Barn Bluff is the greatest hike in Red Wing Minnesota. This bluff towers 400 feet above the Mississippi River, and also overlooks Lake Pepin.
Parking is kind of a cluster and most people park on the side of the road. This will add a bit to your hike unless you go early in the morning or you get lucky with someone leaving as you arrive.
For a scenic drive and more hiking trails travel down the Great River Road for a day trip to Winona Minnesota.
Affiliate Disclosure: As An Amazon Affiliate I Receive Compensation From Purchases Made From This Website. I May Earn Through Advertisements, Recommending Products, Or Providing Links.
Hiking Favorites
Trailhead
The new stairs to get to the trail are roped off and under construction. However, you can’t miss the dirt path not far down the road. This path will take you to the same hiking spots.
Beginning of the trail
New staircase New staircase Park along this road Trailhead Marker
The Trail on the Greatest Hike in Red Wing
The new stairs to get to the trail are roped off and under construction. However, there is a dirt path taking you to the same spot just down the road.
Lush Pathway Takes you to the best views Views from the staircase Donated by Kiwanis Rope if it’s slippery Stairway about halfway up
Scenic Views
There is a hill with an American flag and trails all around it. These were my favorite views. From up top you can watch a plethora of boats cruise up and down the river. The greenery is abundant in the summer and the fall is a great time to see the leaves change colors.
Bluff side trail Views of the city
View from 1/3 way up Trail around the American flag Boats boats boats My hiking crew
Rock Climbing Along the Greatest Hike in Red Wing
Many climbers come from all around to climb the many routes along the bluff.
As we walked along the trail we saw people enjoying the beautiful day. Some people even brought hammocks to relax in.
Packable Hammock Many rock climbers

Spend Time at Lake of the Isles
Spend time at Lake of the Isles reading a book, relaxing on the acres of grass, people watching or exercise in the fresh air.
Read More
Easy Water Sport Rentals on the Kickapoo River
Floating on the Kickapoo River is a must when traveling to the driftless region of Wisconsin. Get quick and easy water sport rentals on the Kickapoo River with Drifty’s Canoe Rental. The Driftless Region of Wisconsin includes two of our favorite small towns Viroqua and Sparta. Satisfy your adventurous side by hiking in Wildcat Mountain […]
Read More
How to Best Explore Sparta Wisconsin
If you like kayaking, biking famous state trails, and hiking, these are some ideas for how to best explore Sparta Wisconsin.
Read More
This does look like a great hike! If I’m in the area, I’d so do it.
How i miss going on these amazing hikes!!! The scenery omg!! The place is GORGEOUS.
I love the trails and the spectacular views! The rock climbing looks pretty cool too. And it’s good that you mentioned the detail about the parking. That’s good to know!
What a great hike! Lovely scenery & a good workout I assume.
This looks like a very interesting hike with so much to see. The rock climbing look totally amazing.
This seems like an amazing place to adventure!!
I wish I could go hiking especially in a place such as this. But I have a hip problem now and can’t walk for so long.
This is definitely a great hike. The scenic view is such a good treat, makes the whole walk totally worth it 🙂
Wow this looks awesome! I love hiking. I haven’t spent a lot of time in Minnesota but I’ve heard it’s such a beautiful state!
I’ve never heard of Red Wing, but it looks like a beautiful place to hike. The views are pretty wonderful too!
What a great place to have a hike! The view are sooo stunning and worth it to see
This looks so beautiful and relaxing. I love hiking and this place seems perfect for a family day in nature. Will add to my places to visit list.