Winona, MN Fall Colors:
Add It To Your Minnesota Bucket List!
I’ve lived in Minnesota most of my life and it wasn’t until the pandemic brought me back home from abroad that I finally visited this quaint little town on the river with towering, scenic bluffs. And Winona, MN fall colors are off the chart!
If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen my first trip to Winona this summer filled with camping at Great River Bluffs State Park, hiking and finding all the best spots & eats around town.
After that initial trip, I knew I had to come back and experience this wonderful little town during peak fall foliage!
It’s one of many wonderful places for leaf peeping in Minnesota.
I track the peak colors by using this Minnesota fall foliage tracker.
Garvin Heights Overlook
For great views of the Winona, MN fall foliage, head to Garvin Heights Overlook. This viewpoint requires no hiking, you park at the top of the bluff in the free lot. Then just walk out to the lookout point.
There is a stone structure at the top but if you continue down to the left, you’ll be able to go out onto the rocks and get an even more unobstructed view.
If you turn away from the city and look behind you, you’ll see one of my favorite views: the winding road tucked into the bluff.
And bonus, it’s the perfect place to watch sunset!
Sugar Loaf Bluff
This hike is easy and only about 1.2 miles. There is free parking at the bottom, just type “Sugar Loaf Bluff” into your GPS and follow the signs!
Pack a picnic to eat at the top and take in the views over Winona, you won’t be disappointed!
Read: THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA
John A. Latsch State Park
Just 20 minutes away from downtown Winona, this state park provides some of the most spectacular views from the top of the bluffs.
There is a stunning hike just mentally prepare yourself for a whole lot of stairs.
But the views cannot be topped!
Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN WINONA
I suggest camping at Great River Bluffs State Park for more spectacular views.
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