Built in 1904, the Sheldon is one of America's oldest municipal theatres and a National Historic Landmark — a Beaux-Arts jewel hiding in small-town Minnesota. A backstage tour reveals gilded details, the original fly system, and over a century of performing arts history.
What to expect
Step into the Sheldon's opulent lobby — original terrazzo floors, ornate plasterwork, and a coffered ceiling that has watched audiences file in for 120 years. The backstage tour descends into the understage machinery, walks the fly gallery, and reveals the dressing rooms used by touring stars from vaudeville to the present day. The 486-seat auditorium retains near-perfect original acoustics and a gilded proscenium arch that would not be out of place in Vienna. If a performance coincides with your port day, attending is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Good to know
Located in central downtown Red Wing, steps from Main Street. Backstage tours must be pre-arranged — call or email the box office in advance. Check the performance calendar at sheldontheatre.org; evening shows require overnight consideration. Easily combined with a post-tour dinner at nearby restaurants.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Red Wing — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.