Winona County Historical Society Inc

Help preserve local history and provide educational activities for all ages with a donation to the Winona County Historical Society

The Winona County Historical Society has been collecting, preserving and teaching the history of Winona County since 1935. We operate three museums and offer a vibrant array of classes, programs and activities for visitors and locals alike!

The Winona County History Center

Housed in Winona's 1915 Armory with the beautiful contemporary Laird Norton Addition in up and coming historic downtown Winona, Minnesota. The History Center offers three floors of exhibits, the Museum Shop, and houses the Laird Lucas Library and Archives, an extensive research facility, along with rental facilities. It is also home to many community events, programs and classes. Open Weekdays 9 a.m. -5 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sundays 12 - 4 p.m.

The Rural Heritage Museum

Located on the Winona County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Minnesota, the newest museum operated by WCHS focuses on pioneer life and agricultural heritage. The museum and historic log house, log barn and one room school house are open for the Winona County Fair and St. Charles' Gladiolus Days in the summer. 

The Historic Bunnell House

This 19th century Gothic Cottage was home to the first permanent European-American settler in Winona, fur trader Willard Bunnell. The charming home illustrates the more urban side of early settlement of Winona County. Open June - August annually. Located in Homer, Minnesota.