If you are looking to take a break from studying for finals or are sick of working out in the IWC, take advantage of the natural resources in Winona. The Bluffs and the Mississippi River provide so many recreational options for students. As the weather gets warmer, go outside and indulge in nature.
Sugar Loaf Bluff
You will need a car to access the trail to Sugar Loaf from campus, but there is no road up there. You will need to hike to the top, and once you’re there you can free climb Sugar Loaf at your own risk, or use the equipment, which is free on Tuesdays.
Garvin Heights
If you walk, bike, or drive down Huff Street,cross the highway and turn left, there is a set of stairs that lead to a trail. Garvin is not easy; the initial trail is narrow, and then there are stairs that go to the top. The stairs are the worst but once you get up there, it’s very satisfying.
Lake Winona
The path around Lake Winona is so easy to access, and is great to walk, bike, run or rollerblade. It’s picturesque and there are a lot of places to stop on the path. Paying for the Lake Lodge pass is well worth it; with it you are able to kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Holzinger Lodge Trail
If you cross the highway from Huff Street (the same way you get to Garvin) but turn right instead, you will head toward Holzinger Lodge. The Lodge is three-quarters of a mile to the right. The trail is a nine-mile loop of trails woven into the bluff. Hike this trail in fall, spring, and summer and you won’t be disappointed.
Latsch Island Beach
If it gets warm enough before finals, drive across the bridge on Winona Street to Wisconsin and take the first right to Latsch Island. There is a small beach on the river where you can lay out, swim in the water, or have bonfires at night.
Graffiti Bridge
After you spend the day at the beach, drive across the bridge on Latsch Island and stop after you cross it. You can walk down a couple different narrow paths to go below the bridge. You’ll find the base of the bridge to be covered in graffiti, which makes for cool pictures where you can stand on top of the concrete slabs.