City of Winona’s

Prairie Island Park

The land of the City of Winona’s Prairie Island Park was gifted by John A. Latsch in 1915 as a part of his vision to create an Island Park Preserve in the bottomlands of the Mississippi River. He had acquired land from the town of Homer, all the way to Whitman Dam. In 1934, this vision changed course upon the completion of Lock & Dam 5A and the resultant flooding and submersion of 3,000 acres of Latsch’s acquired land upstream from the dam. To learn more about the history, click on the images below to read the series of articles published in Winona County Historical Society’s The Argus Newsletter.

Prairie Island was at the center of Latsch’s vision, as it had been considered by the European settlers of Winona since the 1860’s as a place to picnic, grow produce, hunt and fish, and simply enjoy the wild refuge away from city life. The source of the name “Prairie Island” is not clear, however, but is likely rooted in the fact that the Mdewakanton Dakota people, along with Ho-chunk and Ojibway neighbors, through the use of fire, had likely maintained the island of prairie within the floodplain forest through generations. Folks at the Prairie Island Indian Community, an hours drive upriver from Winona, may have insight into the significance of the name Prairie Island.

For now, what is understood is the prairie and floodplain forest found here is comprised of many unique, culturally, and ecologically significant plant relatives that we have much to learn about. The Swamp Oak Wanderers program at the Campground creates opportunities for discovery and learning of some of this important knowledge.

THE AMENITIES of Prairie Island Park that extend their welcome to guests today include the Prairie Island Nature Trail, the Kiwanis Shelter, a public boat launch and parking lot at the spillway, Black Bird Slough Canoe Trail, a dog park, disc golf course, and a campground.

The Prairie island nature trail

The Nature Trail at Prairie Island offers an accessible floodplain forest experience. Spring and fall bring excellent opportunities for observing song birds in migration. A Phenology Monitoring Trail and an Orienteering Course are currently in development as part of the overall trail system. The plant community is undergoing habitat development and restoration. As of January 1st, 2024, 8-acres has been cleared of buckthorn. Check the SWAMP OAK CALENDAR for opportunities to get involved in winter service to the land.

disc golf course

The 18-hole Prairie Island Disc Golf course is free and open to the public. Please click on here for more information.

kiwanis shelter

The shelter is able to be rented through the City of Winona for special events including family reunions, birthday parties, graduations, and more! Please contact the City of Winona’s Parks and Recreation Department in order to rent.

dog park

The dog park offers off-leash opportunities for dogs and their owners.