Great River Bluffs Trail and King's Bluff Loop

Great River Bluffs State Park follows a series of impressive bluffs along the Mississippi River just south of Winona. For those of you who think Minnesota is as flat as a pancake (and I'm not saying there aren't places in the state that are), Great River Bluffs will be a surprise. King's and Queen's Bluff are half hills, gradually rising from the valley only to end in a 500 ft cliff along the r...

Perrot State Park, located in Wisconsin's Driftless Region, is home to many tall bluffs, including Brady's Bluff and Trempealeau Mountain. Many elevated hikes give you a wonderful view of the Mississippi River and its surrounding bluffs, but the real treasure is seeing this area from the water by canoe. This state park marks the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers.   Start by r...

It is easiest to park your vehicle in the Myrick Park parking lot versus your other options. The great thing about parking in that lot rather than along the road/neighborhoods is there is a trailhead right there (and it's free). You can begin hiking this short little trail, which will lead to and be immersed in the beautiful nature of La Crosse right away (the trail starts in the NE part of Myr...

It is super easy to get to the Bluff. Park in the parking lot and follow the sidewalk the the Bluff just past the shelter house and giant flag. Grandad Bluff is a 600 foot bluff that overlooks La Crosse Wisconsin. It provided amazing panoramic views of The Mississippi River area. You can even view two other states from here. (Minnesota and Iowa)  We went up at night and it was awesome to see al...

Park on Huff Street on the bridge that divides Lake Winona (we parked in the lot by the Visitor Center).  Walk on Huff St. towards the highway (14/61) and turn left on W. Lake Boulevard (be careful here, it’s a busy road).  Continue on Lake Blvd. past Cty Rd. 44 .  Before the first house on Lake Blvd. you’ll see the wooded path.  Follow the path up and you’ll eventually get to Garvin Heights Pa...

Just off Highway 35, on the south side of Fountain City, you will find an easy access boat landing with ample parking and suitable ramps to launch your kayak, canoe or motor boat. Coming from central Wisconsin, we drove 95 that runs the ridges of the driftless region and offers beautiful views of the farmland - an added bonus for this excursion. As a family of four looking to enjoy the water fo...