2 Exciting Days in Red Wing, Minnesota, with Kids (A Family Itinerary)
This post, featuring my 2-day itinerary for Red Wing, Minnesota, with kids, may contain affiliate links. It also includes a hosted stay at the St. James Hotel. All opinions are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy.
There's something special about visiting Red Wing, Minnesota, with kids. Historic brick buildings. Scenic river views. And, a downtown that's as charming as it is walkable. My daughter and I just spent two exciting days exploring Red Wing. We had such a lovely weekend filled with cute shops, unique museums, and a unique hike.
One of the things that we loved most? You can park the car and forget about it. Everything on this family itinerary for Red Wing is within walking distance of downtown. The city is incredibly walkable (even with littles in tow), which makes it feel relaxed instead of rushed. You can even turn the journey into part of the adventure by hopping on the train from Saint Paul (and skipping the drive altogether!).
Red Wing is one of my favorite Minnesota trips! And, a great family trip to Red Wing should balance adventure with quiet, cozy moments. And, this itinerary delivers just that! If you've been searching for fun things to do in Red Wing with kids, here's exactly how we spent two unforgettable days.
Taking the Amtrak Train to Red Wing with Kids
One of the highlights of visiting Red Wing with kids (from the Twin Cities-this is where we are based!)? Taking the train! This adds such a unique twist to the weekend, and one that kids will remember for a long time. If you're traveling from the Twin Cities, here's what you need to know about taking the train to Red Wing with kids.
You'll hop on the Amtrak from Union Depot. It is such an easy, low-stress way to travel from the Twin Cities to Red Wing. No traffic. No "are we there yet?" Just snacks, window views, and the novelty of riding the rails along the Mississippi River.
Here's what to know before you go:
- Book the Borealis Route for inexpensive tickets.
- Our train departed at 11:49 AM (route times may vary by day and season).
- There's a separate family line for travelers with kids 12 and under (families board first).
- Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes early. We got there about 45 minutes in advance, and it felt just right.
- Coach seating is unassigned, but the conductor on the platform will ask your destination and guide you to the correct car.
- For the best river views, sit on the non-platform side of the train. You'll get gorgeous river scenery for most of the ride.
- Want to face forward? Sit facing away from the station when you board.
If you're driving to the station, parking is available at Union Depot, which makes logistics simple.
Honestly, this is one of the easiest ways to turn a simple weekend into a memorable experience for all ages. By the time you pull into Red Wing, the trip already feels special!
Once you arrive in Red Wing, everything on this itinerary is within walking distance of the train station. The trailhead to Barn Bluff is the longest walk you'll encounter. The trailhead is about a 15-minute walk from downtown (with flat terrain and sidewalks nearly the whole route).
Day 1 in Red Wing with Kids
When we stepped off the train, we were ready to explore Red Wing. And, you will be too. So, as you're planning yourfamily trip to Red Wing, here's how to spend your first day. In no time, you'll be soaking up all the charm, treats, and river views that Red Wing has to offer.
Arrive + Get Settled at the St. James Hotel
If you're planning a weekend trip to Red Wing with kids, the St. James Hotel is hands-down the best place to stay with your family. It has been welcoming guests since 1875, and is one of the most historic buildings in town!
The location couldn't be better. It's just one block from the train station, which was incredibly helpful since we arrived by rail. And, the hotel is tucked between the best of downtown Red Wing and the Mississippi River.
The hotel will happily hold your bags before check-in and after checkout, which makes a huge difference when you're traveling by train (and especially with kids). We were able to start exploring right away without juggling any luggage.
While the hotel doesn't have some bells and whistles (like a pool), it's extremely comfortable for families. The rooms are spacious and cozy. Many offer beautiful views of the Mississippi River. We stayed in a Premium Two Queen Riverside room, and my daughter absolutely loved that our room even had its own name (Admiral).
One of the biggest perks? The hotel puts you within walking distance of everything in downtown Red Wing. Shops, restaurants, and amazing river views. It's all right outside the door. There's also on-site dining, shops, and room service available, which makes things easy peasy when traveling with kids. Families will also love that kids 10 and under stay free.
A Few More Family-Friendly Hotels in Red Wing
Looking for more kid-friendly places to stay in Red Wing? Consider one of these local hotels:
Lunch at the Red Wing Cafe or Bev's Cafe
After getting into town, you must be hungry. Lunch downtown is easy and casual. And, the perfect way to kick off your time in Red Wing with kids. Just be sure to check restaurant hours ahead of your visit. We had originally planned to eat at Bev's Cafe, but it was closed the day we visited. We quickly found out that many local spots in Red Wing are closed Sunday through Tuesday, so definitely double-check before your trip.
Instead, we popped into the Red Wing Cafe (after dropping our bags at the hotel). It ended up being a perfectly solid stop. The portions were generous (which, let's be honest, is always a win with growing tweens!), and it was exactly what we needed before continuing our afternoon. My daughter ordered a BLT, and I went with the taco salad. It's not fancy, but for a relaxed, no-fuss meal in the heart of downtown, it did the trick.
Explore Downtown Red Wing
Exploring downtown is easily one of our favorite things to do in Red Wing with kids. The streets are charming and compact, which means you can wander without a plan and still stumble into something fun.
We popped into the Uffda Shop for Swedish gifts (and a few candies to tuck in our bag for later!). Of course, we couldn't resist a stop at Red Wing Confectionery. Here, glass cases overflow with chocolates, gummy bears, ice cream, and old-fashioned shakes. My daughter grabbed an ice cream cone before continuing our walk around downtown.
There were two big standouts for us in downtown Red Wing. Fair Trade Books and Red Wing Shoes & Museum-both must stops in my opinion. At Fair Trade Books, everyone gets a gifted book based on their interest on their first visit. My daughter eagerly devoured the book over the rest of the visit and finished it on the train! The mix of used books and new puzzles invites you to slow down, browse, and feel like a local.
Just down the street, Red Wing Shoes & Museum is a great stop. You'll be greeted by the iconic, massive Red Wing boot upon entering the store. This is a great spot for a family photo! Then, the upstairs museum is free to visit. Here, you can explore a small but interesting collection of exhibits on Red Wing Shoes and some local history.
Take a Walk Along the River at Levee Park
If you're looking for simple, scenic things to do in Red Wing with kids, head to Levee Park. The walking path runs right along the Mississippi River. They offer wide-open views, space for kids to roam, and plenty of benches to sit and take it all in. The paths are popular for bikers and walkers.
It's especially beautiful at sunset. The light reflects off the water, and the whole riverfront seems to glow. It's the perfect spot to wind down your first day in Red Wing. And, it's just a few blocks from dinner at the St. James Hotel.
Dinner at Scarlet Kitchen & Bar
If you're planning a weekend trip to Red Wing, Scarlet Kitchen & Bar is a lovely spot to end your first day. And, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Red Wing! Located inside the St. James Hotel, this restaurant is welcoming and approachable for families, while still feeling a bit elevated. Expect a beautiful dining room, friendly service, and food that genuinely impressed us.
They offer a nice kids’ menu (always appreciated), and a full menu served all day (from breakfast through dinner). They serve one of the most stunning charcuterie boards I've ever seen. My daughter ordered it for her meal and loved it! And don't skip dessert. The Chai Cake was hands-down the best thing we ate all weekend.
The menu is influenced by regional flavors and uses local ingredients whenever possible. I highly recommend making a reservation for weekend dinners or brunch (it's a popular spot for good reason!). If you're visiting in summer, the rooftop patio offers beautiful river views.
Day 2 in Red Wing with Kids
After a good night's sleep, here's how to spend day 2 of your time in Red Wing with kids. Today is all about unique local spots and great views of the Mississippi River.
READ NEXT: 6+ Amazing Places to Eat in Red Wing with Your Kids
Breakfast at Hanisch Bakery and Coffee Shop
No family trip to Red Wing feels complete without a stop at this iconic downtown bakery. Although in full transparency, it wasn't open during our visit, so we missed it! I recommend checking the hours in advance!
Hanisch Bakery has been voted Minnesota’s Best Bakery and is a longtime local favorite. Known for its inventive donuts, scratch-made pastries, and impressive display cakes, this bakery offers such a wide variety that you may need a second visit just to try them all. Along with the full bakery, there's a casual coffee bar serving espresso drinks and daily lunch specials.
Hike Barn Bluff/He Mni Can
If you're searching for unforgettable things to do in Red Wing with kids, this is it. Known as He Mni Can (Hill Water Wood) by the Dakota, Barn Bluff rises right above downtown Red Wing and delivers panoramic views of the Mississippi River.
It's easy to walk to the trailhead from downtown (about 15 minutes on mostly even terrain and sidewalks). Our full experience took about 2.5 hours, including the walk to and from town.
We chose the South Trail to reach the West Overlook. Here, you'll get the best views of the Mississippi River and downtown Red Wing. I promise, they will blow you away! Then, connected to the Prairie Trail to see the East Overlook. It meant a little backtracking and extra hiking, but it was absolutely worth it. That said, you can easily shorten the hike by choosing the South Trail.
There are several trail options under a mile long, so families can mix and match depending on interests and hiking stamina. The South Trail is a great choice for most families (expect some stairs and a steady climb). In the spring, expect mud and lingering snow/ice. Fall brings fantastic colors. And, some trails are seasonally closed in the winter. No matter when you visit, the views from atop the bluff make it worth the climb!
Late Lunch at Mandy’s Coffee & Café
For a casual lunch stop in Red Wing with kids, Mandy's is a wonderfully local option right in downtown. It's a busy, welcoming café with plenty of seating. Or, you can grab your food to go and head back outside if the weather's nice. The space feels eclectic and comfortable, the staff is genuinely kind, and the coffee and espresso drinks are solid.
We actually stopped here for breakfast when the bakery we planned to visit was closed. But, it's just as great for lunch, too (which was our original plan). There's a small bakery case with limited quick breakfast options, or you can order something hot off the menu. Lunch includes soups, sandwiches, and salads. And they also offer a kids' menu, making it an easy choice for families.
American Ski Jumping Museum and Hall of Fame
One of the most unique things to do in Red Wing with kids is the Ski Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum, which is a small but fascinating museum. The museum is located inside the St. James Hotel (on the second floor, just off the indoor patio area).
The museum highlights Red Wing's surprising claim to fame. The city hosted the first recorded ski jumping competition in the U.S. in 1887. Families can explore memorabilia, vintage photos, and early ski gear. Throughout the museum, learn about the Norwegian-American athletes who shaped the sport's early years. Kids especially love spotting the historic uniforms and giant skis.
I recommend checking in at the hotel front desk before visiting. The hours change seasonally.
More Fun Things to Do in Red Wing with Kids
Looking for a few more fun things to do in Red Wing with kids? If you are planning a full weekend trip to Red Wing or want to make some changes to this itinerary, here are a few things to consider:
- Red Wing Arts Gallery (inside the train depot)
- Pottery Museum of Red Wing
- Goodhue County Historical Society
- Red Wing Marine Museum
- Aliveo Military Museum
- See a show at the Sheldon Theatre
- Frontenac State Park (about a 15-minute drive from downtown Red Wing)
- Bike along the Cannon Valley Trail
- Colvill Park and Bay Point Park both offer playgrounds and space to play
Have Fun Exploring Red Wing, Minnesota, with Your Kids
If you're planning a family trip to Red Wing with kids, you'll quickly discover this river town makes family travel feel easy and fun. Everything is walkable. The views are beautiful. And, the mix of unique museums, outdoor adventure, and sweet treats keeps everyone happy. From hiking Barn Bluff to browsing downtown shops and watching the sunset over the Mississippi River, this family trip is both manageable and memorable for all ages. Whether you follow this exact family itinerary for Red Wing or build your own, I hope your weekend is filled with fresh air, fun stops, and unforgettable memories with your kids.
Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.
