Winona to Ely Road Trip Guide: River to Wilderness

Winona, founded on a Mississippi River terrace, was once a bustling steamboat port second only to St. Paul. Today it anchors the southern end of the Great River Road. Ely, 250 miles north, sits at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a million-acre paddling paradise. This drive transitions from the bluff-lined Driftless Area to the boreal forests of the Canadian Shield.

The recommended route uses US-61 north to Red Wing, then US-63 to I-94, skirting the Twin Cities. From there, I-35E and I-35N lead to US-61 north again to Duluth, ending on MN-1 west to Ely. Total driving time from Winona, MN to Ely, MN is about 6 hours without stops, but plan for eight hours with exploration. For more on optimizing your journey, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

If you're debating is it worth driving Winona, MN to Ely, MN, the answer is a resounding yes. The route offers diverse landscapes, historic towns, and outdoor adventures. Whether you want to learn about things to do between Winona, MN and Ely, MN, or simply enjoy the drive, this guide covers it all.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Driftless Area south of Winona features steep limestone bluffs carved by glacial meltwater. North of the Twin Cities, the landscape flattens into glacial till plains, then rises into the Laurentian Highlands with rocky outcrops and conifers. The North Shore of Lake Superior offers dramatic basalt cliffs, while the Iron Range presents tailings piles and boreal forests.

• Great River Bluffs State Park (near Winona): panoramic views of the Mississippi Valley.
• Frontenac State Park (near Red Wing): overlooks Lake Pepin, the widest stretch of the Mississippi.
• Interstate State Park (near Taylors Falls): potholes and glacial geology.
• Jay Cooke State Park (near Carlton): swinging bridge over the St. Louis River.
• Soudan Underground Mine State Park (near Tower): a mile underground tour, not UNESCO but a National Heritage Site.

Best Stops Along the Way

If you're seeking the best stops Winona, MN to Ely, MN, include these: the Spam Museum in Austin (a 30-minute detour from I-35), Tobies Restaurant in Hinckley for caramel rolls, and the Canal Park area in Duluth. For nature lovers, the Superior Hiking Trail offers sections near Duluth. In Ely, the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are top attractions.

• Winona: Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
• Hinckley: Fire Museum.
• Duluth: Great Lakes Aquarium.
• Ely: Dorothy Molter Museum.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No UNESCO World Heritage Sites exist directly on this route. The nearest is the Grand Portage National Monument (on the North Shore), a fur trade site, but it's 150 miles north of Duluth. However, the entire Boundary Waters region is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (not a World Heritage site), recognized for its pristine ecosystems. The route itself is rich in cultural heritage, including Native American petroglyphs at Jeffers Petroglyphs (detour to Comfrey, MN).

Culinary Infrastructure

Winona offers farm-to-table dining at the Riverview Drive Inn for classic burgers. Along the route, smokehouses and pie shops abound. In the Twin Cities, you can sample Hmong, Scandinavian, and Somali cuisines. In Duluth, try fresh-caught lake herring (Walleye) at local pubs. Ely's culinary scene is small but mighty with wilderness-inspired menus.

• Winona: Hei Hei Truck Stop (Asian fusion), Valley Pizza.
• Red Wing: Staghead Gastropub for craft beer and local ingredients.
• Hinckley: Tobies Restaurant for famous caramel rolls (a must-stop).
• Duluth: Northern Waters Smokehaus for fish pâté and smoked salmon.
• Ely: Sir G's for waterside dining on Shagawa Lake.

Local Commerce & Culture

Winona's downtown features art galleries and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Red Wing is known for Red Wing Shoes and Pottery. The Twin Cities segment offers the Mall of America (off-route) and the Minnesota History Center. Duluth's Canal Park is a tourist hub with shops and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Ely is a gateway town for outfitters, canoe rentals, and the International Wolf Center.

• Visit the Winona County Historical Society for steamboat history.
• Stop at the Hinckley Fire Museum to learn about the 1894 fire.
• In Duluth, tour the William A. Irvin ore boat museum.
• In Ely, watch the wolf pack at the International Wolf Center.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Spring (April-May) brings blooming trilliums in the woods, but muddy conditions. Summer (June-August) is peak travel with warm days and lake breezes. Fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage: the Driftless Area turns golden, and the North Shore glows with red maples. Winter (November-March) transforms the route into a snowy wonderland, but roads can be icy; MN-1 may close temporarily during blizzards.

• Best time for photography: mid-September to early October for fall colors.
• Summer thunderstorms can produce sudden downpours; visibility drops.
• Winter driving: maintain 4WD or chains, carry emergency kit.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations cluster in towns every 20-30 miles along the main highways. Winona, Rochester (detour), the Twin Cities suburbs, Hinckley, and Duluth are reliable refueling points. North of Duluth on MN-1, stations become sparse; fill up in Duluth or Virginia. Expect prices to rise slightly in remote areas.

• Winona: Chevron, Kwik Trip, BP on US-61.
• Red Wing: several stations near US-63.
• Hinckley: major travel plaza at I-35 exit 195.
• Duluth: many options on US-61 and US-53.
• Ely: two stations on Sheridan Street.

Road Quality and Traffic

US-61 from Winona to Red Wing is a scenic two-lane highway with some curves along the Mississippi. US-63 north to I-94 is mostly four-lane divided highway. I-94 west to St. Paul is heavy during rush hours. I-35 north of the Twin Cities is well-maintained but can be congested near Forest Lake. US-61 north from Duluth to Two Harbors is a busy two-lane road with tourist traffic. MN-1 from Tower to Ely is a quiet two-lane through forest, with occasional logging trucks.

• Always check MnDOT road conditions (511mn.org) for construction, especially on MN-1.
• Winter driving requires caution; snow tires recommended November through April.
• Summer brings motorcycle groups and RV traffic.

Tolls and Fees

No toll roads on this route. I-94 and I-35 are toll-free. Entrance fees apply at state parks and the Boundary Waters entry points. Consider a Minnesota State Parks annual pass if visiting multiple parks.

Driving Time Considerations

How long to drive Winona, MN to Ely, MN depends on your pace. The fastest route takes about six hours, but with stops for food, scenic overlooks, and attractions, expect a full day. Many travelers break the drive with an overnight in Duluth to enjoy the Lake Superior shoreline.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Major highways are well-maintained, but secondary roads like MN-1 have limited shoulders and occasional wildlife crossings (deer, moose). Cell coverage is spotty north of Duluth. Download offline maps. Emergency services: dial 911, but response times in remote areas may be longer. Always carry a first aid kit and water.

• Watch for moose on MN-1, especially at dawn/dusk.
• I-35 north of Hinckley has many long straight sections that can induce drowsiness.
• Construction zones on US-61 near Lake City often in summer; expect delays.

Family and Child Suitability

The route is very family-friendly with many interactive museums and parks. The Children's Museum in Rochester (detour) or the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth are hits. Ely's International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center are educational for all ages. Many state parks have easy trails for young children.

• Recommended stops: Spam Museum in Austin (detour), Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty in Twin Cities?
• State parks like Jay Cooke offer flat trails along the river.
• Ely has canoe rentals suitable for families with older kids.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most state parks allow leashed pets on trails, but not inside buildings or on beaches. Many hotels in Winona, Red Wing, Duluth, and Ely accept pets (check policies). Rest areas along I-35 have pet relief areas. Remember to carry waste bags and fresh water.

• Pet-friendly: Super 8 Winona, AmericInn Red Wing, Hilton Garden Inn Duluth.
• Avoid leaving pets in hot cars; summer temperatures can rise quickly.
• Outdoor cafes in Duluth and Ely often allow well-behaved dogs.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Long stretches of highway, especially I-35, can cause driver fatigue. Plan stops every 2 hours. MnDOT operates rest areas on I-35 (Hinckley, Sandstone) with water and restrooms. Smaller towns like Moose Lake have visitor centers. Download the MnDOT 511 app for real-time info.

• Best rest stop: Tobies Restaurant in Hinckley – grab a caramel roll and coffee.
• In Duluth, stop at Canal Park to walk the boardwalk.
• Power nap at Jay Cooke State Park picnic area.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

For a detour off US-61, visit the historic town of Wabash and the Locks and Dam #5. Near Red Wing, the Cannon Valley Trail offers a paved path along the Cannon River. In the Twin Cities, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a serene diversion. Near Hinckley, the Banning State Park has waterfall trails. On MN-1, the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine is a must.

• Knowlton Creek Falls (near US-61 south of Duluth).
• Whiteface River Trailhead (on MN-1 east of Lake Vermilion).
• Check https://blog.wayro.ai for more curated stops.

Is It Worth Driving?

Absolutely. The best stops Winona, MN to Ely, MN blend natural beauty, local culture, and unique attractions. Whether you're drawn to the Mississippi River bluffs or the Boundary Waters wilderness, this route delivers memorable experiences. Plan your trip around the things to do between Winona, MN and Ely, MN, and you'll understand why it's a favorite drive.