Let's see what we can find...
Welcome to Winona State University, and Winona, MN in general! Whether or not you are able to join us for this year’s Games & Craft Social in the Library, we wanted to help you orient yourself on campus and in the community.
Libraries are locations designed to help you feed your curiosity, meet information needs and research goals, and develop valuable life-long critical thinking skills. To get you started on your search for stuff to do in Winona, we wanted to give you some leads on places where you can look out for community events, or you can get supplies for various hobbies!
Winona’s craft and entertainment cultures are rich, so we won’t capture everything here. If you have trouble finding information about the town of Winona or Winona State University, you are welcome to visit the library to get help with your search. For all things Winona that are not focused on the university, you can also get help and recommendations from the Winona Public Library and the Winona Visitor Center. Otherwise...ask around!
Campus Events and Clubs!
If you lose track, you can find this information in lots of places. We recommend using the Winona State website and its search bar.
| Pro-tip: using Google? Add site:winona.edu to your search 😉. |
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Winona State Events CalendarOne-stop shop for campus events. Don't stop after you look here, though!
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Winona Student ClubsWhat do you mean WSU has over 140 student clubs and orgs?!
Game and Art/Craft Highlights:
There are no shortage of game and craft opportunities on campus...keep your eyes out for:
- Special interest orgs like the Winona Gaming Community, the Winona Super Smash Brothers Club, Pokemon GO Club, Art Clubs, and Esports clubs!
- The Warrior Entertainment Network
- Lots of Cultural/Identity-Based student orgs hold events that can introduce you to so many unique ways to create, share experiences, and come together!
- Even if you aren't a maker/creator yourself, if you like to see local and traveling art exhibits, look out for new installations at the Watkins and Weber Galleries!
- The library has a collection of board games and playing cards that you can check-out!
- On the first floor of the library is the Digital Learning Commons (DLC), which has a 3D printer and a Cricut Maker 3
Art & Craft Supplies and Events
You'll be well-acquainted with big box stores and campus shops over time, so let's highlight some local spots, many of which are within walking-distance of campus! If you cannot find what you need, there are many more places to explore in nearby Rochester and La Crosse.
| ? Curious about the long history of local businesses, crafts-folk, and artists in Winona? Take a look at the Spirit of Winona video series and the Winona Newspaper database! Want a local deep-dive? Look up "stained glass"! |
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YarnologyWhile their focus is on yarn, Yarnology carries a ton of different notions! They often keep a "stash cart" of yarn that you can ask about. They offer classes and generally are a local-go to for all-things yarn! Keep an eye out for their events and newsletter.
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Art & SolDid you know that Art & Sõl sell new and used arts & crafts supplies? Well, now you do! They often have workshops, and you'll seen their sign out on Huff Street!
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Green Thumb ArtistryA local plant shop, Green Thumb Artistry also carries supplies for fairy gardens, terrariums, and macrame hanger kits. They also have all sorts of workshops, from terrariums to general plant care.
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Bluffview Quilt ShopOver in Goodview, you can find all sorts of quilting fabric and notions at Bluffview Quilt Shop.
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Winona Area MakersThe Winona Area Makers group is one place to keep up with all sorts of making events in town.
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Heart's DesireThe Heart's Desire gift shop also frequently carries supplies like artificial plants and flowers, if decorating and hand-made gifts are your jam.
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Winona Public Library - Library of Things and Maker MondaysThe WPL has a "library of things," meaning you can check out some interesting non-booky stuff. They also host craft and game events all year round!
Rather thrift?
Local makers and orgs that offer workshops
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Fix-it Clinics through the Winona Creators Collective!"Do you have something that needs repair or mending? Fix-It Clinics are a free event where volunteers attempt to breathe new life into small broken items and clothes."
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Museum Makers ClassesThe Winona County History Center (WCHC) hosts makers classes based in craft traditions!
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Studio Arts Programs for Minnesota Marine Art Museum VisitorsThe MMAM hosts studio arts programs. Also, for their exhibits, students get a discount!
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Winona Arts CenterIn addition to exhibits and film showings, the WAC holds classes on various artforms!
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Winona Feed, Seed & MoreIf you're new to the Midwest, you may not have gotten to experience the fun that is crop art, yet. If you already know you need seeds of every color, that's where this local shop can come in.
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Winona Creators CollectiveThe Winona Creators Collective is in the process of developing a community makerspace! You can keep up with their progress here.
Games & Recreation Supplies and Events
Just like with arts & crafts spots, if you want to explore more, Rochester and La Crosse are worth checking out. In Winona, though, we're doing pretty well with:
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JimmyJamsPartner in games JimmyJams has more than just board games -- they also have outdoor recreation supplies (including frisbees) and all the supplies you'd need to paint figurines! They have a monthly schedule of events.
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Northland BreaksInto TCGs? Northland Breaks sells and buys trading cards, and has sports memorabilia at that.
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Paperbacks and PiecesIn addition to used books, Paperbacks and Pieces often carries puzzles and the occasional art supplies!
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Warpzone Video GamesWarpzone is right across from campus, and carries tons of vintage video games and systems.
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Winona Axe & ArcadeAxe-throwing in a supervised environment--need we say more? Oh, yes, and they have arcade machines!
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Lark ToysOK, technically Lark Toys is not in Winona. Let's save you from goose-necking as you drive past it on HW-61, though. So many toys, and mini-golf!
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Lake Park and Lake Lodge Recreation CenterYou can rent all sorts of lawn game supplies, in addition to outdoor equipment at the Lake Lodge Recreation Center.
