Wabasha is a small, friendly town on the banks of the Mississippi
While it might be best known for its appearance in the 1993 comedy film "Grumpy Old Men," the southeastern Minnesota city of Wabasha is popular today for its small-town, riverfront lifestyle on the Mississippi. “It’s kind of a bed and breakfast community right next to the river,” says Donna Sylvester, an agent and team lead with Keller Williams Premier, who has 20 years of experience. “There are two marinas, and there are bike trails. A lot of businesses are established on the river, where you can sit and enjoy the views. So, there’s quite a bit with the river that brings people here.” The community is home to just under 3,000 people and offers four seasons of recreation with the water and other nearby attractions. While the laid-back, rural lifestyle appeals to homebuyers, Wabasha is also within commuting distance from Rochester and Winona, making it a convenient choice for workers in those cities.
Vintage and new-build homes line the community streets
Homes cover a wide range of styles and time periods. “You have everything from new construction to homes that have been there since Wabasha started,” Sylvester says. Houses from the early 1900s include cottages, bungalows and American Foursquares. More contemporary properties like split-levels and ranch-style homes are also available. The area has a suburban feel, with leafy trees and grassy yards. Sidewalks line many of the streets, offering walkability through the community. New Traditional houses are available in several subdivisions throughout the city, typically featuring prominent attached garages with room for two or three cars. The median sales price is around $340,000, higher than in Winona but lower than in Lake City. Much of the area is prone to flooding. The city has flood maps available on its website.
Boating, fishing and swimming on the Mississippi River
Water activities are the primary recreation draws in town. Izaak Walton Park has a public boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes or motorboats. It also has 40 seasonal docks for boat storage. Boat owners can also keep their boats at the Parkside Marina or the Wabasha Marina. Spots like Izaak Walton Park and Malone Park also have public fishing docks where visitors can cast a line for crappie, walleye or bass. Rotary Beach Park offers a spot to relax in the sun or enjoy a dip in the river. Other city green spaces include athletic fields and playgrounds. Coffee Mill Ski Area has three lifts allowing skiers to access 14 trails. Coffee Mill Country Club is a nearby 18-hole golf course that is open to the public.
Locally owned restaurants fill the downtown streets
Brick buildings line the streets of downtown Wabasha, housing locally owned shops and restaurants. Herb and Arrow is a bistro serving salad, sandwiches and flatbreads, with plenty of outdoor seating. Other spots include pubs, saloons and pizza joints. Slippery’s Bar & Grill is a bit outside of downtown, but it is one of the most popular spots in the city. “In 'Grumpy Old Men,' they go to Slippery’s. It’s right on the river, and on Saturdays, they have live music. There’s great food and outdoor seating,” Sylvester says. Shops downtown include a hardware store and a bookstore. Groceries are available at Wabasha Fresh Market. Winona has larger retailers like Walmart, Menards and Target.
Events and attractions bring excitement to the riverfront town
Several events bring the community together throughout the year. The Grumpy Old Men Festival pays tribute to the movie and features an ice fishing tournament, a curling competition and a hotdish luncheon. Riverboat Days is an annual festival in July with a parade, 5K run and outdoor market. The National Eagle Center is a nonprofit organization in town with educational exhibits, rehabbing eagles and river cruises to eagle habitats.
Wabasha-Kellogg schools offer several activities for students
Wabasha-Kellogg School District serves the community. Wabasha-Kellogg Elementary School serves prekindergarten through sixth grade and gets a B-minus from Niche. Wabasha-Kellogg High School also earns a B-minus and serves seventh through 12th grades. High school students can participate in clubs and activities like the National Honor Society, alpine skiing and trap shooting teams. The school also offers several dual credit programs, allowing students to earn college credit in high school.
U.S. and state highways offer commutes through southeastern Minnesota
U.S. Route 61 passes through Wabasha, connecting to Winona about 32 miles south. Rochester is about 42 miles away via state Highway 42. Hiawathaland Transit offers on-demand service in the community, but there is no fixed-route public transit. Medical care is available at Gundersen St. Elizabeth’s Hospital on Grant Boulevard.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
