museum is far more interesting than a shoe museum should be, and you'll be able to buy a pair of Red Wing boots straight from the factory floor.
Military history buffs will find themselves at home at the Aliveo Military Museum. The museum is part of the Aliveo Learning Center and aims to educate young people about military history. The exhibits feature military artifacts that date all the way back to the War of Independence. You'll see everything from weapons to uniforms, medals to flags, and everything in between that comes with serving in the military.
When you want to get out and explore the area, you'll find 38 community parks and trails to sit in and stroll along. There's the Red Wing Riverfront Trail, which is a rails-to-trails project and follows the bank of the Mississippi for about a half mile. If you need more to challenge you, there's the 20-mile Cannon Valley Trail. Another rails-to-trails project, the Cannon Valley Trail follows a trunk of the former Chicago Great Western Railroad line. It connects Red Wing, Welch, and Cannon Falls while following the valley terrain. You'll need to pay for a pass to use the trail, and you can buy it through the trail's website.
Red Wing, MN, is situated in a beautiful section of the Mississippi River Valley. The river has created a hilly terrain throughout the millennia that is full of beauty and interest. If you're coming to town for business, slow down for a while and smell the flowers in summer or smell the snow in winter as you take to the powder with your skis in tow.
FAQs about hotels in Red Wing
What did travelers think of the city of Red Wing?
Below are reviews of the city of Red Wing, MN from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Wonderful views!!!"
Score
5.0 / 5
St. James has great walkability and wonderful views of the bluffs and river!
Aubrie B., from 22-Oct-2024
"Great place to visit!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Places to eat.. outdoor walking trails.. small stores to shop at… museums to visit.
Mary S., from 20-Oct-2024
"Fantastic Shopping!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The shopping was fantastic, loved the shops and Red Wing Shoe Store!
Joanne H., from 17-Oct-2024
"Awesome Bar!"
Score
5.0 / 5
We were at a wedding. The bar in the basement of the St. James hotel is awesome!
Lee H., from 13-Oct-2024
"The Waterfront!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The waterfront!
Lucinda J., from 18-Sep-2024
"Beautiful Town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful town!
William K., from 08-Sep-2024
"Cute city with lots of restaurants."
Score
4.0 / 5
Cute city, lots of restaurants.
Melody F., from 03-Sep-2024
"The river and shops!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The river and shops!
Diane S., from 18-Aug-2024
"Quaint River Town!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Red Wing is a quaint, old main street vibe, river town! It's exactly what you expect.
Cody E., from 12-Aug-2024
"Love it!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Everything. We want to move there.
Diane H., from 17-Jun-2024
"Barn Bluff & Mississippi River!"
Score
4.0 / 5
We really enjoyed hiking Barn Bluff and walking down by the marinas. The Mississippi River really is grand.
Susan S., from 20-Mar-2024
"Scenic & Quaint!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Scenic area. Loved the quaint downtown!
Patti E., from 28-Dec-2023
"Cute town with a lot of neat shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Cute town with a lot of neat shops! Wish I had more time to explore.
Vern K., from 18-Dec-2023
"Hiking the Barn Bluff, Kelly's Taphouse and UFF da Shop."
Score
5.0 / 5
Hiking the Barn Bluff, Kelly's Taphouse and UFF da Shop.
Robert J., from 20-Nov-2023
"Awesome Shopping & Bakery"
Score
5.0 / 5
Cute downtown! The shopping and bakery were awesome. Went to Bev's for breakfast one morning and it was excellent. If the weather was warmer would have gone down to the river park area.
Margie N., from 12-Nov-2023
"Nice!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Nice!
Thomas Y., from 24-Sep-2023
"Across from Cute Little Cafe!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Farmers Market and a cute little cafe across street from the hotel!
Therese P., from 09-Sep-2023
"Beautiful, historic downtown setting!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful, historic downtown setting!
Grace B., from 28-Aug-2023
"The Depot is a Charm"
Score
5.0 / 5
The depot is a charm. Lovely walk around town and drove up to the lookout park. Sorry forgot what the park is called.
Nina G., from 26-Aug-2023
"Sailing on Lake Pepin!"
Score
5.0 / 5
A Caribo Coffee Shop was close to the hotel. We were in the area to sail on Lake Pepin!
Margaret K., from 10-Aug-2023
"Pleasant Park"
Score
5.0 / 5
The park between the station and the river was pleasant.
Joseph B., from 08-Jun-2023
"Perfect View!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Walking the Mississippi and the view from the room were perfect. I didn't realize Amtrak stopped here. I'll pursue that.
Rebecca W., from 09-May-2023
"Quaint Little Shops!"
Score
4.0 / 5
The little quaint shops!
Deanne A., from 06-May-2023
"Little Shops & Boutiques!"
Score
5.0 / 5
The city of Red Wing had a lot to offer! Loved all the little shops and boutiques!
Nicole H., from 01-May-2023
"Great Shops, Parks & Artisans"
Score
4.0 / 5
We shopped at Heimies, a top rate men's store. Uffda has great Scandinavian merchandise. Levee Park for a nice river stroll. The Depot has local artists and artisans.
Kathleen G., from 16-Apr-2023
"Shops, Restaurants & the Sheldon Auditorium"
Score
5.0 / 5
Red Wing is walkable and busy with people enjoying restaurants and shops. We especially loved seeing a concert at the impressive and elegant Sheldon Auditorium. We want to return to Red Wing!
Susan W., from 04-Apr-2023
"The River"
Score
5.0 / 5
Visited the river.
Pam M., from 01-Apr-2023
"Harbor Bar was a good place for dinner!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Harbor Bar was a good place for dinner!
Connie D., from 21-Sep-2022
"Cruise Port"
Score
5.0 / 5
Enjoyed watching the cruise ships leaving.
Charles S., from 15-Sep-2022
"Beautiful"
Score
4.0 / 5
Beautiful
Tim P., from 05-Sep-2022
"Wonderful!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Wonderful!
Craig B., from 28-Aug-2022
"Very Clean"
Score
5.0 / 5
Very clean hotel and beautiful scenery. Love Larry's Pottery.
Daniel N., from 20-Jun-2022
"Shops & Restaurants!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Bev's Cafe for breakfast and Smokin Oak and little shops to go thru.
Becky P., from 29-May-2022
"Clothing shops!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Clothing shops.
Ann H., from 09-Apr-2022
"Great Town For a Girls' Weekend!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Such a nice area and many cute little shops all within walking distance. This is a great town for a girls' weekend!
Marah F., from 06-Nov-2021
"Perfect Location!
"
Score
4.0 / 5
Scenic. Lots of shops. Chef Shack in Bay City, WI is a good place to eat.
John N., from 05-Oct-2021
"Beautiful architecture downtown."
Score
5.0 / 5
Lovely waterfront.
Steve N., from 23-Sep-2019
The average traveler rating of the city of Red Wing, MN shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 37 reviews