Local members
About Minneiska
Minneiska was named by the Sioux Indians. The name
Minneiska means "Water White". Two Rivers, the
Whitewater and Zumbro joined the Mississippi causing
turbulence that appeared white. The Indians loved the area
for water travel and the high bluffs above the river allowed a
lookout for game and enemy tribes.
Nestled among the bluffs and next to the Mississippi River, the
city is located on Highway 61, 15 miles up-river from Winona,
and 15 miles down-river from Wabasha. It is also close to the
2800 acre Whitewater Management Area and numerous State
Forest Lands. Eagles nest in summer and can be seen fishing
almost year round. Pelicans can be seen soaring in the updrafts
and in the fall tundra swans come to feed and rest.
A "Fish" weather vane located high on the bluffs above
Minneiska was originally made of wood and erected in the
mid 1800's. It gave Log Rafters a clue to wind direction. The
wood "Fish" has since been replaced with a tin fish.
Puttman Gray built what is known as "Crazy Man’s Castle" 1/2
mile south of Minneiska. It was built from driftwood, three
stories high and decorated with towers, steeples, verandas and
pagodas. A show place and tourist curiosity, it was advertised
in St. Louis and when steamboat lights ashed across the
"Castle" at night, Gray’s daughters would dance with white
sheets covering themselves. Puttman Gray invented a vertical
amusement ride that was purchased by a man named Farris
and became the "Ferris Wheel".
The city now has claim to the most woodcarvers per capita.
Visit the towns two bar and grills where you can relax, enjoy
food and drink and observe the many species of birds going
about their daily rituals on the Mississippi River.
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