Planning to Visit Winona, Minnesota? Don’t Miss Exploring Lake Winona!
Surrounded by lush parks and winding biking paths, Lake Winona sparkles in the midst of a vibrant college city. 🌿💙 #LakeWinona #WinonaMN #OutdoorAdventures #Minnesota
Winona, MN – Picture this: a sparkling lake nestled in the midst of a vibrant city, surrounded by lush parks and winding biking paths. That’s Lake Winona in the southern Minnesota town of Winona! This 308-acre (1.2 sq km) lake is a true beauty, with its 5 miles (8.4 km) of shoreline just begging to be explored. Whether you’re a local (like us!) or a visitor, you can’t help but feel drawn to its serene waters and the peaceful atmosphere that envelops it.

🐟 Angling Adventures
If you’re an avid angler, Lake Winona is your paradise. With depths reaching up to 38 feet (11.6 m), this lake is home to an incredibly diverse array of fish species.
You can expect to find Bigmouth Buffalo, Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Carp, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed, Sauger, Shortnose Gar, Walleye, White Bass, White Crappie, Yellow Bass, Yellow Bullhead, and Yellow Perch.
And that’s not all! The lake also boasts Brook Silverside, Freshwater Drum, Gizzard Shad, Golden Shiner, Goldeye, Green Sunfish, Hybrid Sunfish, Shorthead Redhorse, Smallmouth Buffalo, Spotted Sucker, Warmouth, and White Sucker. It’s like a treasure trove of aquatic life just waiting to be discovered!
🚤 Easy Access
Getting out on the water couldn’t be easier with the three public boat launches scattered around Lake Winona. Just imagine launching your boat and gliding across the tranquil surface, the sun warming your face and the gentle breeze tousling your hair. And if you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, the fishing piers and ample shore angling opportunities have got you covered. Here’s a Pro Tip: after all that fishing, swing by the Lakeview Drive Inn for a fun, nostalgic experience – and some of the best grub in town!
🍂 Seasonal Delights
No matter the season, Lake Winona has something special in store. In the summer, the lake comes alive with the laughter of families picnicking on the shore and the splash of kids jumping into the refreshing water. As the leaves turn golden in the fall, the lake transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors. And when winter rolls around, the hardy folk of Winona set up their fish houses on the frozen surface, creating a charming little community right on the ice.
Lake Winona: Winter
Lake Winona: Spring
Lake Winona: Summer
🌿 Nature’s Bounty
Lake Winona isn’t just about the fish – it’s a haven for all sorts of aquatic life. The lake is adorned with a variety of vegetation, including burreed, bushy pondweed, cattail, curly-leaf pondweed, duckweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, coontail, purple loosestrife, sago pondweed, and water meal. While the curly-leaf pondweed can be a bit of a nuisance in May and June, it’s all part of the lake’s unique ecosystem.
😊 Making Memories
At the end of the day, Lake Winona is more than just a body of water – it’s a place where memories are made. It’s where families bond over a shared love of nature, where friends gather to swap stories and cast lines, and where individuals find solace in the quiet beauty of the outdoors.
So the next time you find yourself in Winona, take a moment to appreciate this incredible gem right in the heart of the city. Trust us, you won’t regret it! Happy travels.
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🗣 What’s your favorite lake in Minnesota? Have you ever visited Winona, MN? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️