winona's glorious glass tour

Winona is often called “the stained glass capital of America.” 

Winona’s stained glass heritage can be found not only in its places of faith but banks, museums, schools, parks, government buildings and more. From the 1889 Courthouse to the 2010 modern addition to the Winona County History Center, the designers of many of Winona’s notable architectural gems incorporated stained glass in their plans. Even much of the residential architecture here boasts stained glass details.  

Stained glass artists are also plentiful in Winona. They range from the internationally known Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser to many private artist studios. Today, there are no less than six stained glass studios in Winona County. 

Any donations received at the end of your adventure will be gifted to the Winona County Historical Society.

Levee Park

Winona County History Center    
160 Johnson Street
winonahistory.org
Open Daily, 10am-4pm

The Winona County History Center contains multiple stained glass windows, but the main one is the Ruth Lucas Memorial window. Its design depicts Winona County through a series of meaningful images. The window was designed in 1985 by Edward Glubka and was fabricated by Conway Universal Studios of Stained Glass.

Standing tall in the center of the window is the figure of “Princess Wenonah,” the city and county’s namesake. A local legend tells the story of this Dakota maiden who leapt from a bluff-top cliff to escape an unwanted marriage. However, in Dakota, Winunna (Wi-new-na) means “a daughter who is the first born” and has a much deeper cultural meaning. Surrounding her in the window are images that represent Winona’s settler history, agriculture, industry, business, government, education, recreation, and religion.

Another stained glass window in the lobby depicts East Burns Valley and the main highway leading into Winona during territorial and early statehood days. The window is made of hand blown glass from France.

Other windows can be found throughout the museum, including the main entrance. Children and adults alike can create their own glass designs at the stained glass light table in the exhibits. 

Winona County History Center

WNB Financial Historic Downtown Office
204 Main Street
wnbfinancial.com/about-us/bank-history
Lobby open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm

WNB Financial’s historic downtown office was constructed in 1916. The bank building was designed by George Maher, the renowned Chicago architect, who also designed the Watkins Administration Building.

The stained glass windows were designed by Maher and created by Tiffany Studios of New York City. The opalescent art glass has clear Prairie School influences, featuring a lotus pattern and rectangles. Willet Hauser created the Centennial window in 2016.

The motif of rectangles within rectangles is repeated throughout the building’s interior, in the marble walls, windows, bronze work, and even the furniture. The skylight above the 50 foot atrium is composed of white leaded glass.

Be sure to take WNB’s brochure with more history and detailed information about this architectural gem. Also check out their African Safari Exhibit on the upper level that showcases unique animals and additional collections from Grace Watkins King and E.L. King. Stairs are required to access the upper level. 

*Snap and submit a selfie with your favorite part of WNB Financial's incredible space: Be it marble or beast! We want to see it!

WNB Financial Historic Downtown Office

Wesley United Methodist Church

First Congregational Church

Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Winona City Hall
207 Lafayette Street
cityofwinona.com
Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

The current City Hall was constructed with federal funding from the Public Works Administration in 1939. In 2005, the interior of the building was remodeled, along with an addition to the rear of the building to create some needed space. During the project, the face of the entryway was changed when Cathedral Crafts donated some stained glass features to the doorway. Above the door the word Winona is spelled out and other panels around the door feature the Winona County Courthouse, Sugar Loaf, a “Princess Wenonah” figure, and the Mississippi River.

Winona City Hall

Merchants Bank
102 E. Third Street
merchantsbank.com/locations/winona-downtown
Lobby Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm and Friday, 9am-5pm

The original 1911 Merchants Bank structure was designed in the Prairie School Architecture style by William Purcell and George Elmslie, a student of Louis Sullivan. All were contemporaries of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The opalescent glass walls and skylight that dominate the interior were produced by Mosaics Art Shops of Minneapolis. They were inspired by earlier works of Louis C. Tiffany.

Opalescent glass has the same design and color on both sides and has a milky effect. Today, few glass makers still make opalescent glass, primarily due to the toxicity of the chemicals needed to execute the complex process.

The skylight was restored in a 1972 renovation by Universal Studios of Stained Glass in Winona and is now sealed with artificial lighting installed behind it.

Merchants Bank

Winona Arts Center
228 E. 5th Street
winonaarts.org
Gallery Hours: Sundays 1-4pm; Wednesdays 3-6pm, and one hour prior to concerts and films.

The stained glass windows at the Winona Arts Center are examples of the American Opalescent School of stained glass. It originated with John LaFarge in the 1800s and was popularized by Tiffany who used it in many of his famous windows. There are twelve windows including the tower window.

The Winona Arts Center is one of the oldest arts groups in the area. The Center was established in 1956 by seven Winona women. The Center is housed in the former German Presbyterian Church built in 1864. It now consists of the Frances Prentiss Lucas Gallery, performance stage, and Don Nelson screening area. 

Winona Arts Center

St. Martin’s Lutheran Church
328 E. Broadway Street
stmartinswinona.com

The current edifice of St. Martin’s church was designed in the Gothic style by Charles Maybury and constructed with a brick exterior by Munk and Lohse in 1886.

Stained glass windows were added as they were sponsored by members of the congregation. During the 1950s the church went through a series of renovations.

Universal Art Glass Studio received the $14,000 contract for designing, manufacturing, and installing 14 large and 11 small stained glass windows. Antique colored and hand-blown glass was shipped from France, England, and Germany. The windows portrayed some of the greater religious events, such as the Creation, the Nativity, the Crucifixion, just to name a few.

St. Martin's Lutheran Church

Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum  
102 Liberty Street
polishmuseumwinona.org
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-5PM

The Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum has over 30 historic windows in its vast collection. The mission of the Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret, and disseminate the heritage of the Polish and Kashubian culture of Winona, Minnesota. With an extraordinary amount of Kashubian immigrants arriving in the Winona area in the mid-to-late 1800s, their ancestors still reside in Winona and maintain their heritage. This Kashubian population is comparatively much larger than other cities and towns across the United States. As such, Winona has earned the title as the “Kashubian Capital of America!”

Kashubian Cultural Institute & Polish Museum

Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka      
625 E. 4th Street
ssk-sjn.weconnect.com
Masses take place Tuesday-Friday at 11am, with the exception of of the first Friday mass held at 8:30am monthly.

In 1895, the Polish immigrant community in Winona raised funds to construct St. Stanislaus Kostka, the grand church dominating the city’s skyline. The church was listed on the National Register in 1984 and elevated to a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in 2011.

George Misch of Chicago made the windows for $4,000. The 16 windows reflect the history and faith traditions of the Polish people of Winona who formed the parish. Two rose windows and numerous scenes representing the lives of the saints surround the circular interior.

A more detailed handout is provided within the Basilica that describes the stained glass windows and the saints, events, and symbols in each. 

*Snap and submit a selfie inside or outside St. Stan's--this is one of Winona's treasured locations, and is one of only two basilicas in the entire state of Minnesota!

Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka

Winona Visitor Center
924 Huff Street
visitwinona.com
Open Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April-October
Operating hours continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., November-March

The Winona Visitor Information Center opened in September of 1980. The handcrafted stained glass windows, designed by local art glass companies, beautifully depict scenes from Winona’s past and present. In 2002, a large stained glass window was added to the rear wall that was donated by Reinarts Stained Glass Studio. The window depicts a “Princess Wenonah” figure and includes a pelican and a turtle like those found on the fountain in Windom Park. It also shows a flying eagle, a Polish flag, and a sailboat on Lake Winona with Sugarloaf in the background.

*Let's see your WINONA Letters selfie! Whether you're catching the sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in between, the WINONA Letters on Lake Winona are the quintessential photo spot in town! We want to see you and/or your crew, then stop into the Winona Visitor Center to score some Winona merchandise at a discount!

Winona Visitor Center

Central Lutheran Church

St. Matthew's Church

Minnesota Marine Art Museum
800 Riverview Drive
mmam.org
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm

In 2008, the museum installed a large three panel stained glass window, created by Tiffany Studios in 1896, entitled “A View of the Bay through Wooden Landscape with Stream.” It was commissioned by a California family and depicts a view of San Francisco Bay. The piece measures seven and one-half feet by eight feet and weighs 500 pounds. It is surrounded by a white frame and has hidden doors to facilitate the changing of the 28 light bulbs that illuminate it.

Snap a photo along the Minnesota Marine Art Museum's river walk patio or gardens. See barges? Eagles? Butterflies? Share the scene with us!

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CONGRATULATIONS! You completed Winona's Glorious Glass Tour!

Want to learn more? Take home a memento of the Glorious Glass tour booklet from the Winona History Center or Winona Visitor Center for just $10. The 50+ page publication features additional locations with even more history and photographs of Winona's glorious glass. 

Enjoyed this tour? Donate/Tip to the Winona County Historical Society to support local history!

Minnesota Marine Art Museum

Your official guide to the history and heritage of stained glass in Winona, Minnesota from the Winona County History Center and Visit Winona!

Winona's Glorious Glass Tour

all-ages family adventure in winona, mn

Between its culture-rich arts and adrenaline-infused outdoor recreation, Winona, Minnesota is a legendary playground for grown-ups. But families with kids from infants to college-age+ are finding plenty of ways to indulge in perfect, all-weather adventure days here too, with an abundance of family fun available no matter what tickles the family fancy. 

Visit us at www.VisitWinona.com and follow/tag @visitwinona on Facebook and Instagram to share your family's experience and learn more about our region!

Lake Lodge Recreation Center

“Every Child’s Dream” Outdoor Playground

Homemade root beer and delightful ice cream treats might be the highlights on the Lakeview Drive Inn menu, but the social highlight for the famous Winona drive-in restaurant is definitely Cruise Night, happening seasonally during the summer months. Depending on the theme, cool classic cars, modern-machine marvels, and tricked out rides converge on the eatery to add a little eye candy to the festive summertime scene. Lakeview is also Winona’s oldest restaurant and offers nostalgic car-hop service, as well as outdoor seating and limited indoor seating at the wraparound counter.

Open seasonally: Mid-March through early September, 10:30am-8pm daily

http://www.lakeviewdriveinn.com/

Lakeview Drive Inn

WSU has the largest university climbing wall in the Midwest and it is open to the public. With nearly 6,000 square feet of climbing surface and 2 bouldering walls, thrill seekers of all ages are bound to get a fun and unique workout. WSU’s Outdoor Education and Recreation Center guides are also trained in adaptive climbing and have specialized equipment–including a single wheel hiking chair–that can be booked for free by families with special needs. Call the OERC to learn more 507-457-2620.

Try out the brand new high ropes/challenge course just outside Wabasha Hall, opening Summer 2024! This course will provide recreational opportunities for all, as well as promoting resiliency through developing a higher tolerance for adversity or uncertainty.

Open seasonally

https://www.winona.edu/outdoor-education-recreation/climbing-center/

Winona State University Indoor Climbing Center

WNB Financial's historic downtown Egyptian Revival building features incredible Italian marble, Tiffany stained glass windows, and a third floor that is sure to surprise, as it’s filled with taxidermy and hunting trophies. Bank President E.L. King and his wife, Grace Watkins King (daughter of J.R. Watkins, who founded the health and home goods company Watkins Inc.), were hobbyist game hunters in the 1920s. They decorated the building’s third floor with pieces from their extensive collections of exotic animal trophies and hunting rifles. There are more than 20 pieces of taxidermy on display, including a lion, a leopard, an ostrich, and a number of antelope heads. Open to the public during regular business hours; guided and self-guided tours available.

Open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:00pm

https://www.wnbfinancial.com/about-us/bank-history

WNB Financial African Safari Exhibit

Kick back and relax at Two Fathoms Brewing, situated just off Levee Park in downtown Winona. Offering a variety of independently crafted brews, housemade hard seltzer cocktails & mocktails, as well as a wide selection of non-alcoholic options, you're sure to find something for everyone's taste. Housed in a historic train depot building, the brewery features ample seating including a spacious outdoor patio. It's a family-friendly space with pizza, snacks, and a full wall of board games. Weekly bingo and trivia nights, along with year-round live music make Two Fathoms Brewing a great stop to come check out what the buzz is about.

Open Mon & Tues, 3-9pm / Wed, Noon-10pm / Thurs-Sat, Noon-11pm / Sun, Noon-9pm

https://www.facebook.com/twofathomsbrew/

Two Fathoms Brewing

Mississippi River & Flyway Trail

The Blue Heron has been a local favorite for decades, and for good reason. Their made-from-scratch bread, pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts are all seasonally and locally sourced, and they can accommodate nearly all dietary needs, offering a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Kids will love the family-friendly toy area; a perfect opportunity for parents to recaffeinate for the activities ahead.

Open Wed-Fri, 7am-2pm / Sat & Sun, 8am-2pm

https://blueheroncoffeehouse.com/

Blue Heron Coffeehouse

*Soon to re-open* in their larger facility, Winona Axe and Arcade will provide hours of fun for the whole family. Check for updated business hours online first!

This fully-stocked retro arcade is sure to satisfy your inner gamer, boasting 100+ games from every decade. Additional features include Pinball Row featuring new and classic-themed pinball machines, Guitar Hero Studio Room, DDR and Pump It Up Dance Zones, Racing Games, Air Hockey and Skee-Ball Room, the Break Room featuring three pool tables and Dartboards, and so much more. Adults and families with older children are also able to try their hands at axe throwing, with the assistance of helpful, trained coaches in more than a dozen indoor lanes.

Open Wed-Fri, 3-10pm / Sat, Noon-10pm / Sun, Noon-6pm 

https://axeandarcade.com/

Winona Axe and Arcade

In addition to being a must-see historic building in Winona, the Winona Public Library offers free wi-fi, public computers, printing, and comfy seating. Visit the Library's Art Room to experience an ever-changing display of local art. The Youth Department provides a great space to spend a few screen-free hours. With a rotating scavenger hunt, imaginative play toys, and board games available, families can spend quality time together in a safe and welcoming environment.

Open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm / Sat, 9am-2pm (Summer: Sat, 9am-Noon)

https://winona.lib.mn.us/

Winona Public Library

Indulge your sweet tooth at this historically-renovated ice cream and self-serve frozen yogurt shop in downtown Winona. Kids delight in choosing from a variety of soft-serve frozen yogurt, Italian ice, and gelato, and hand-selecting their favorite toppings from more than 50 options at the topping bar! Other items on the menu include: Hard-scooped ice cream, edible cookie dough, malts/milkshakes and smoothies to ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their faces.

Open year-round: Hours vary by season

https://natenallys.com/

Nate & Ally’s Frozen Treat Creations

Located in the heart of downtown, JimmyJams is Winona’s one-stop shop for comics/graphic novels, manga, role-playing games, collectible card games, disc golf, and used video games/DVDs. If you’ve got a Pokemon fan in your family, this place is for you. Weekly group game events are posted on their Facebook page and are open to all. Game on!

Open Tues-Thurs-Fri, 11am-9pm / Wed & Sat, 11am-7pm

https://www.facebook.com/JimmyJamsWinona/

JimmyJams Comics, Cards, & Games

What was once a vacant lot is now Winona’s favorite gathering place! Peter’s Biergarten is the perfect outdoor hang for families of all ages. Adults can sip on a pint of craft beer or cocktail and nosh on tasty food from neighboring restaurants while kiddos play with a variety of yard games and activities on the astroturf. Free live music can also be enjoyed all season long!

Open seasonally: May-October

https://petersbiergarten.com/

Peter's Biergarten

The Bob Welch Aquatic Center is a mighty fun way to spend a summer day, with zero-depth kiddie entry, lap lanes, a diving well with two diving boards, a playground, and one wicked slide to bomb for the brave among you. For a nominal daily fee, the Aquatic Center is open daily to visitors and locals alike and has plenty of green space for a picnic you tote along or a cute concession stand if you’d rather grab a snack while you’re there.

Open Seasonally: June-August

https://www.cityofwinona.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bob-Welch-Aquatic-Center-1

Bob Welch Aquatic Center

Explore the Minnesota Marine Art Museum, a special, riverfront space that creates meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water. Located on the banks of the Mississippi, MMAM boasts six galleries, an educational and events space, and a destination retail shop on its seven acre riverside campus. Wander the galleries, interact with the exhibitions, or play Bingo Overboard - everyone's favorite search-and-find game! From historic works of art to contemporary paintings, come see what inspires your family.

Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm / Thurs, 10am-8pm

https://mmam.org/

Michael LaCanne Memorial Park

Families will find plenty of activities to while away the day in Winona thanks to our family-friendly parks, bountiful kid-inspired recreation opportunities, must-see attractions and local restaurants perfect for all generations--These are our 17 favorite Winona Family Attractions! You can stop and start this Adventure at any time; feel free to skip a location and come back to it later~

Visit Winona

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