Bluff Happenings

Join us for the 2nd Annual Snowshoe & Winter Hike on Saturday, February 12th from 6:30-8:30 pm at Mississippi National Golf Links.  Snow permitting, participants can hike, snowshoe and ski along a trail lite with luminaries.  Additional snowshoes will be available.  This is a free event and open to all ages.

Have you been thinking about trying a trail run, but would like to experience one before you commit?  Friends of the Bluffs will be offering three (3) opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.  Trail Runs for Fun will be held on Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm.  The runs will be 3 miles or less and will be held on our local bluffs:

• Trail Run for Fun #1 - Thursday, September 9th on He Mni Can-Barn Bluff (Starting at the trailhead parking lot)
• Trail Run for Fun #2 - Thursday, September 23rd on Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area (Starting at the Sumac Dr.)
• Trail Run for Fun #3 - Thursday, October 7th on Sorin's Bluff (Starting in Memorial Park Lower Quarry)

Join us in the Lower Quarry in Memorial Park on Thursday, July 22nd from 5:00-7:00 pm for a Happy Hour on the Bluff.  Enjoy a cold drink, some snacks, roast smores and learn about what we have planned for the rest of 2021 and for 2022.  All past, current and future "Friends" are welcome to attend.  For more information contact David Anderson at redwingbluffs@gmail.com.

We will be installing 6 more steps and a couple of water bars to direct water off the trail from 6-8 pm on Thursday, May 6th and if needed from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, May 11th.  If anyone is interested in helping, please contact David Anderson at redwingbluffs@gmail.com.

Volunteers from Friends of the Bluffs will be installing additional steps on Tuesday, April 20th and Thursday, April 22nd from 6:00-8:00 pm.  Anyone interested in helping may contact David Anderson at redwingbluffs@gmail.com. 

Red Wing Area Earth Week is April 18th-24th.  Put on your hiking shoes, grab a pair of gloves and a garbage bags and join us as we clean up the bluff trails:

• Monday, April 19th - He Mni Can-Barn Bluff
• Wednesday, April 21st - Sorin's Bluff (Memorial Park)
• Friday, April 23rd - Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area

To participate on Bluff Trail Clean Up Day, figure out a time that works best for you, select a trail you want to clean up, recycle anything you can and throw away everything else.  By working together, we can keep our trails litter free!  Questions?  Contact David Anderson at redwingbluffs@gmail.com.  

Come out to the Mississippi National on Saturday, February 27th between 6:30-8:30 pm to snowshoe or hike a trail lit up by luminaries and the full moon.  The trail is approximately 1 mile and will take around 30 minutes to complete.  Limited pairs of snowshoes will be available to borrow if you do not have your own.  Dress for the weather - the clubhouse will not be open and there will be no place to warm up besides your own vehicle.  Please practice social distancing between groups and wear a mask.  Be mindful of groomed skiing trails and avoid snowshoeing on them. This event is co-sponsored by the Red Wing Park Naturalist Program.  

Hike, snowshoe or ski on one of our many trails during Winter Trails Day.  Check out the improvements on He Mni Can- Barn Bluff, enjoy the views from Sorin's Bluff or experience the woods on Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area.  Maps are available on our Maps & Trails page. 

Celebrate the end of 2020 and/or the beginning of 2021 from the top of He Mni Can-Barn Bluff!  Sunset on Thursday, December 31st is at 4:40 and sunrise on Friday, January 1st is at 7:47 am.  Best viewing typically happens 15-20 minutes after sunset and before sunrise so plan your hikes accordingly.  Remember to wear a face covering and keep your social distance!  

Friends of the Bluffs is starting a new group called Trailblazers.  The goal of this group is to weed whip (blaze) the hiking trails on Billings-Tomhofr Conservation Area and Memorial Park during the late spring and early summer, when everything grows really fast.  Friends of the Bluffs has equipment (weed whips) you check out or you can use your own.  Recruit a friend and contact David Anderson at redwingbluffs@gmail.com to learn more.  Must be 16 years of age and sign a City of Red Wing Volunteer Waiver Form.