North American Prairie Conference

Field Trip Information Summary


Wednesday, August 6, 2008



Great River Bluffs State Park
Kings Bluff Scientific and Natural Area
Brief description of site and highlights of site (habitat, flora, fauna):

  • Great River Bluffs State Park and King's and Queen's Bluff SNA contain over 38 bluff prairies with many rare plant and animal species.

  • The dry bluff prairies and savannas will be a focus of the tour. 

  • We will also look at management and restoration efforts focused on Henslow's sparrows which are nesting in old fields within the park. 

  • The views from bluff prairies high above the Mississippi are spectacular.
Walking distance, rigor, potential hazards:

  • Round trip walking distance from bus:
 flexible--as much as 1/2 mile if birds are in Headquarters field


  • Several short stops within 1/4 mile of bus. 

  • Trip to King's Bluff SNA is 2.5 miles round trip.

  • Rigor of field trip:
 Easy to moderate hike along trails and to bluff tops.  Rigorous to hike across bluff prairies.

  • Potential hazards at site:
 Rolling to steep terrain, ticks, poison ivy, and potential to encounter timber rattlesnakes.
Area of site (approximate acreage): 3 fields, approx. 8-20 ha each; overall ~3000 acres
Duration of field trip: all day
Access for charter bus loading/unloading/parking: park along entrance road
or parking lots within the park
Availability of drinking water, rest rooms, shade:  Yes, but we may have to drive to campground to get these.  Vault toilets and drinking water available in park picnic area
General location (direction/distance from nearest town): 18 miles SE of Winona overlooking the Mississippi River
Distance from Winona, MN: 18 miles SE
Potential leader(s)/guide(s): Ray Faber (St. Mary's University of MN),  Shawn Fritcher, Parks Resource Specialist; Ellen Fuge, SNA Management Specialist