Great River Bluffs State Park

Driving down I-90 on Minnesota’s southern border with Wisconsin, you’d never guess that drop-dead gorgeous blufflands could be just an exit away. Super accessible to midwestern road-trippers, Great River Bluffs State Park has impressive half-dome bluffs that are 500-foot sheer rock cliffs on one side, rolling uplands of goat prairie on the other side (named as such because they’re so steep, only goats can walk up them). These steep walls protect the narrow valleys below, rich with color from the rare plant systems. There are hiking trails that circle the two main half-domes—the King’s Bluff trail has views of the Mississippi River valley and of Queen’s Bluff, the other dome that is largely off-limits due to its fragile plant life and dangerous cliffs.

A big enough draw for its rock formations, Great River Bluffs is also known for the almost zoo-like sanctuary it provides for wild turkeys, coyotes, songbirds, great-horned owls, red foxes, indigo buntings, eagles, hawks, and so much more. Bring your binoculars!