Mississippi River bluffs and Lake Pepin from the Twin Cities to Winona. That is what Great River Road (Minnesota bluffs) promises, and it delivers. At about 110 miles (177 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 1–2 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from St. Paul to Winona.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from St. Paul
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. St. Paul is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Barn Bluff in Red Wing. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Red Wing and Lake City. Each one makes a natural break, and Lake City sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Lake Pepin.
Arriving in Winona
Save energy for the final stretch: Garvin Heights overlook is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Lake Pepin and Garvin Heights overlook, and you will understand why Great River Road (Minnesota bluffs) belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is May–October. Plan on 1–2 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
