Let’s face it: Minnesota winters are not for the faint of heart, and it’ll be here before we know it. You’re scraping a solid inch of ice off your windshield one day, and the next, your breath is freezing midair. But fear not! Just because the weather outside is frightful doesn’t mean you’re stuck on your couch watching the same sitcom reruns for the 12th time (no judgment, though, “Friends” really does hit differently in November).
Here are some fantastic indoor activities in and around Winona that’ll keep you entertained, no matter how much the temperature drops.
1. Explore Local Art Galleries
Winona is home to some truly inspiring art spaces that are perfect for a cozy afternoon indoors. Check out the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM), where you can marvel at stunning works of art that make you forget the arctic tundra waiting outside. Bonus points: MMAM has some pretty stellar views of the Mississippi River, which you can enjoy from the warmth of the gallery.
2. Take a Spin at an Indoor Ice Rink
Hear me out—ice skating indoors means you get all the fun of skating without the added thrill of frostbite. Lace up those skates and channel your inner Olympian at Bud King Ice Arena. Whether you’re gliding like a pro or spending more time on your backside, it’s a sure way to warm up with some laughter and exercise.
3. Get Lost in a Local Bookstore or Library
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of curling up with a good book while the snow piles up outside. Chapter 2 Books or the Winona Library both offer a warm refuge and endless pages to get lost in. Pro tip: Pick up a cozy mystery or heartwarming romance to really lean into the winter vibes.
4. Strike Up Some Fun at the Bowling Alley
Head to Westgate Bowl for an afternoon or evening of classic indoor fun. Whether you’re a seasoned pro who brings their own ball or someone who celebrates just hitting a pin, bowling is a guaranteed good time. Challenge your crew to some arcade games, snack on nachos that somehow taste better in bowling shoes, and let the neon lights of cosmic bowling transform your winter blues into strikes and spares.
5. Host a DIY Indoor Adventure
Sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all. Grab a takeout pizza from Sippi’s, pop on a movie marathon, and create your own mini escape. If you’re feeling crafty, set up a family art project or break out a puzzle you’ve been avoiding since last Christmas. It’s the perfect low-pressure way to make the most of your indoor time.
Honorable Mentions
- Escape rooms for those who love a challenge (and maybe a little healthy competition).
- Cafés with board games to sip and strategize your way through the winter blues.
Winter in Minnesota doesn’t have to mean hibernation. With so many weather-proof activities right here in Winona, you’ll forget all about that subzero wind chill—at least for a little while. So bundle up, head out, and let the indoor adventures begin!
