A barge floats near the Mississippi River bridge that connects Minnesota and Wisconsin in Winona. A new bridge is under construction next to the old one shown here and is expected to be completed this year. The old bridge will then undergo renovation. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
IN MINNESOTA’S SOUTHEASTERN most tip, the Mississippi River flows alongside bluffs, edging small towns and cities. Like Winona. The Mighty Mississippi shaped this island sandbar, today a destination for those who appreciate history, art, architecture, stained glass and more. Sometimes folks come just for the river.
Someone chalked the Levee Park sign much to my delight. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
On a brief visit to Winona in September, my husband and I watched river traffic from Winona’s downtown Levee Park as twilight tinged the sky pink.
The Winona Tour Boat offers river cruises. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
There’s something incredibly soothing about water. Mesmerizing really. Like a lullaby or poetry or the refrain of a favorite song.
The White Angel tugs a barge. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
Water transports thoughts to a quiet place.
Winona State University’s Cal Fremling boat also offers river cruises with a focus on education. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
Or a place of adventure, sans Huckleberry Finn. Who hasn’t dreamed of clamoring aboard a raft and leaving everything behind?
As the sun sets, Winona State University’s Cal Fremling boat passes under the Mississippi Rover bridge in Winona. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
Days flow like a river, sometimes straight and true, other times twisting and turning through a torrent of troubles.
Boathouses as photographed from Levee Park in Winona. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo, September 2015.
On this September evening, peace ran like a river past Winona, through my soul…
The old Mississippi River bridge in Winona. Minnesota Prairie Roots photo 2015.
diminishing all thoughts of a bridge over troubled waters.
FYI: Tomorrow I conclude my series from Winona.
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Love the “peace like a river” reference. Water does that to me as well. When I wake up in the morning I pull the curtains back so I can watch the sunrise over the lake and it is a perfect start to the day—-watching God’s beauty unfold right before my eyes. There is peace in that picture every single morning Good morning to you, Audrey.
What a wonderful view you have each morning. As I am writing from my home office, the sun is spotlighting me in all its brilliant glory. Such sunshine is welcome on this frigid morning of minus nine degrees F with a minus 29 degree windchill.
Sunshine always makes the day better no matter what the temp. I have been following all of my North Iowa friends and it is just as cold there. Stay warm, my friend.
At some point I need to shovel the sidewalk…
Sending a virtual snowblower your way!
Don’t I wish for a virtual snowblower. A shovel is all I need to deal with today’s dusting of snow. Thanks for making me smile.
I love the softer hue of sky against the steel and concrete… even the mighty Mississippi lends a softer appearance – but of course we know she is a mighty force and not soft nor lazy at all! Great photos, Audrey.
I like that contrast, too. Yes, the Mississippi has certainly shown us her power in recent weeks.
I very much enjoy being near water, on the water and in the water. I concur with you soothing statement. I’ve spent many hours with friends enjoying the river in Winona.
As much as I like the sound and sight of water, I don’t like being on it. Probably because I can’t swim and did not grow up around water. When I took swimming lessons as a youth, the teachers threatened to push me into the water when I was terrified of jumping in the deep end of the pool. Not a good way to teach a young person how to swim.
I am not a great swimmer at all. One of the first experiences with water I recall was nearly drowning because I was running along side a pool, fell, smacked my head on the concrete and fell it. Water scares me – especially huge waves, which I’ve experienced a few times as well (Lake Pepin, Lake Michigan, Caribbean). Life jackets are your friend.
That would be a scary experience.
There is just something about photographing water that speaks to me! Beautiful captures – makes me want to find a boat and escape for a bit 🙂 Happy Day – Enjoy!
And you can do that. Not happening here in icy cold Minnesota.
Yes, we can boat and fish without having to open up the ice – ha!
It’s been a long time since I ice-fished. Maybe time to re-embrace the sport. I am more cautious now, though, about venturing onto a frozen lake than when I was young.
I rescued my cousin from freezing water and he was not even on a frozen lake. We were in among the trees and he felt the snow give and fell into a water depression around a pine tree. Scary! I have carried a tool with me for years to break my truck window due to water filled ditches, foothills with creeks and rivers and now going across a miles long bridge twice a day. I have great respect for water!
That sounds like one scary experience with your cousin. You are a wise woman to carry that tool.
I carry a first aid kit and at times a fire extinguisher – never can be too prepared.
Were you a Girl Scout? Or is that the Boy Scout’s motto?
I grew up on or around farms. I am outdoorsy. I was in the Girl Scouts and Campfire and my brother and my father were involved in Boy Scouts. I also have pretty good street smarts in living in cities and traveling. Ha!
I knew it. Girl Scouts and Campfire, Boy Scouts influence, country girl with street smarts. Perfect.
What a great bridge. Love those old iron ones. Although this summer we went over one from Illinois into Iowa up near Dubuque, and it was kind of terrifying. The boathouses are great, a neat little pop of color by the water.
Oh, I love Dubuque!
I would love to live in one of those houseboats on the river!
There you go. You’ve found your retirement home on the river. Probably no stoplights either.
I too love the water, yes it’s soothing…to the soul. I especially love hearing the wave lap against the shore at our cabin, or the waves that crash into the rock on the shore of Lake Superior, it’s quite mesmerizing!
Waves crashing would be soothing. I’ve always liked the sound of the howling wind. It reminds me of my childhood, all snugged in my northwest corner bedroom while a blizzard raged outside.
The chalk marks on the word PARK,, is called graffiti , and is against the law here. I love water. Especially the ocean. I love hearing the roar of the waves. I hear and see God in the water. Even when the ocean is angry, it brings peace to my soul.
I love that you see God in the water, Norma. Perhaps that’s why water gives me such peace.
I think the chalk on the word PARK was probably intentional and allowed and not graffiti. At least it washes off, unlike paint.
I’d rather view the tranquil waters with my feet firmly on the ground but your pictures sure are stunning.
I’m not an on-the-water person either.
Now this is quite a poetic piece about the river-many lines just beg to be shaped into a poem.
Thanks for the encouragement as I have some poetry competitions to enter and the Muse seems to have vacated my mind in recent weeks.
“Oh, Mississippi you’re callin’ my name”..