Day 8 – Winona to New Albin, Iowa – 58 miles

Highlights today –

This is our second hilliest day with a change in elevation of 3,910. Be prepared for our biggest hill today when we turn onto County Road 3 on our way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Visit Winona’s Historic District and the MN Marine Art Museum in Winona (open at 10am), Great River Bluffs State Park, Apple Blossom Scenic Byway, wineries, apple orchards, view Lock and Dam #6 and #7, and travel through the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge. We will celebrate the completion of our week together on the MRT!

Apple Blossom Scenic Byway – a variety of wineries and apple orchards.

La Crescent – known as the “Apple Capital of Minnesota” because John S. Harris planted the first apple trees in the Midwest here. Following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, Nathan Boone, youngest son of Daniel Boone was among the early surveyors of this area.

New Albin – Named for the son of a RR investor, the town blossomed to a population of 683 in the 20’s after the Chicago, Dubuque, and Minnesota RR ran through this area in 1872. Milt Gantenbein, a Green Bay Packer from 1931-1940 was born in New Albin, Iowa, in 1910.