King's and Queen's Bluff SNA

178 Acres Located from Winona SE 20 miles on US Hwy 61, then S on Co Rd 3 4 miles to entrance of Great River Bluffs State Park. SNA located in park. Winona County Twp 106N Rng 05W Sec 26 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: Blufflands

Description:

King's and Queen's Bluff support a number of diverse plant community types, including mixed oak forest, second growth forest, goat prairie, and moist shaded cliff. At least fifteen rare species of plants occur here. King's Bluff, open all year round, is northwest of Queen's Bluff; it features goat prairies on the southwest slopes and deciduous forest on the northeast slope. Queen's Bluff is designated as an educational unit and requires an entry permit. King's Bluff affords an excellent view of Queen's Bluff, which rises 500 feet above the Mississippi; a bur oak savanna grows atop the bluff, with goat prairies on the southerly slopes, grading to deciduous forest at lower levels. Late summer is a good time to see the asters, goldenrods, and coneflowers in bloom.

Plant List

Visitor notes:

Visitation of Queen's Bluff by educational use permit only; closed to all activity from August 15 through September 30. Apply through one of the following: Minnesota SNA Program at (651) 259-5088, the Regional Park Resource Coordinator (507) 285-7432, or the Park Manager at Great River Bluffs State Park (507) 643-6849.