At about 350 acres – most of which is near-vertical river bluff – John A. Latsch State Park is one of the smallest in the system, but this tiny Minnesota state park is home to some incredible scenery and big views up and down the Mississippi River valley. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready for some vertical.

In the days before GPS and Loran, Mississippi River pilots relied on three towering bluffs near Winona, called Faith, Hope, and Charity, for navigation purposes.
BRAD L/Google
Thanks to a generous gift arranged by a local businessman, these bluffs have been protected as John A. Latsch State Park since 1925.
Paul/Google
But you’d never suspect from its small parking area the natural wonders you’ll find hidden in the park.
Pat Jungling/Google
The park has few amenities, just a small picnic area, and camping is not allowed.
There is a vault toilet, though.
Banle Gaar/Google
The park has exactly one hiking trail, and it goes up the bluff from the picnic area.
Eric Peter/Google

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You’ll climb through the hardwood forest, and, in spring and summer, past wildflowers.
Andrew Weisz/Google
And up farther. The trail is only half a mile, but it’s almost all stairs - nearly 600 of them.
Gabrielle Schliesmann/Google
But the scenery on the way up is dramatic.
Jason hall/Google
Especially once you reach the top of Mt. Charity, 500 feet above where you started.
Jordan Petersen/Google
There, you’ll have stunning views up and down the picturesque Mississippi River valley.
Lisa Peterson/Google

Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is none available in the park, and you’re going to need plenty to drink on the way up and down. For maps and more information, visit the park’s page on the DNR website. Since you’ll be in the area, be sure to check out the fantastic community of Winona, which is just a few minutes away from the park.

Have you visited John A. Latsch State Park? What other tiny parks in Minnesota hold big wonders?

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John A. Latsch State Park, US-61, Minnesota City, MN 55959, USA