Last month we went on a Sunday Drive down Highway 61 towards Winona, Minnesota. The sun was shining bright and we enjoyed the scenic views of the Mississippi River. Because it was late March, the trees had not budded out yet, and we saw a lot more of the water than driving the same route in summer or fall when the trees are full. It’s a beautiful drive anytime of the year, but I it was nice seeing more of the river this time.
Our first stop was Lark Toys, a very unique and fun stop. Lark Toys is a toy museum, a retail store with a large selection of wooden toys, vintage-style toys and a fine book shop. The museum has glass enclosed displays with all sorts of games and toys from bygone years that prompt many memories and a delight to see. There is an indoor carousal you can ride, a candy store to buy old-fashion candies, and an ice cream shoppe.
Our next stop was the Marine Art Museum in Winona. It seems an unusual place for such a quality museum, but I assume it’s because of the two colleges in Winona, and probably a generous donor. It is on an inlet of the river, close to downtown but in a more industrial part of town. The tagline on their website is “Great art inspired by water.” I like that because I like water, and I like art.
The museum has permanent displays and changing exhibitions. Some works of Fred Somers, a talented and inspiring Northfield artist, were on display the day we were at the museum, and also an exhibition about the Titanic, with art pieces to go along with that tragic story.
Exhibitions change which provides new artworks to see, but the permanent displays are wonderful too. I don’t know much about art…I never took an art history class (but wish I had). I really enjoy admiring the artwork. I marvel at those who can paint. I often think, “this piece started out as a blank canvas!” A lot of the pieces (but not all) in the museum focus on marine art, thus the name.
There are two permanent collections: American artists and European artists. The American collection is “historical works by American artist spanning the length of the nation’s history”. I don’t know many American artists, but I’m learning. The European collection had pieces by artists I recognized, such as; Monet, van Gogh, Degas, Renoir, Picasso and more.
Understandably photographs were not permitted (except in the lobby). There is a nice gift shop where I bought some postcards.
It’s worth the drive to Winona to check out this interesting and amazing museum.
Hi Valerie,
Thanks for the reminding me of the Marine Art Museum! I’ve been there several times, but not in the last several years. Time for another visit!
We discovered the museum a few years ago and were so impressed.
And it’s a scenic drive to get there.
You are inspiring me to do a river drive. I love LARK Toys. Charming. Fun.
I’ve been to the Marine Art Museum once, many years ago. I remember, especially, the woodcarvings in one particular gallery. Sounds like you had an enjoyable visit there are you learn more about art. For me, the enjoyment of art is more important than knowledge thereof, although that’s nice to have also.
It’s a wonderful day trip to the MMAM – a fun and cultural outing,
with a whimsical stop at Lark toys!
I get fired up about your trips, but before we go on one you already have recorded another adventure ! Keep up the keen inspirational trips !
I hope to! 😉
We drove to Lark Toys and the Marine Museum a couple of years ago and loved them both. There was an artist at the art museum who
told us a lot about some of the paintings. I wish every art center and museum had this as you learn so many unique things about the artist and the paintings. Winona is a beautiful area – sounds like you and
Gary had a wonderful trip!
Thanks Shirley.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the museum and Lark Toys also.