Winona County Historical Society

Winona County Historical Society The Winona County Historical Society operates The Winona County History Center in downtown Winona, MN.
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Winona County History Center museum and archives admission is $5 adults, $3 students, free for WCHS members, children 7 and younger, students doing research projects (archives open by appointment ONLY!). The Art Gallery and Museum Shop are always free to explore! WCHS museums are also Blue Star Museums offering free admission to military members and their families May 15 - Labor Day annually.

We're counting down to The River Gallery Open House...are you? What can be better than free admission, history, and snac...
05/30/2026

We're counting down to The River Gallery Open House...are you? What can be better than free admission, history, and snacks? 😄 Come spend Saturday, June 13th at the History Center anytime from 10am - 4pm to see the new exhibit for yourself!

We sincerely hope to see all of our amazing history supporters at this long-anticipated event. The River Gallery would not opening without our members, donors, visitors, volunteers, and social media followers and commenters. We are grateful for each and every one of you.

winonahistory.org/event/the-river-gallery-open-house/

A lively view of the Chicago & Northwestern Depot during the 1920's. The Winona Malting Company buildings rise out of th...
05/29/2026

A lively view of the Chicago & Northwestern Depot during the 1920's. The Winona Malting Company buildings rise out of the background. The depot remained along the railroad tracks near the riverfront until 1980.

If you appreciate photos like these and want to help preserve them, donate or become a member of WCHSat https://winonahistory.org/support/

Author Frank Bures will be speaking on today's History on the River cruise aboard the Cal Fremling. You can purchase his...
05/28/2026

Author Frank Bures will be speaking on today's History on the River cruise aboard the Cal Fremling. You can purchase his book, "Pushing the River: An Epic Battle, A Lost History, A Near Death, and Other True Canoeing Stories" at the History Center before your cruise, or after! The Museum Shop is open from 10am to 4pm daily.

For what's next in the History on the River cruise series, visit winonahistory.org/series/history-on-the-river-cruises/.

05/27/2026

Here's our most popular post from May 2023! It achieved a reach of 1,023 views.

Our most popular post this month rated a reach of 5,621.

That growth is because of you! Like us and share our page and posts today to help us grow even more. You can find us on Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube as well.

See you at the History Buff Book Chat tomorrow! We're discussing "This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger from 12:00 –...
05/26/2026

See you at the History Buff Book Chat tomorrow! We're discussing "This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in Briarcombe Room. Feel free to bring your lunch!

Synopsis:

In the summer of 1932, on the banks of Minnesota’s Gilead River, Odie O’Banion is an orphan confined to the Lincoln Indian Training School, a pitiless place where his lively nature earns him the superintendent’s wrath. Forced to flee after committing a terrible crime, he and his brother, Albert, their best friend, Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own.

Upcoming books:
The Kitchen Front | June 24

https://winonahistory.org/series/history-buff-book-chat/

We’ll resume regular hours from 10AM - 4PM on Tuesday. In the meantime, find happenings at the History Center by followi...
05/25/2026

We’ll resume regular hours from 10AM - 4PM on Tuesday. In the meantime, find happenings at the History Center by following or visiting winonahistory.org.

Ever wonder what kind of bird just flew past your window? Or what type of fish you pulled up at the end of your line? Th...
05/24/2026

Ever wonder what kind of bird just flew past your window? Or what type of fish you pulled up at the end of your line?

These are the Minnesota field guides for you. They will help you identify the plants and animals you encounter and give you a nugget of information about each one. Every living thing is important to the ecosystems of the Mississippi River Valley!

Pick up one or a set of these during our open house on June 13th, and take advantage of free admission to the new River Gallery exhibit! Or drop in any day o the week between 10am - 4pm.

winonahistory.org/event/the-river-gallery-open-house/

The Biesanz and Gildberg quarry operation in Winona. The joint effort between Phillip Biesanz and George Gildberg began ...
05/23/2026

The Biesanz and Gildberg quarry operation in Winona. The joint effort between Phillip Biesanz and George Gildberg began in 1896, though Biesanz had been making bricks and dressing stone without a partner in the previous years.

Today, Biesanz Stone continues its business in Winona, distributing the unique "Winona Stone," also known as Biesanz Minnesota Dolomite Limestone, that you can see in the architecture of many city buildings.

05/22/2026

THIS IS NOT A DRILL. The panels are here!!! Get ready, Winona County.

Address

160 Johnson Street
Winona, MN
55987

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15074542723

Website

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