Adventure lovers! Don’t let bad weather or lack of appropriate gear stop you from getting outside this year! Join us this fall at our next bi-annual Gear Swap at Curiosi-Tea House in Winona, MN on Sunday, November 16th from 10 am - 2pm. 

This fall, we're partnering with Janky Gear out of Rochester, Minnesota for our bi-annual Gear Swap! If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us at our monthly meet up on Saturday, October 25th at Prairie Island Nature Trail or to the gear swap day of. The Janky Gear team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything. We greatly appreciate any and all contributions!

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Looking for affordable and gently used items? Check out our Gear Swap! We have a wide range of fall and winter clothing, gear, off-season items, and dollar bins. And while you're here, don't forget to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a bite to eat at Curiosi-Tea House. We want you to have the best experience possible!

What’s Included

Access to affordable, thrifted outdoor clothing and gear as well as a range of organizations/businesses sharing resources or sellable materials with attendees. Coffee, tea and food available for purchase at Curiosi-Tea to enjoy while shopping

Parking Instructions

Park either alongside 5th Street or Baker. Keep an eye out for passing vehicles and enter into Curiosi-Tea House either using the wheelchair accessible ramp on Baker Street or the front door entrance on 5th Street.

Are there bathrooms available?

Yes! There are gender-free bathrooms at Curiosi-Tea that are ADA accessible and provide space for families with care needs for young children.

If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us at our monthly meet up (see above) or the day of the gear swap. Our team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything.

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Intake Process - Week Before Event

We'll collect gear swap items on Saturday, October 25th at our monthly meet up at Prairie Island Nature trail from 10am-12pm before or after the event. If this timing does not work for you, please plan to drop off your items the day of the gear swap at the Curiosi-Tea House OR bring your items directly to Janky Gear anytime prior to the day of the event. This is the address for their location: 611 N Broadway Avenue Rochester, MN

We will have a variety of organizations and businesses present at the event, showcasing resources and merchandise for attendees to purchase. If you're interested in selling items or setting up a table, please contact us for more information by sending an email to info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com.

Join us for a fall stroll through the Prairie Island Nature Trails - a perfect place for birdwatching! We'll take in the fall colors, and identify birds along the way. If you have any gently used gear that you would like to donate to our fall gear swap in November, please bring those items to this event!

More information to come soon!

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• We have a few pairs of binoculars to share

• Birding books

Exclusions

• Personal items such as a water bottle, snacks, etc.

Accessibility Information

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Bring your family out to Farmers Park on Saturday, September 27th, to enjoy the fall weather and paint a pumpkin while exploring this local Stockton park! This program engaging with nature in a more artistic way, and we’ll also provide you with a donut & coffee snack. Join us for a morning of fun!

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Pumpkins

• Paint

• Coffee

• Donuts

Exclusions

• Water bottle

  Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Join us for an early morning, sunrise stroll around the Little Lake on Saturday, August 23rd to enjoy the summer weather, take in a beautiful sunrise, and enjoy exploring the ecosystem around the lake! Grab your water bottle and join us for a memorable morning. We’ll meet at the Lake Lodge parking lot before walking the small lake.

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Environmental education talk during the walk

Exclusions

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle

  Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Celebrate 5 Years of Outdoor Fun with Us!

Join us as we celebrate five incredible years of connecting people to the outdoors! We’re throwing a birthday bash to remember—and you’re invited. Bring your family and friends to Lions Pavilion on Lake Winona for an evening of outdoor fun along the lakeshore. We will have fun activities for all ages, including interactive nature stations, yard games, and a scavenger hunt.

We’ll have cake and lemonade to celebrate—because what’s a birthday without treats? Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re new to the Winona Outdoor Collaborative, we’d love for you to join us in honoring this milestone.

Parking Instructions: Please park in the Lions Pavilion parking lot.

Bathroom Access: Porta-potties near the baseball field.

Cost: Free to attend and open to the public.

Inclusions: Yard games, family-friendly activities, cake, lemonade

Exclusions: N/A

Send us an email with any questions at info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com.

Join us for a morning of paddling on the beautiful Mississippi River! The Winona Outdoor Collaborative is excited to host a paddle event at the Prairie Island Spillway Boat Launch in Winona, MN.

Whether you’re an experienced paddler or just starting out, this event is for you! We’ll provide everything you need, including canoes, life jackets, and paddles. All you need to bring is a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun!

Parking Instructions: Please park in the Prairie Island Boat Launch parking lot (near spillway)

Bathroom Access: No

Cost: Free to Attend

Inclusions: Canoe, life jacket, paddle

Exclusions: Sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks

Send us an email for additional accomodations at info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com

Please complete a waiver/photo release - the link is provided below.

Bring your family out to Farmers Park on Saturday, July 12th, to enjoy the summer weather and explore the local streams of Stockton! This program focuses on collecting and observing the various aquatic macroinvertebrates that inhabit this local water source. Grab your water shoes and put on some sunscreen before you head out to the park to join us for a morning of fun!

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Equipment needed for looking up close at the macroinvertebrates

Exclusions

• Sunscreen

• Water bottle

• Waterproof boots or shoes

  Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Join us for an afternoon of biking. The fun kicks off at Two Fathoms Brewing where our skilled volunteers will guide you through a some bike maintenance tips and how to check your bike for safety to ensure a smooth ride. So, BYOB (bring your own bike) and embark on a group “no drop ride” to the Flyway Trail to explore and learn about local birdlife and sloughs. You might be wondering what “no drop” means. This is a ride where no one gets left behind if a rider isn’t able to hold the pace or have a mechanical issue. This is a great opportunity to try out biking because it’s more conducive to learning how to safely ride in a group. The ride ends back at Two Fathoms with a community social. All skill levels are invited and welcome!

The Winona Outdoor Collaborative's Pedals & Pints event is designed to bring all people together around the sport of road and gravel biking—especially people who are not as familiar or experienced with biking. Regardless of skill level or identity, we welcome all riders to attend this event. We are committed to bringing inclusivity and diversity to recreation here, and to creating an environment where all riders feel safe to learn and grow.

Bike Ride Information

Distance: 5.64 miles

Elevation Gain: 228 ft

Avg. speed: 6.3 mph

Ride time: 60 min

Parking Instructions: Park in the lot across the street from Two Fathoms Brewing

Bathroom Access: Yes, inside the brewery

Cost: Free to Attend

Inclusions: Bike maintenance materials

Exclusions: Bring your own bike & bike helmet

Please register and complete a waiver/photo release - the links are provided below.

Send us an email for additional accommodations at info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com

There are many different aspects to consider when analyzing survival scenarios such as food sources, shelter, first aid, navigation, and more. Bring your family out to the Holzinger Trails on Saturday, June 14th to learn about the basics of survival and enjoy the start of summer! This program is designed to be kid-friendly as we discuss the basic needs of survival and do some fun interactive activities to go along with each newly learned skill. 

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Equipment

Exclusions

• Personal Items

Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

We’ll meet at Farmer’s Community Park for wildlife ecology education. Wildlife ecology focuses on the relationship that animals have with their surroundings and how this can impact their survival. Join us on Saturday, May 10th for a beginner look at wildlife ecology as we observe landscapes within the Driftless region and hypothesize about what animal survival has looked like through changes in the environment over time.

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Equipment

Exclusions

• Personal Items

Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Calling all adventure lovers! Join us this fall at our next bi-annual Gear Swap at Curiosi-Tea House in Winona, MN on Sunday, April 27th from 10 am - 2pm. 

This spring, we're partnering again with Janky Gear out of Rochester, Minnesota for our bi-annual Gear Swap! If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us a week before the sale. The Janky Gear team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything. See below for details on dropping off your gear for consignment.

We will also have Megan Larkin available for small equipment repairs on-site at the swap. She'll also offer the option of consultation and drop off for larger repair items. These repairs might include clothing, packs, tents, sleeping bags, etc. (no shoes).

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Looking for affordable and gently used items? Check out our Gear Swap! We have a wide range of spring and summer clothing, gear, off-season items, and dollar bins. And while you're here, don't forget to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a bite to eat at Curiosi-Tea House. We want you to have the best experience possible!

What’s Included

Access to affordable, thrifted outdoor clothing and gear as well as a range of organizations/businesses sharing resources or sellable materials with attendees. Coffee, tea and food available for purchase at Curiosi-Tea to enjoy while shopping

Parking Instructions

Park either alongside 5th Street or Baker. Keep an eye out for passing vehicles and enter into Curiosi-Tea House either using the wheelchair accessible ramp on Baker Street or the front door entrance on 5th Street.

Are there bathrooms available?

Yes! There are gender-free bathrooms at Curiosi-Tea that are ADA accessible and provide space for families with care needs for young children.

If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us a week before the sale. Our team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything.

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Intake Process - Week Before Event

We'd be grateful if you could drop off your items with the Janky Gear team members during the week leading up to the sale. Doing so gives them enough time to inspect and price the items before the big day.

To consign, please bring your items 356 E Sanborn St in Winona, Minnesota. Janky Gear will be there to collect gear swap items on Sunday, April 13th from 1-3 pm and Wednesday, April 16th from 4-6 pm. If this timing does not work for you, reach out to jankygear@gmail.com to schedule a separate drop-off. 

We will have a variety of organizations and businesses present at the event, showcasing resources and merchandise for attendees to purchase. If you're interested in selling items or setting up a table, please contact us for more information by sending an email to info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com.

Join us for a walk along the Aghaming Park trail system. We’ll enjoy views of the beautiful Mississippi River as we pick up trash for a spring clean-up!

Meet at 1 pm at the Latsch Island parking lot and we’ll walk as a group across the Old Wagon Bridge to the Aghaming Park trails.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Trash Bags

• Gloves

Exclusions

• Personal items like a water bottle, snacks, etc.

Accessibility Information

• Please reach out to us via email for accommodations

Join us for a walk around Lake Winona to look for signs of spring on April 19th from 9:30-11:30. We will meet next to the Lake Lodge and then head out on a morning stroll! All ages are welcome as this is such a nice way to start your weekend as a family and welcome the season of Spring. 

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Equipment

Exclusions

• Personal Items

Accessibility Information

• Accessible path

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Join us for a snowy winter hike and hunt for animal signs! We will explore the rolling Holzinger trails and search for evidence of animal activity with a scavenger hunt while enjoying the winter weather. This family friendly programming is our first wilderness weekend of 2025 and we are so excited to welcome everyone back. Grab your boots and see you on the trail! 

Wilderness Weekends, led by Emily Gorman, is an environmental education program offering an immersive experience to explore the ecosystems and ecological treasures of Winona County. Join us to discover, appreciate, and protect the region's natural wonders.

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Animal signs education

Exclusions

• Personal Items (water bottle, etc.)

Accessibility Information

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

We’ll meet at the parking lot for the Prairie Island Nature Trails (left off of Prairie Island Road, near old deer park), starting at Latsch Shelter.

What is the Mississippi floodplain forest like in winter? On a flat, unpaved, one-mile hiking loop, we will play a short game and then explore this ecosystem. Trees look dead now. How do we tell if they are? How do trees make food? Can wild animals use trees through the winter? What other plants live here? What about fungus and lichen? Are floodplain forests good for people? Bundle up and join us for a fun, informative walk to kickstart your weekend!

Free to Attend!

Inclusions

• Informative, guided hike

Exclusions

• Personal items, such as a water bottle & snacks

Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Get ready to experience a winter wonderland right here in Winona! The Winona Outdoor Collaborative welcomes you to a breathtaking snowshoe hike through the picturesque backwaters of the Mississippi River.

Our group will embark on a 2-3 mile trek deep into the stunning backwaters. Whether you’re a seasoned or novice snowshoer, this hike suits all abilities and ages. Bring your friends, family, and curiosity for a memorable winter expedition!

We will provide snowshoes, trekking poles, and/or microspikes to all participants. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Hot cocoa will be provided post-hike.

Free to Attend! Registration Required (sign-up below before January 17th).

Parking Instructions: Parking is available at Mertes Slough. Turn into the Mertes Slough boat landing and find parking at any available stall. If the lot is full, additional parking can be found alongside the road leading in and out of Winona east of the Winona Bridge.

Inclusions

• Snowshoes

• Trekking Poles

• Microspikes

• Hot Cocoa

Exclusions

• Water bottle

• Other personal items you may want for the hike

Accessibility Information

• Accessible entrance

• Accessible parking

• No bathrooms

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations

Adventure lovers! Don’t let bad weather or lack of appropriate gear stop you from getting outside this year! Join us this fall at our next bi-annual Gear Swap at Curiosi-Tea House in Winona, MN on Sunday, November 3rd from 10 am - 2pm. 

This fall, we're partnering with Janky Gear out of Rochester, Minnesota for our bi-annual Gear Swap! If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us a week before the sale. The Janky Gear team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything. Stay tuned for more details on drop-off times!

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Looking for affordable and gently used items? Check out our Gear Swap! We have a wide range of fall and winter clothing, gear, off-season items, and dollar bins. And while you're here, don't forget to grab a cup of coffee, tea, or a bite to eat at Curiosi-Tea House. We want you to have the best experience possible!

What’s Included

Access to affordable, thrifted outdoor clothing and gear as well as a range of organizations/businesses sharing resources or sellable materials with attendees. Coffee, tea and food available for purchase at Curiosi-Tea to enjoy while shopping

Parking Instructions

Park either alongside 5th Street or Baker. Keep an eye out for passing vehicles and enter into Curiosi-Tea House either using the wheelchair accessible ramp on Baker Street or the front door entrance on 5th Street.

Are there bathrooms available?

Yes! There are gender-free bathrooms at Curiosi-Tea that are ADA accessible and provide space for families with care needs for young children.

If you have gently used gear and clothing that you would like to sell or donate, you can bring it to us a week before the sale. Our team will take care of the selling process for you, so you don't have to worry about anything.

Gear swaps are a fantastic alternative to traditional purchasing and selling methods. They provide a more ethical option for selling outdoor gear because they promote reuse and reduce waste. By participating in a gear swap, you can give your unused gear a second life and ensure that it will be used and appreciated by someone else.

Intake Process - Week Before Event

We'd be grateful if you could drop off your items with the Janky Gear team members during the week leading up to the sale. Doing so gives them enough time to inspect and price the items before the big day. You can collect your items and drop them off at 356 E Sanborn St in Winona, Minnesota. We'll collect gear swap items on Sunday, October 27th from 1-3 pm and Monday, October 28th from 4-6 pm. If this timing does not work for you, reach out to jankygear@gmail.com to schedule a separate drop-off. 

We will have a variety of organizations and businesses present at the event, showcasing resources and merchandise for attendees to purchase. If you're interested in selling items or setting up a table, please contact us for more information by sending an email to info@winonaoutdoorcollaborative.com.

Join us for our upcoming members-only meetup at Aghamming Park on Latch Island. We'll be experiencing the revitalizing and calming practice of forest bathing.

Get ready to unwind and relax with the rejuvenating and peaceful practice of forest bathing. It's the perfect opportunity to take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in nature. So come join us as we slow down and connect with the natural world around us in a gentle and intentional way.

This event is exclusively for members. If you're not a member yet, don't worry! You can easily become one by visiting our membership page.

Aghaming Park and Preserve contains over 1,950 acres of some of the best-preserved floodplain forests in the country. The park preserve also is an excellent site for birdwatching, along the Mississippi Flyway - the largest migratory route in the United States.

What to Bring?

• Water Bottle

• Comfortable Clothing

Accessibility Information

• Park at the trailhead beyond the wagon bridge. Please arrive by 9:55 am to settle in and prepare.

• Please reach out to us via email for additional accommodations