Great River Bluffs State Park

The Great River Bluffs State Park spreads across a whopping 3,067 acres and includes two Scientific and Natural Areas, King's and Queen's Bluff. The park’s landscape is a gorgeous combination of half dome bluffs, sheer cliffs, valleys, and thick forests. Needless to say, your pup’s going to love this place!

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this park is the pawfect place for your pup to reconnect with nature. If they want to ruff it for a couple nights, bring some sleeping bags and settle in at one of the 31 campsites. Each site has its own picnic table and campfire ring, so don’t forget the marshmallows!

If you only have time for a day visit, pack some sandwiches and make use of the puptacular picnic facilities. There are nearly two dozen tables available, and each one is secluded in a grove of trees and shrubs. So not only will you get to dine al fresco with your pooch, you’ll also get a private spot in nature. Sounds pawsome!

Of course no trip to a state park is complete without exploring the trails. And with 6.5 miles of excellent hiking trails, Great River Bluffs State Park is no exception. The beautiful trails meander through the forests of hickory, black walnut, and sugar maple. King’s Bluff Nature Trail is probably the most pupular hike. It’s only 1.25 miles, but this self guided nature trail leads your pooch to stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River Valley. Since the park's trails have steep slopes and dramatic drop offs, make sure your pup is always on leash and stays on the designated trails. Do your part to keep the park smelling fresh by always stooping and scooping. Great River Bluffs does not provide clean up bags, so bring some from home, as well as water to share.

No bones about it, this park will make your pooch bark for joy!