garvin heights

rhondaw56

Do not go to Winona without stopping here! Great vista view and lovely hiking opportunities. Went first when my daughter lived there and went back over and over. Depending on the time of day, the season and the weather, you can get some fabulous photo ops.

JennaLea29

Taking the stairs to the lookout is a great hike or quick workout. I live in Winona, so I use the stairs to the lookout as a great outdoor workout. You can take your time and enjoy the scenery or run them to get a good leg workout. It's a beautiful trail spring-fall. Definitely worth the time.

Willierun

Other reviews kind of say it all. I always send or take new visitors to the overlook. The Mississippi river flows west to east here and seeing it from above helps orient people. The hike is wonderful and it's also a challenging bike ride to the top via the road. Of course you can drive up and park near the overlook. The bike ride up is one of the highlights in our annual triathlon - "Trinona"

thomase534

I visited Winona, MN in October 2014. One of the attractions I wanted to got was Garvin Heights due to the photos. I saw. I was not disappointed. It's easy to get to from US HWY 61 when entering the city of Winona. Take a left at Huff Street then a left on W lake Blvd. to Garvin Heights Road. Take a right on Garvin Heights Road to sign to Garvin Heights Park. From the parking lot it is only a short walk to a spectacular view of Winona and the Mississippi River.

JLT8485

The view from here is great and it's a fabulous hike. You can park at the top and just enjoy the view, or you can hike down to the base if you like. The view is expansive, overlooking the charming town of Winona and down the Mississippi, often you'll see large birds. There are a couple of little side trails that just give you a different view, but they're nice too. If you do the big hike there are many stairs beginning at the top - 130 or so (?) then mostly trail towards the middle to bottom. You're surrounded by the trees and there are benches along the way so take a camera, water and an apple to enjoy as you stop to sit and watch the wildlife. You'll often pass college kids on the trail, so you're never quite alone. You can also park at the bottom and hike up.If you do this you park to the right, walk across the street to where you see a white fence, that's the base.

365judyd

We were in Winona for a sibling get-together and took the drive up to Garvin Heights. It was a cool, bright and clear autumn day. So enjoyed the view overlooking Winona and looking up and down "Ol' Man River"!

911saraa

Having never visited the area or the Mississippi River, family took us up to this park to take in the view. It was breathtaking and beautiful! You have an unobstructed view of the Winona, Minnesota City, and Goodview area plus the Mississippi heading through it. Loved it!

RobDavis_13

An easy trip up from Hwy 61 to view 30 miles on a clear day. The Fall colors were beautiful today. For those who are concerned about a long walk, not an issue. The winding drive up is easy and puts you a short distance from the viewing point. Good information is posted there. You will NOT be sorry that you went up here.

teresah768

Nice view of Winona. Lots of people coming and going but spectacular at sunset! You could see such a long way!

GuppieLove

and an easy walk after driving up a winding road. Well marked and easy to find. Gives a great overview of all of Winona, the river, lake and surrounding area.

23ann

The trip to the top is easy and takes less then 5 minutes. You do have to walk from the parking lot to the view but it is less then 1 block. There is decent information to read at the viewing area and great place to take pictures of Winona. If you have time it is worth the trip. Next time i'm in the area I may consider taking the steps instead of the drive

WI Boy

For a combination of great views and easy accessibility Garvin Heights is a winner. I would encourage anyone in the area to take the winding road to the top and enjoy the view. Winona is a wonderful place to visit.

30karenl

I'm so glad we drove the few minutes before we left the area, to see this spot, a gorgeous view of Winona and the Mississippi River Valley. Lovely!

sasalinder

This was a quick and easy site to see. One drives up the hill, there's no admission fee, just get out of your car, walk 100 feet or so to the overlook. There are really good interpretive signs there, too. Also, an option for walking up or down. We chose to take the car! (300 steps or something to walk it...)

jackk856

View the Mississippi and area up and down river. Be sure you do a video---turns out spectacular!Then go to the winery up there......have a taste.....bring some home.