Business Roundtable Spotlight: Red Wing

The GRR Commission has been collaborating with business leaders along the Borealis corridor. Each station city has been putting its own flair on getting the word out about Borealis and we wanted to share more about these dedicated leaders and the cities they represent. First up, Red Wing!

The People

Susan Betcher is Goodhue County Commissioner for District 5 and Mike Wilson is Mayor of Red Wing – both serve as representatives on the Great River Rail Commission. They work closely with Michelle Larson, President and CEO of the Red Wing Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Olson, Executive Director of Visit Red Wing. 

The Projects

Members of the Red Wing Business Roundtable are planning on meeting with service clubs, businesses and other local community groups this fall and winter to share information about the Borealis train service. Please contact Michelle Larson if you are interested in a presentation at michelle@redwingchamber.com. 

The group is also looking at ways to incorporate into existing communications the message that visitors can take the Borealis train to Red Wing to access great shopping, outdoor activities, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and more.

Events & Reasons to Visit Red Wing

Hike with a Naturalist – Saturday Mornings - This family-friendly free event meets at 10 a.m. Saturdays for a half hour guided tour with a volunteer naturalist. Explore trails through the upland area of the park pointing out a variety of natural features as they are encountered. Dress for the weather.

Bird walk – Frontenac State Park - These monthly hikes take you on a walk through a mixed habitat of prairie and woodland looking for resident and migrating birds that frequent these areas. The trail is mowed grass and is well maintained.

Red Wing Arts Fall Festival – 58th annual event - Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Celebrating its 58th year, the Red Wing Arts Fall Festival welcomes you to enjoy a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant colors of the season.

2024 River Route Summer Activities

The Great River Rail Commission urges everyone to visit the great destinations along the Mississippi River Route. Not only are the cities and towns beautiful, they host incredible events from small town carnivals to Shakespeare Festivals! We've put together a list of activities to enjoy along the River Route. Please download the document to start putting together your own itinerary.

Have fun!

2024 Summer Activities Along the River Route

Borealis Inaugural Events

With food trucks, bands, arts and crafts, dignitaries and local proclamations, the Borealis was welcomed to station cities from St. Paul to La Crosse on May 21, its first day of service. The Great River Rail Commission worked closely with the station cities along the Mississippi River Route to coordinate Borealis inaugural events.

Each city put its own twist on events to make them unique to their setting. 

St. Paul’s event featured a host of commission, state and federal representatives, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose; a walk-through of the Borealis train before the event and giveaways. Approximately 300 train enthusiasts, passengers, and the general public were present, and 163 boarded the train in the Union Depot station.

Red Wing placed an emphasis on family-friendly activities. The event included a number of arts and crafts stations, along with live music, food trucks, the city’s River Boat Greeters, and speeches from local dignitaries. Eighteen passengers boarded Borealis in Red Wing.

Winona’s focus was on tourism. The event planners included Visit Winona and the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. Events drawing tourists happen nearly every weekend all summer long. Nine passengers boarded Borealis in Winona.

La Crosse welcomed Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, who boarded the Borealis after making a brief statement. The event featured speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and local dignitaries. Twenty-eight boarded Borealis in La Crosse.

Station cities had about 3 weeks’ notice for the start date and relied on the Commission for assistance coordinating speakers and timing of their events. We appreciate the collaboration of our business partners in each location.