Wednesday Walking at Levee Park

For this week's #wednesdaywalk, I decided to an extended break from work and head to nearby Winona, Minnesota, to check out a park along the Mississippi River. Winona, as some of you might know, is the birthplace of Hollywood actor Winona Ryder. It also has a history steeped in the tradition of the Native American tribe, the Dakotas, and the first-born daughter of Chief Wabasha.

The levee was built after a massive flood of 1965. The levees were built by the Army Corp of Engineers to withstand flooding of 22 feet. Fortunately, the river has yet to crest the high during my time in the area.

The boat docked up against the levee is named the American Melody.

I looked up the schedule, and this appears to be a boat that takes an eight day river cruise, from either the Twin Cities to St. Louis, or vice versa, for a cool $5k USD per person. Someday, perhaps...I've heard that these cruises hit all the historic spots along the way. Mark Twain caves in Missouri, plantations, historic spots in Iowa...all would be fun to enjoy someday.

The boat wasn't all that was there. I had to cross a railroad line to get to the park (no trains, however!):

I noticed a few photos engraved on the wall of the levee:

A scenic view of downtown Winona:

And some fun artwork hung along the railroad tracks:

I will certainly have to come back to get some photos for the #streetart community, too.

Overall, it was a beautiful, hazy day to smell the river and take in the surrounding bluffs. It makes one want to travel, full time, doesn't it? In the meantime, I'll keep on with the #wednesdaywalks to find new spots to share.

Until next Wednesday, I'm hoping everyone else had a wonderful Wednesday too!