Great River Bluffs State Park

Introduction of Great River Bluffs State Park

Great River Bluffs State Park (formerly O.L. Kipp State Park) in Winona, Minnesota, is a gorgeous getaway for any season of the year, set on towering bluffs on the mighty Mississippi River. The high bluffs are an excellent place to reconnect with nature by watching the trees change colours, studying the geology of the river valley, or exploring the park’s unusual topography and vegetation – this park is home to the unusual “goat prairies.” Walk along the tall ridges and take in the breathtaking views of the river and the valley it has carved over many years. You’ll have plenty to explore with over 3,000 acres of land available.

The nearby city of Winona is a bustling area with a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Kayak, visit museums, or attend an outdoor concert all within the confines of this charming but lively city. Camping in the Great River Bluffs State Park is a comfortable adventure available from March to October, with 33 back-in, primitive RV sites with convenient flush toilets and shower facilities. There are also cart and bike parking areas. Whether you come to the park to relax or to seek adventure, you will have a great time exploring this beautiful geological anomaly.

Great River Bluffs State Park Camping

In a single loop, Great River Bluff State Park has 33 back-in RV spots. The sites are rustic and do not have any kind of hookups; however, there are water sources available within the park. Accepting large rigs up to 60 feet long, each spot is spacious and has a table and fire pit, with plenty of foliage between spots to provide visitors with a comfortable sense of privacy. Because you’ll be deep in the woods, bring bug spray and materials for levelling your rig on sometimes-uneven ground.

Sites 6 and 8 are ADA-accessible and close to the bathhouse, making them two of the 33 available. The bathhouse is located in the centre of the campground and has flush toilets and hot showers.

Visitors are welcome to bring their domestic pets to this pet-friendly campground. Be aware of which areas they are permitted to enter and which they are not, such as the beach. Always keep them on a leash and clean up after them so that others can enjoy the park after you.

Only camping visitors are permitted in the campground during quiet hours, which are from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Only approved firewood may be burned to prevent the spread of non-native insects and bugs, and it is available for purchase by the bundle in the park. Reservations can be made up to a year ahead of time.

Great River Bluffs State Park Activities

Fall Colors

The park is ideal for enjoying nature and photographing the breathtaking views and sights on offer. This region’s oak-hickory and maple-basswood forests are especially beautiful in the fall. As far as the eye can see, the slopes are ablaze with oranges, reds, and yellows. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and your camera, because this is a sight you won’t want to leave and will want to remember for the rest of your life.

Biking and Hiking

The park is located along the famous Great River Road, a network of roads that follows the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana, passing through ten different states. Cycling the Great River Road is a popular activity for both locals and visitors. Great River Bluffs State Park caters to this two-wheeled crowd by providing five bike-in sites off Highway 61 at mile marker 12. Even if you don’t need the bike-in spots and are staying in an RV, biking along the pleasant roads in the area with spectacular views of the river is a treat.

Bird watching

During your visit to the park, you are sure to see waterfowl, eagles, hawks, ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, or one of the over 200 species of birds in the area. Make sure to pack your binoculars and a printed version of the park’s bird checklist in your RV. Your real-life scavenger hunt will keep you busy all day and can be done from the comfort of your campsite or from a hilltop overlooking the vast river basin.

Scenic Overlooks

There are several short walks and out-and-back hiking trails within the park that provide breathtaking views. The two overlook walks are located at the beginning and end of the camping loop, respectively. Hike the two-mile Great River Bluffs State Park Trail alone or combine it with the King’s Bluff Loop (four miles). You’ll have breathtaking views of distant lakes, the river, and excellent trees and wildlife no matter where you walk.

River Boat Cruise

Speaking of the famous Mississippi, riverboat cruise companies compete in nearby Winona to provide the most exciting float down the river. You can take a guided tour through high-walled ravines and under scenic bridges while learning about local and geological history, or you can sign up for a sunset dinner cruise. If neither of these options appeals to you, consider sipping wine while sailing around nearby Lake Pepin. While taking in the breathtaking views along the Mississippi, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Great River Bluffs State Park Location

Great River Bluffs State Park is conveniently located just off I-90, about 17 miles from downtown Winona, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin. RVers travelling from Winona or LaCrosse will not encounter any height-restricting obstacles along the way. If you’re looking for a shorter drive to pick up supplies during your stay at the park, Dakota is about six miles away and is sure to have what you’re looking for.

The wide and accessible road leading to the one-loop with all the camping is easy to navigate within the park. There will be no need to leave your spot to explore the park because it is small and the trails and playground are all within walking distance. The paths to the two lookouts are located at the beginning and end of the camping loop.

Parking

There are only a few parking spaces available at this park. These are located at the trailheads to the south and north overlooks, as well as another trailhead near the park’s entrance.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available