Great River Bluffs State Park

Snapshot virtual tour

Welcome to the Great River Bluffs State Park virtual tour! In this journey you'll stroll through the goat prairie, admire the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley from several scenic overlooks, and check out a few of our favorite campsites. We hope it prompts you to visit the park in person sometime soon.

Photo of three people enjoying the scenery from Great River Bluff State Park's East Overlook.

 

East Overlook

Welcome to the East Overlook. From this vantage point you get an excellent view of the mighty Mississippi River. On the far side of the river is Wisconsin and back waters that make up the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. A bald eagle flies gracefully above the bluffs, a common sight.

Photo of a lone hiker on the leaf-covered trail to the East Overlook.

 

Trail to East Overlook

On the trail leading to the East Overlook you can see the beautiful Mississippi River Valley and into Wisconsin.

Photo of one of the interpretive signs at the Orchard Overlook at Great River Bluffs State Park.

 

Orchard Overlook

The Orchard Overlook sits above Kearns Valley. Off in the distance is Interstate 90. You may notice restricted access/no trespassing signs below this overlook and in other areas of the park. These are posted to protect important plants and animal habitat.

Photo of Campsite #2 in Great River Bluffs State Park's main campground, with a fire ring and picnic table in the background.

 

Main Campground

This is in the park's main campground at Site 2. Each of the 31 sites has a picnic table, fire ring and an easy walk to the shower building. There are no electrical hookups in the campground. Most sites have vegetation for privacy.

Photo of the breathtaking view across the valley and out to the Mississippi River, visible from the Drive-by Overlook on the way to the main campground.

 

Drive-by Overlook

The Drive-by Overlook is on the way to the campground. Pull the car over and sit for a bit, getting a great look at the great river.

Photo of the view from the Kearns Valley Overlook, which looks out over a meadow of delicate goat prairie grasses and flowers.

 

Kearns Valley Overlook

Kearns Valley Overlook is at the end of the trail. Below this point is posted no trespassing to protect delicate goat prairie grasses and flowers.

Photo of the view from the South Overlook, looking out over miles and miles of the Mississippi River Valley.

 

South Overlook

From the picnic grounds parking lot, take a walk to South Overlook. Enjoy a look at the Mississippi River Valley from 500 feet above.

Photo of a visitor reading an interpretive panel at the North Overlook, one of the most popular places at Great River Bluffs State Park.

 

North Overlook Scene #1

Another overlook accessible from the picnic grounds is North Overlook, the most popular point in the park. Interpretive panels tell the story of the Mississippi River Valley and identify landmarks in the distance.

Photo of the view down the valley from the North Overlook. From here, you can see many miles of the Mississippi River Valley.

 

North Overlook Scene #2

North Overlook is about 200 yards from the parking lot.

Photo of the Kings Bluff Trail at Great River Bluffs State Park, an easy 1.25 mile hiking trail from the parking lot to the Kings Bluffs Overlook.

 

Kings Bluff Trail

Kings Bluff Trail is the most used trail in the park. It is 1.25 miles of easy walking from the parking lot to the end of the trail which stops at Kings Bluffs Overlook. This is the park's Hiking Club trail.

Photo of a field of goat prairie grasses and flowers, one of the best 'goat prairies' in all of Minnesota.

 

Goat Prairies

Great River Bluffs State Park had some of the best "goat prairies" in Minnesota. Sometimes the best reward of the hike is just to relax and soak it in!

Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment

This program is made possible by funds from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

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