Only In Minnesota features Winona and Great River Bluffs as a “Gorgeous Minnesota Destination” this Fall

The recent Only in Minnesota feature shouts out Winona’s own Great River Bluffs State Park as one of “13 Gorgeous Minnesota Destinations to Visit This Autumn.”

Minnesota is good at every season, but autumn is when the state really shows off. Millions of acres of forest shift into reds, oranges, and golds, and you can find a good view from the Iron Range to the river bluffs. Winona is, of course, one of our favorite places to get outside and enjoy the Fall colors!

Southern Minnesota gets overlooked, but the Winona area is a gem. Great River Bluffs State Park covers about 3,000 acres of high bluffs above the Mississippi River. The best way to enjoy it in fall is to hike up to an overlook and look down on the treetops, a patchwork of color with the river winding through it. It’s a rewarding stop whether you live nearby or are making a weekend of it.

Tips for Your Fall Adventure

• Time it right. Color peaks earlier in the north and later in the south, so check a foliage report before you go.
• Go early. Popular overlooks and waterfalls fill up on weekends, and mornings are quieter with softer light.
• Layer up. Fall mornings can be cold and afternoons warm, so dress for both.
• Bring a camera. Even your phone will do justice to a bluff-top view.

Whether you’re after thundering waterfalls, quiet lakes, or a sweeping river view, Minnesota has a spot for you this season. Pick a destination, lace up your boots, and get out there before the leaves drop.