Once known as O.L.Kipp State Park, the name was changed over 25 years ago to capitalize on this beautiful MN blufflands park. The park contains two SNA's (State Natural Areas) - King and Queen's bluffs, which rise from near the banks of the Mississippi River to create expansive views of the river on many of the marquee trails.
This is my "next-door" State Park, just a couple miles from our home in La Crescent. It is amazing to have a State Park just 15 minutes away!
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| Goat prairie on the King's Bluff Trail |
Different trails feature five overlooks around the park which, in and of itself, is a great reason to spend time on the nine miles of trails here. Many of these hikes provide ample shade from mixed oak/hickory forests, pine plantations and basswood/maple forests. Many of the hikes are along the blufftops and ridges which often have cooling breezes. Trails vary from dirt and gravel to grass.
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| Mississippi River in fall, south of East Overlook |
This is an all-season-usage spectacular park. Great wildflowers in spring can be found along the East Overlook and campground trails. Summer calls for hiking along the King's Bluff trail where goat prairies are lush with pollinator fields. In fall, any trail is a spectacular riot of color and gives amazing views of MN and WI bluffs in full autumn regalia. Winter calls for cross country skis on groomed trails and snowshoes and microspikes off-trail throughout the park.
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| Oak/hickory forest |
The trails vary from flatter, to gently rolling to rip-roaring up-and-down. The North and South Outlook near the picnic area trails are short and more accessible. A warren of trails between King and Queen's bluff and the picnic grounds are relatively easy and flat. There is also a nice set of easy prairie loops across the road from Kings bluff trail.
Trails to Kerns Outlook from the campground are fairly easy. East outlook on the south side of the park near the campground and interior trails from the south to the north can definitely be more challenging for changing elevation.
This park is a real treasure for those who want views, flowers and a varying hiking experience. And if you do go, stop by La Crescent just down and the bluff and south and let's have some coffee and talk hiking!
THE HIKE
Plenty of well-maintained trails in this spectacular bluff park. King's Bluff trail (the first parking lot to the left after the registration area) is the MN State Parks "Hiking Club" trail and a must. Drive or hike to parking lots by the picnic area or over the narrow road to the campgrounds. Trails near the east Outlook are rolling and hilly. Many other trails are easy.
Location: 43605 Kipp Dr, Winona, MN 55987
From Hwy 90, take Nodine MN exit; turn east and follow Hwy 3 to O.L. Kipp Drive.
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