Plan your visit to frozen river film fest
January 24–31, 2027 | Winona, Minnesota
Join us in beautiful Winona, Minnesota, for the 22nd annual Frozen River Film Festival! Nestled along the Mississippi River in the heart of the Driftless Region, Winona is home to a vibrant arts community, historic architecture, independent businesses, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Whether you're traveling from across the Midwest or across the country, we look forward to welcoming you for a week of documentary films, conversations, and community gatherings.
Getting to Winona
By Car
Winona is conveniently located along the Mississippi River, with easy access from major Midwestern cities via Highway 61 and Interstate 90.
Approximate driving times:
La Crosse, WI — 35 minutes
Rochester, MN — 50 minutes
Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN — 2 hours
Madison, WI — 2.5 hours
Milwaukee, WI — 3.5 hours
Chicago, IL — 4.5–5 hours
Winter weather can affect travel times, so we encourage visitors to check road conditions before departing.
By Train
Travel to the festival by rail! Winona has its own Amtrak station, served by the Empire Builder and Borealis routes, connecting the city with Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and other destinations.
Winona Amtrak Station
65 East Mark Street
Winona, MN 55987
The station is conveniently located near downtown Winona and several festival venues.
Book your trip at Amtrak.com.
By Air
Several regional and international airports serve the Winona area.
La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE)
Approximately 30 miles from Winona, with connections through Chicago.
Rochester International Airport (RST)
Approximately 45–55 miles from Winona, with connections through major airline hubs.
Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Approximately 125 miles from Winona, offering extensive domestic and international flight options.
Visitors flying into the region are encouraged to arrange a rental car or ground transportation in advance.
Where to Stay
Winona offers a variety of accommodations, including historic hotels, locally owned inns, vacation rentals, and familiar hotel chains.
We encourage festival guests to stay locally and enjoy everything our community has to offer.
For hotel listings and additional visitor information, explore Visit Winona.
Festival lodging partnerships and special guest rates will be announced as they become available.
Getting Around Winona
Many of our festival venues are located in or near downtown Winona, making it easy to explore the city between screenings.
Festival events will take place across a variety of community spaces, cultural institutions, and independent venues.
Visitors can explore downtown on foot, use local transportation services, or drive between venues. Please check individual venue information for accessibility and parking details.
Explore Winona
Make the most of your festival visit!
Discover local coffee shops, independent restaurants, galleries, museums, and small businesses throughout downtown Winona.
Surrounded by the Mississippi River and scenic bluffs, Winona offers an unforgettable winter setting for a documentary film festival.
We encourage festivalgoers to explore our community, support local businesses, and discover what makes Winona such a special place.
Visit Visit Winona for dining, lodging, shopping, and sightseeing recommendations.
Festival Headquarters
The ARC – Home of the Historic Masonic Theatre
255 Main Street
Winona, MN 55987
The ARC serves as a central gathering place for Frozen River Film Festival, with screenings, discussions, and community programming throughout the festival.
Additional screenings and special events take place at partner venues across Winona.
For festival updates, schedules, and venue information, visit frff.org.
We can't wait to welcome you to Winona!