The Recreation Alliance of Winona was founded on April 20, 2017, by a group of dedicated outdoor recreation experts and enthusiasts who shared a common belief: Winona’s natural landscape is a powerful asset for community connection, health, and economic vitality. From the beginning, the Alliance’s board has been deeply rooted in outdoor recreation, bringing technical knowledge, lived experience, and a passion for stewarding the places that make Winona unique.

The Alliance’s earliest work focused on advocacy and partnership. Working alongside the City of Winona and the Winona Area Mountain Bike Association, the organization helped advance two foundational projects: the Bluff Traverse and the Sugar Loaf Trail. These early efforts established a collaborative model that remains central to the Alliance’s approach, bringing together public agencies, nonprofit partners, and community members to strengthen outdoor access for all.

Since those early days, the Recreation Alliance of Winona has grown in both scope and impact. Today, the organization supports the infrastructure, accessibility, and long-term advancement of outdoor recreation across the Winona area. Current projects include the Winona Ice Climbing Park, the development of an ADA-accessible dock at Prairie Island, and the continued completion of the Bluff Traverse, each reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable outdoor experiences.

As the Alliance continues to evolve, its mission remains grounded in the same values that shaped its founding: collaboration, stewardship, and a deep respect for the outdoors as a shared community resource, one that invites people of all ages and abilities to explore, connect, and belong.