Wabasha, MN, a lovely town on the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota, has long been cherished for its rich history and as a destination to see Minnesota’s stunning scenery and colors. In 2023, this charming town continues to beckon travelers with its blend of history, nature, and delightful experiences only Minnesota can offer.
Traveling to Wabasha
Your Journey Begins with a scenic 90-minute drive south from Minneapolis along the Great River Road Trail. Wabasha offers a bounty of activities catering to seasoned travelers and those just seeking a relaxing getaway.
A few alternative travel options are flying into Rochester International Airport and driving north a little under an hour to Wabasha. If you need to take a quick break halfway to the inn for a little caffeine and a bite to eat, remember to stop at Cabin Coffee Co. They have some terrific flavored coffees!
If you’re a train traveler by preference, early winter is a wonderful time to take a train trip, as with the trees bare of leaves, you can see hidden wonders that you wouldn’t usually see at other times of the year. Catch the brilliant reds of farmhouses, unique old stone walls, and the black, brown, and dappled colors of majestic horses, and have a relaxing travel experience through quaint towns, scenic mountains, and evergreen forests.
Amtrack runs both into Rochester, MN and Winona Station in Winona, MN, about the same travel distance north to the inn for both. If you take the train into Winona station, your car trip north will follow the river line of the Mississippi River most of the way north along Rt. 61 up to Wabasha.
Things to Do in the Area
For the nature enthusiasts, in all four seasons, Wabasha offers nine biking trails winding through the most scenic corners of southeastern Minnesota. Feel the exhilaration of pedaling through nature’s landscape, catching glimpses of native flora and fauna, and seeing the gleaming silver and blues of hidden streams and ponds that the foliage would normally hide. These trails are also excellent for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when the snow covers them.
December-March can be challenging weather-wise, but it is always a fun challenge as there are a host of things to do, whether there is already snow on the ground or just a dusting or the fertile earth is waiting patiently for the first snowfall.
Whether it’s snowy or just a bit chilly, a fabulous day excursion is to visit the National Eagle Center, four blocks from the B&B. The Center is located right on the water of the Mississippi River. Visitors can observe hundreds of Bald and Golden Eagles in the wild during the winter and learn about eagles at any time of year. The Center offers a variety of tours and educational opportunities such as Eagle Habitat Tours, Bald Eagle Field Trip (Available October through April), Golden Eagle Field Trip (Available December through February), Swan And Waterfowl Field Trip, and Journey Behind The Scenes. For more information, visit https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/experiences/. May through October, the Eagle Center offers River Cruises to see Eagles up close in their natural habitat.
If snow has fallen, it’s time to test the powder! Coffee Mill Ski & Snowboarding Resort, a little over 5 minutes from the B&B, is your choice spot to ski! The Coffee Mill features the longest vertical drop in Minnesota, south of Duluth, and a unique “bowl” arrangement that offers protection from the wind’s chill and allows for extra-long slopes to ski at your leisure or practice your freestyle. The ski area is also known for their high-capacity chairs and 90% snowmaking capabilities. With 28 skier and rider-accessible acres and a thrilling 425-foot drop, it’s the best place to carve the corduroy in the Midwest.
If your cup of tea is music check out WideSpot Performing Arts Center, 3 minutes from the B&B. WideSpot is part concert venue, part performing arts venue, part community classes and workshops. Check out their calendar of events at https://www.widespotperformingarts.org/shows/.
Don’t forget to check out other events going on locally at https://www.wabashamn.org/news/
Stay at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, and Brewery
Nestled in Wabasha’s historic heart, the Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast, and Adventure awaits you in 2023 or in early 2024. Built in 1902, this beautifully preserved historic home offers five unique guest rooms, ensuring your comfort and relaxation. Additionally, curated experiences, including the on-site brewery, Hoppy Girl Brewing, promise to enhance your stay. Guests get to enjoy a complimentary drink and ice cream for their sweet tooth along with their 5 course breakfast and complimentary sodas and sparkling water in your mini-fridge.
Our dedicated innkeepers are your local experts, ready to assist you in making the most of your time in Wabasha during the fall and winter seasons. Experience the undeniable charm of Wabasha. Book your room and create lasting memories in this riverside gem.
The Holidays Are Coming!
Don’t forget, it’s the perfect time to think about getting a little bit ahead on the holidays. Now is the perfect time to get a gift certificate directly from the inn for loved ones and a planned romantic getaway.
Sadly we no longer honor gift certificates from the Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association. The Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Association has merged into Midwest Association of Independent Inns and is managed by the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association.
