Red Wing

Red Wing sits along the Mississippi River in a valley surrounded by limestone cliffs that define the local landscape. The city spreads across terrain shaped by the river, creating a distinctive setting with natural boundaries.

The city emerged in the mid-1800s at a location with an existing Dakota Sioux settlement and rapidly became the country's leading wheat producer. This fast transformation made it a major economic center in the region during that era.

Scandinavian immigrants shaped the identity of this place, bringing skills and traditions that still appear in local crafts and community events. Walking through town, you can sense how this heritage remains woven into daily life and local businesses.

The city is small enough to explore on foot, with the river serving as a natural guide for orientation. Local transit services connect different parts of town for visitors who prefer not to walk longer distances.

Local clay deposits sparked the creation of a ceramics industry that produced quality pottery and decorative wares during the 1800s. This tradition gained recognition far beyond the region and attracted craftspeople and collectors to the area.

Location: Goodhue County

Inception: 1857

Elevation above the sea: 226 m

Website: https://red-wing.org

GPS coordinates: 44.56556,-92.53472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 21:18