It may be true that people from the coasts often look at the Midwest as flyover country. But those in the know realize that this region of the United States has some of the best scenery – not to mention the best people – of anywhere in the country. Many towns in Minnesota show the Midwestern character that is so familiar to those who live here, but one – Winona – may do that better than any others.
Keep reading to find out why Winona, Minnesota, is the perfect Midwestern town.
With just under 30,000 people, Winona would be considered a small town by most East Coast standards.
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But that’s what makes it so Midwestern. In Minnesota, it breaks the top 100 as the state’s 34th largest city.
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Winona is well-known for its location along the Mississippi River. Being so close to such an important river made Winona an integral piece of Minnesota’s - and the Midwest’s - economic development.
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Railroads and steamboats dominated Winona’s early history before milling and lumber took over. Such positively Midwestern industries cannot be overlooked in the city’s history.
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The bluffs along the river make Winona a great example of Midwestern beauty. Winona’s most famous bluff is the Sugar Loaf, the result of limestone mining through the 19th century.
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In addition to the bluffs, Winona is home to a lot of other classic Midwestern sights. Thick trees and still waters evoke a simpler time that in many ways still exists in Winona.
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In Winona’s historic downtown, the homey look created by the brick buildings with arched windows will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
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Plenty of festivals and community events really highlight that small town, Midwestern feel.
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People even come out to support local agriculture - as Midwesterners love to do - at seasonal farmers’ markets.
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Not to mention the local restaurants and shops that make Winona home - and have in many cases become a part of the town’s history.
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Its people, too, set Winona apart from the coasts. This is a community - and a whole region - that believes in kindness. What’s more Midwestern than that?
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Have you been to Winona? Or do you have another favorite Midwestern town? If you love small towns, check out this list of 11 picturesque small towns in Minnesota.
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