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Reviews, get directions and information for Frontenac State Park

Frontenac State Park

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Frontenac State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, on the Mississippi River 10mi southeast of Red Wing. The park is notable both for its history and for its birdwatching opportunities. The centerpiece of the park is a 430ft, 3mi steep limestone bluff overlooking Lake Pepin, a natural widening of the Mississippi. The bluff is variously called Garrard's Bluff or Point No-Point, the latter name coming from riverboat captains because of the optical illusion that it protruded into the Mississippi River. There is a natural limestone arch on the blufftop called In-Yan-Teopa, a Dakota name meaning "Rock With Opening". Park lands entirely surround the town of Frontenac, once a high-class resort at the end of the 19th century.GeologyThe limestone was laid down 500 million years ago as organic sediments settled to the bottom of a shallow sea that covered much of the Midwest. Much later Glacial River Warren carried torrents of runoff from the melting glaciers of the last ice age. Flowing out of Lake Agassiz, Glacial River Warren carved the Minnesota River valley and the Mississippi River Valley, leaving steep bluffs along the latter's banks. At times Glacial River Warren overflowed its bed and Garrard's Bluff would have been an island. The area is near the northern extreme of the Driftless Area of Minnesota, a region that remained unglaciated during the phases of the last ice age.

Address: 29223 County 28 Blvd, Frontenac, MN 55026, USA
Phone: (651) 345-3401
State: Minnesota
County: Goodhue County
City: Frontenac
Zip Code: 55026


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Reviews
This is an amazing park to visit with the family. Plenty of camping spots with fire pits. I visited this park on 3/3. As the weather warmed up, it slowly washed away the snow and unveiled beautiful forest. The one recommendation would be more benches for sitting on the way. If camping is still not your thing, this park has amazing trails to walk. See my photos below
7 years ago (03-03-2018)
Excellent state park! Very clean facilities. Very friendly and professional staff. The manager Caleb, maintenance man Wally, and front desk lady Debbie were excellent people to interact with. Standpoint trail was my favorite trail. (Bring bug spray). The prairie restoration is very nice and compliments the park well.
7 years ago (31-01-2018)
Camp here with a larger group every year, at least once a year. The amenities are great, the staff is helpful and respectful, and it's just a plain nice place to be. Many nights sat around the campfire looking at the stars without much light pollution. If you leave your campsite there are also some places to get great views of the river and nature.
7 years ago (10-01-2018)
The park isn't the biggest, but it has some pretty compelling features. First, it is situated in beautiful Southeast MN. Rolling hills abound and you are close to Red Wing. There are some nice camping options here, including pack in, regular, group and I think there is even canoe up options. The best part is the bluff trail, however. These bluffs are steep and impressive. Best to check conditions, however. They close the trail when covered with snow and ice, which around here is often.
8 years ago (10-12-2017)
AWESOME...we spotted a Golden Eagle and several Bald Eagles, as well as many other birds and hawks. A very peaceful place to see God's beautiful crestion.
7 years ago (02-03-2018)
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