- Attraction: Bloedow’s Bakery
- Location: 451 East Broadway, Winona, MN 55987
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://www.bloedows.com/
Picture this: you’re driving through southeastern Minnesota when suddenly the most intoxicating aroma hits you – warm, sweet, and utterly irresistible.
That’s your first clue that you’ve discovered Bloedow’s Bakery, a century-old treasure that’s been perfecting the art of donut-making since 1924. This isn’t just any bakery; it’s the place that made Krispy Kreme pack up and leave town in defeat, earning its stripes as Minnesota’s undisputed donut champion.
What started as Ernest Bloedow’s humble dream has blossomed into a Winona institution that churns out up to 5,400 donuts daily using the exact same recipes from opening day.
You’ll find yourself joining lines that stretch around the block on Saturday mornings, but trust us – every minute of waiting is worth it when you bite into what countless visitors call “the best donuts of their lives.”
Signature Donuts That Define Perfection
The Legendary Maple Long John: This isn’t just Bloedow’s most famous creation – it’s practically a religious experience.
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Keep Exploring →The donut base is incredibly light and fluffy, almost pancake-like in texture, while the maple frosting strikes the perfect balance between sweet and rich. You’ll understand why people drive hundreds of miles specifically for this golden masterpiece.
Peanut Butter Rolls: These circular pastries are swirled with creamy peanut butter where you’d expect cinnamon, creating a uniquely indulgent treat that’s become a house specialty. The sweet dough pairs beautifully with the nutty filling, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors.
Chocolate Cake Donuts: The chocolate frosting on these beauties is glossy and decadent, while the cake underneath maintains that perfect dense-yet-tender texture. They’re especially divine when dunked in hot coffee, creating a combination that locals swear by.
Bavarian Cream Bismarks: Available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, these pillowy donuts are generously filled with rich Bavarian cream that doesn’t skimp on quantity. The filling is so abundant that you’ll be amazed how they manage to pack so much goodness into each donut.
Glazed Raised Donuts: The signature glazed donuts here are works of art – incredibly light and airy with a glaze that’s perfectly sweet without being cloying. These are the donuts that helped Bloedow’s outlast every other bakery in town and continue to set the standard for excellence.
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Discover MoreWeekly Filled Donut Schedule
Monday Specials: Bavarian cream takes center stage, offering that classic custard experience that feels like a warm hug in donut form. The cream is silky smooth and perfectly sweetened.
Apple Wednesdays: Fresh apple filling brings a delightful fruity sweetness that’s neither too tart nor too sugary. It’s like having apple pie in donut form, complete with hints of cinnamon and spice.
Blueberry Saturdays: These Saturday-only treats feature real blueberry filling that bursts with fresh fruit flavor. Combined with the weekend’s Bavarian cream option, Saturdays become the ultimate filled donut destination.
Lemon and Whipped Cream: Available on Tuesdays and Fridays, these offer lighter, brighter flavor profiles. The lemon filling is perfectly tart and refreshing, while the whipped cream provides an airy, cloud-like texture.
Traditional Atmosphere & Timeless Charm
Historic Setting: Step into the former saloon building on East Broadway, complete with its original charm and character. The hitching post may be gone, but the vintage atmosphere remains intact, transporting you back to simpler times when quality craftsmanship was the norm.
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Keep Exploring →Nostalgic Ambiance: The moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by the warm, sweet aroma of fresh-baked goods and the sight of glass cases filled with perfectly arranged treats. The old-fashioned display cases and traditional bakery setup create an authentic experience that feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen.
Community Gathering Place: You’ll notice that Bloedow’s serves as more than just a bakery – it’s a genuine community hub where neighbors chat in line, sharing stories and recommendations. The Saturday morning crowds create a festive atmosphere where waiting becomes part of the experience.
Handcrafted Excellence: Everything here is made completely from scratch using traditional methods. You won’t find any frozen doughs or mass-produced items – just honest, handmade baked goods created with the same care and attention to detail that Ernest Bloedow established a century ago.
Other Considerations
Exceptional Value: Despite being recognized as the state’s best donuts, prices remain surprisingly reasonable. You’ll find that the quality far exceeds what you’d expect for such modest pricing, making it one of the best bargains in Minnesota.
Early Bird Advantage: Arriving early is crucial, especially on weekends. The bakery opens at 6:00 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM on Saturday, but popular items sell out quickly. Smart visitors place advance orders through their convenient online system to guarantee their favorites.
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Discover MoreLimited Hours: The bakery operates Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Saturday from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. They’re closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Parking Considerations: Street parking is available along Broadway, though it can get competitive during peak weekend hours. The good news is that most customers grab their goodies quickly, so spots turn over frequently.
Family-Friendly Destination: This is absolutely a place where kids are welcome and encouraged. Many families make Saturday morning visits a weekly tradition, and the staff is always patient with little ones making their selections.
Tourist Magnet: Don’t be surprised to encounter bus tours and out-of-state visitors – Bloedow’s reputation extends far beyond Minnesota’s borders. The bakery has been featured in national publications and television shows, cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
Bloedow’s Bakery
📍 451 East Broadway, Winona, MN 55987
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