Great River Bluffs

Great River Bluffs SP https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00244#homepage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_River_Bluffs_State_Park Great River Bluffs State Park is located on the Mississippi River southeast of Winona, Minnesota. The park preserves steep-sided bluffs rising 500 feet (150 m) above the river and the narrow valleys between them, which support rare and fragile plant communities. The King's Bluff Nature Trail leads out onto King's Bluff (although the far tip is still privately owned). Other short trails lead out to viewpoints, some of the Mississippi River and Wisconsin shore, and some to goat prairies overlooking a narrow valley.

© 2020, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources MAP AND GUIDE: GREAT RIVER BLUFFS STATE PARK 43605 KIPP DRIVE WINONA, MN 55987 WINONA COUNTY 507-312-2650 VISITOR TIPS SO EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THE PARK... ABOUT THE PARK Great River Bluffs State Park was created in 1976 so that everyone could experience the bluffland area of southeastern Minnesota. Perched above the Mississippi River, the park's 2,835 acres lie within the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest. The park is dedicated to the protection and restoration of natural resources and contains two State Natural Areas. Visit the park and explore diverse plant communities including maple-basswood forests, old hickory, pines, goat prairies and old fields. Experience this unique landscape while you hike, camp, birdwatch, picnic, snowshoe or ski. A FULL SET OF STATE PARK RULES AND REGULATIONS IS AVAILABLE AT THE PARK OFFICE OR MNDNR.GOV. PARK OPEN 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. VEHICLE PERMITS Permits required; purchase at park office or at the Welcome Center. • Use caution when hiking trails to overlooks or along steep slopes. Keep small children close. • While timber rattlesnakes live in the park, they are not numerous. Stay on the trails and give them space in the unlikely event that you see one. They are a protected species. • Dogs are not allowed in State Natural Areas within the park. • In an emergency call 911. ONLY HAVE AN HOUR? • Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the spacious picnic grounds and scenic views from nearby overlooks. TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS King’s Bluff Trail 1.25 miles one-way Some hills • Mowed grass • Packed dirt Experience scenic vistas of the Mississippi River Valley from overlooks along this trail. This path to impressive views passes through oak savannah and one of the park’s Scientific and Natural Areas. Interpretive signs share the story of the landscape along the way. South Overlook Trail 0.2 miles one-way Some hills • Packed dirt View the mighty Mississippi River as it winds far below the bluffs at the end of this trail. An overlook provides a wooden deck and bench for relaxing as you soak in the view. Start this trail at the picnic area parking lot. East Overlook Trail 0.3 miles one-way Some hills • Packed dirt Your reward at the end of this short hike is one of the most picturesque views in the park. The scenery is especially beautiful in fall when colorful maples and oaks cover the bluffs. Begin this hike at the campground visitor parking lot. CAMPGROUND QUIET HOURS 10 p.m.– 8 a.m.; only registered campers may be in campground during quiet hours. FIREWOOD Must be purchased at this park or from vendors who sell wood approved for this park; no gathering firewood in the park. CURIOUS ABOUT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER STATE WATER TRAIL? GO TO MNDNR.GOV/WATERTRAILS MORE INFORMATION MORE TO EXPLORE BE OUR GUEST • Visit in early spring to see blooming flowers in the prairie. • Unplug, relax and stay awhile at a drive-in or hike-in campsite. Visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757 to make a reservation. • Visit in fall for a stunning display of color across the bluffs. LOOKING FOR MORE TO DISCOVER DURING YOUR STAY? VISIT MNDNR.GOV/GREATRIVERBLUFFS Keep on 6-foot leash; pick up after; attend at all times; not allowed in buildings. − • Hike the King's Bluff Trail for a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River Valley. • Bring your binoculars! The river valley is a major flyway for waterfowl, eagles and hawks. You may even spot a peregrine falcon. PETS WELCOME Enjoy spectacular views of the blufflands. • Stop back in winter to snowshoe or to ski groomed trails. • Bicyclists, a 5-site bicycle campground is located off south-bound U.S. Highway 61/14 for those biking along the Great River Road. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Information Center 500 Lafayette Rd. , St. Paul, MN 55155-4040 888-646-6367 or mndnr.gov/parks The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This information may be available in alternative format upon request.