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Barn Bluff

4.3 (13 reviews)

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Pic of the bluff from the parking lot.
Erin H.

Excellent views and a good workout. Just make sure you have a windbreaker and proper hiking boots as it can get fairly muddy and windy towards the top.

West side looking down across the harbor
Stacy M.

"Know When to Hold 'Em; Know When to Fold 'Em" According to local Dakota legend, hundreds of years ago, back in the days of floppy disks, Clearly Canadian, and when Bob Barker hosted "The Price is Right", a large mountain stood in the place of Barn Bluff. After arguments ensued over who owned this prime spot for watching over enemies, contestants from two Dakota rival villages participated in challenges for immunity and to win sole possession. Tie votes proved problematic, so the Great Spirit and Jeff Probst instead divided the mountain into two parts. One part stayed in Red Wing and was named Barn Bluff, while the other part moved down the Mississippi River to Winona, where it was named Sugarloaf. We'll save the sugar for later. Barn Bluff has several scenic trails that are perfect for quick, yet fairly steep hikes (expect to spend maybe 30 minutes to an hour to cover the roundtrip hike plus exploring/taking photos at the summit), with the reward being stunning views of Red Wing, Wisconsin, and the Mississippi River at the top. Prehistoric people used to build burial mounds on top of the bluff, so take a moment to think back about all the footsteps that came before yours when you get there. Kids and dogs will enjoy the hike, but be always be careful of loose rocks and drop-offs along the trails. Find a bathroom before you go--there are none at the bluff. Now the tricky part...to find the trailhead (GPS will not always bring you to right spot). A. Drive into town. B. Look up at bluff C. Admire or scoff at of the area dedicated to graffiti on the West side of the bluff. There are layers upon layers of paint featuring graduation years, love declarations, and even tributes to Prince! While not technically legal to deface the bluff, the graffiti has been a tradition for over 50 years--the city doesn't usually paint over it unless there are complaints. D. Ask a local for directions. They're usually tame as long as you don't make any sudden movements. *Trail lengths* --South Trail-- To Lime Quarry .32 miles To East Scenic Overlook .83 miles Roundtrip from Main Park Access to West Scenic Overlook 2.27 miles --Prairie Trail-- From West Scenic Overlook to East Scenic Overlook .55 miles --Carlson Lime Kiln Trail-- .3 miles RT (dead end) *The North trail is closed, but the connection path that leads there also goes to the midland trail and quarry trail, both of which are open. The North trail, being the most difficult and dangerous trail was temporarily closed for modifications (there have been 3 fatalities on that trail since 2011). It should be opening back up again this fall. "Barn Bluff" (Parody of "Love Shack" ~B-52's) If you see a little sign at the side of East Fifth that says Drive straight down to the Barn Bluff Barn Bluff yeah I'm driving down over to Barn Bluff's lot Looking for a gooood parking spot Looking for a gooo--oood parking spot I found me a slot underneath a shade tree Don't need money 'cause the parking is free Three-hundred, forty feet, to the best city view So strap on that Fitbit and let it acrue The Barn Bluff is a pretty, old hill where We can hike together Barn Bluff Baby! At Barn Buff, Baby Barn Bluff, hiking, Barn Bluff Barn Bluff, hiking, barn Bluff Barn Bluff, hiking, barn bluff Barn Bluff, hiking barn bluff Sign Says, "Closed", for the north trail "Cause we care, 'bout your hiking fails" Cause that trail goes back to a narrow, slippery path With a bunch of loose rocks and steep vertical drops Hiking up the South Trail Hiking up the Midland.... Hiking to the lime kiln Hiking through the Prairie.... The Love Shack is a pretty, old hill where We can hike together Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff, that's where we hike Barn Bluff, that's where we hike Huffin' and a-puffin', workin' off your muffin Hiking to the summit, keep on path and don't plummet! The big hill's rockin' Yeah the big hill's rockin' The big hill's rockin', when everyone's a wanderin' on up, And on up, and on up, and back down! Everybody's traipsin', everybody's trampin' around Crowds trekkin' up the trail just to trek down Everybody's traipsin', everybody's trampin' around Rockin' that bluff Rockin' out that bluff! Climb to the summit, it's an amazing view Where your crew can rendevoooous, Wear your hiking shoes, make sure that they're grippy, put em' on 'Cause loose rocks can get slippery! The Barn Bluff is a little old hill where We can hike together Barn Bluff, baby Your what? Barn Door's Open! Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff! Barn Bluff, baby Barn Bluff! After docking the bluff one "Uffda" for the sometimes ill-maintained paths and signage, I would give this beautiful and historic bluff four hearty (and possibly out of breath) "Uffdas". ~The Nosy Norwegian Sniffing out good deals and dusty trails so that you don't have to.

Nancy H.

Excellent views of Red Wing, MN! This is a fun day trip coming from the city. Be prepared to walk up a lot of stairs! Not for the weak! It's free and parking is a bit hidden around back and on the street for free. No bathrooms that we found. Wear a mask during COVID because it will get everyone hugging and puffing on those stairs! Nice trails at the top circling the hill with views on all sides!

Trail
Jamie M.

Hiking in Red Wing on a Saturday afternoon was relaxing. The trail seemed moderate. There appeared to be poor signage but we were still able to navigate our way around. There were a few high points on the trail to observe a great view of the Red Wing area. The park itself was easy to find and parking was accessible. The hike itself overall was ok. Be prepared for a few inclines and some stairs during this walk. I'd suggest making plans to have lunch and shop after in the downtown Red Wing area. I can't say that I was over the top impressed with this hike but it was definitely something to do. This was my first visit to Red Wing and this park was suggested as a place to visit. If you like the outdoors and don't mind walking a bit, you'll be satisfied.

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Review Highlights - Barn Bluff

The South Trail is easy and will take you straight to the top of the bluff, though get ready for a steep climb.

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Bay Point Park - Gin pole boat houses.

Bay Point Park

(3 reviews)

"I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay, wastin' time..." (Otis Redding)…read more If you've got time to waste, I can think of no better place to fritter it away than at this scenic, activity-filled park. Bay Point and Ole Miss Marina are located along the banks of the Mississippi, where one can listen to trains roaring through town while taking in gorgeous views of the city, Barn Bluff, barges floating down the river, and perhaps even the Pearl of the Lake replica of an 1800's paddleboat. Viewing the Boat House Village to the side of the park is a unique experience, as this is one of only a few remaining gin-pole installations in existence. Note the forty-ft-tall poles which hold the houses in places as the river rises and falls. Dig into a potluck feast with your family in one of the park's covered picnic pavilions. Aunt Jenny's tater-tot hotdish disappears quickly, so don't dilly-dally queueing up! Burn off those chocolate revel bars afterwards by taking a few laps around the park, while kids hang out upside-down on the playground. For visiting fishermen, Bay Point is one of the two main boat launches in town (the other located at Colvill Park). There is ample parking nearby for trucks with boat trailers, and bathrooms for breaks in between catching lunkers. Overall, this park is the perfect place to park yourself whether you're a fisherman, walker, eagle enthusiast, dog, or kiddo...or you're just looking to waste some time! I give it 5 tugs on the steam whistle!

Great place to chill and read or sit and watch the boat and train action on the river. There are…read morepicnic pavilions and play areas for kids. It can be a base for a bike excursion of scenic Red Wing ( if you bring your bike). People often fish off the rocky point. Eagles frequent the area. A soothing yet energizing place.

Barn Bluff - hiking - Updated May 2026

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