Barking Canines in Bluff Country, Minnesota
This travel spot is featured in our eighth blog series, Lassies Loved.
Did you know one of Bluff Country’s most distinctive features is a stretch of the Mississippi River that looks like a lake? Along the eastern edge of southeastern Minnesota’s bluff country, Lake Pepin is a naturally formed widening of the river, framed by towering bluffs and scenic shorelines. Near Red Wing and Lake City, it adds beautiful waterfront views and a unique twist to exploring the region with your dog. From riverside strolls to countryside adventures, Bluff Country offers plenty of surprises to discover together—one paw print at a time!
From the shores of Lake Pepin to winding country roads and charming small towns, Bluff Country in southeastern Minnesota is full of opportunities for a dog-friendly getaway. Red Wing makes a welcoming home base, with its Mississippi River views, historic downtown, and outdoor spaces to enjoy with your four-legged companion. Nearby communities such as Lake City, Hastings, Frontenac, Goodhue, and Welch offer even more places to explore. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful waterfront walk, taking in the countryside, or discovering a new town together, you'll find plenty of inspiration for your next adventure with your dog.
Red Wing is the heart of Bluff Country, offering dog owners beautiful Mississippi River views, scenic surroundings, and small-town charm. Colvill Park is a lovely place to explore with your pup, featuring a paved walking path, open green spaces, shaded areas, and peaceful river views. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, watch for birds along the shoreline, or relax together at a picnic spot. The park is also home to the Colonel William Colvill Memorial, honoring the Civil War colonel who led the First Minnesota Infantry during the famous Gettysburg Charge. When it’s time to eat, stop at Kelly’s Tap House Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy classic American comfort food, including juicy burgers, award-winning chicken wings, smoked brisket sandwiches, crispy cheese curds, and specialty flatbreads. Guests have also praised the restaurant’s separate dog-friendly patio, small grassy area, attentive service, and scenic overlook. It’s a welcoming option for enjoying a satisfying meal with your four-legged companion while taking in the Red Wing surroundings.
Just south of Red Wing, Lake City is a lovely destination for dogs and their people who enjoy waterfront scenery and small-town charm. Located on the shore of Lake Pepin, a naturally formed lake along the Mississippi River on the Minnesota–Wisconsin border, Lake City offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors with your pup. Visit the Lake City Dog Park, which has separate areas for large and small dogs, or take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk to admire the lake views. Lake City is also known as the birthplace of water skiing. In 1922, local teenager Ralph Samuelson experimented with homemade wooden skis on Lake Pepin and successfully skied behind a boat, helping launch a sport that would become popular around the world. The city still celebrates this unique piece of history each year during Water Ski Days. After exploring, stop at Big Bear Pizzeria, a casual restaurant serving Italian-American favorites. Fido is welcome at the pet-friendly outdoor tables, so you can relax and enjoy a meal together before continuing your Bluff Country adventure.
Hastings is a charming stop on your Bluff Country getaway, offering Mississippi River views, historic downtown streets, and places to explore with your dog. Take a leisurely stroll through Levee Park to enjoy the riverfront scenery, or let your pup play and socialize at Rivertown Dog Park. When it’s time to eat, head to Lock and Dam Eatery, where dogs are welcome on the riverside patio. Your pup can enjoy fresh water and a special treat menu, while you choose from a variety of delicious dishes. Feeling extra hungry? Try the five-pound Mega Burrito Challenge for a chance to have your photo featured on the restaurant’s website! With scenic views, dog-friendly outdoor spaces, and a welcoming dining spot, Hastings makes a wonderful addition to your Bluff Country adventure.
Frontenac is a peaceful stop on your Bluff Country getaway, known for its rolling bluffs, scenic countryside, and beautiful views of Lake Pepin along the Mississippi River. For a glimpse into the area’s past, take a leisurely walk along the quiet gravel roads of historic Old Frontenac, where historic homes and the village’s old-fashioned character offer a step back in time. Keep your dog leashed, stay on public roads, and respect private property as you explore. Afterwards, head to a nearby public shoreline access point to enjoy the views of Lake Pepin together, checking posted signs for any dog or beach restrictions. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, stop at Whistle Stop Cafe, a locally owned small-town cafe known for hearty breakfasts, classic American comfort food, and tempting pies. Its outdoor seating offers a casual setting to enjoy a meal during your visit. If you’re bringing your dog, check with the cafe ahead of time to confirm that dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables. With its historic charm, peaceful surroundings, and cozy cafe stop, Frontenac is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy Bluff Country with your four-legged travel companion.
Goodhue offers a quieter countryside feel for travelers exploring beyond Red Wing. This small community is a lovely place to slow down, enjoy the rural scenery, and discover the charm of a small Minnesota town. Bring your four-legged companion along for some fresh air at one of Goodhue’s community parks. Rosie Park, Heritage Park, and Cranson Heights Park offer opportunities to enjoy a relaxing outdoor break while exploring the area. Keep your dog leashed, pick up after them, and follow posted park rules. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, stop at The Goodhue Depot, a historic railroad depot originally built in 1889. This piece of local history offers a unique setting for a casual meal, with outdoor picnic tables where you can enjoy the fresh air when the weather is nice. Dogs are welcome as long as owners clean up after them, making it a convenient stop to enjoy a meal with your four-legged travel companion. With its historic charm, community parks, and peaceful small-town atmosphere, Goodhue makes a pleasant side trip during your Bluff Country getaway.
Welch is a charming countryside destination surrounded by rolling hills, scenic river valleys, and outdoor opportunities to enjoy with your four-legged companion. For a peaceful nature outing, Belle Creek Bluff offers a wooded setting with hiking trails, a spring-fed creek, and a route toward a bluff with views of Welch Valley. Because the property is privately owned, check with the host about access and trail availability before visiting with your dog. When it’s time to eat, head to The Bleu Dog Cafe, a cozy brunch spot known for creative dishes and locally sourced ingredients. Its dog-friendly outdoor patio makes it a lovely place to relax and enjoy a meal with your pup. With its rural scenery, potential hiking opportunities, and welcoming patio dining, Welch adds another enjoyable stop to your Bluff Country getaway.
Bluff Country is full of special moments waiting to be shared with your four-legged best friend. From Red Wing’s beautiful river views and Lake City’s waterfront charm to Hastings’ historic streets, Frontenac’s peaceful countryside, Goodhue’s community parks, and Welch’s scenic surroundings, each stop offers a new way to explore together. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful walk, discovering a charming small town, or relaxing at a dog-friendly patio, the best part is having your pup by your side. After all, the sweetest travel memories are the ones you make together!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone had paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Bluff Country, Minnesota. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Featherstone farm
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 4 beds and 1 bath
Photos by Airbnb.com
It features the following amenities:
5 minutes from historic Red Wing
BBQ grill
Fire pit in the yard
Large shaded, well cared for yard
Dog kennel available outside, as well as a dog run
Walking around the farm to see the sights and animals is encouraged
Well groomed hiking trails close by
What would Luie Boone have thought of this rental? He would have woofed:
My humans had planned a vacation to beautiful Bluff Country in southeastern Minnesota, where scenic river bluffs, charming small towns, and peaceful country roads promised a wonderful adventure. They found a lovely rural farmstead near historic Red Wing, with a spacious home, an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, a shady yard, farm animals to see, and a cozy fire pit. It sounded like the perfect place for us to relax, share meals, and make more memories together. But sometimes life takes an unexpected turn. I’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and my humans have decided they can’t bear to take the trip without me. Although our Bluff Country adventure will remain a dream, the love behind those plans will always be part of our story. The places we explored, the memories we made, and the love we shared will forever live in their hearts. Some journeys end too soon, but love never does!
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone had sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Bluff Country, Minnesota!
Vermillion Falls
Vermillion Falls is a beautiful spot to admire the power and beauty of nature while exploring Bluff Country with your four-legged companion.
Watch the water cascade over the rocky limestone ledge, enjoy the refreshing mist, and capture a few memorable photos of your pup with the falls in the background.
Keep your dog leashed and stay on safe, permitted surfaces, as the rocks and water can be slippery.
It’s a lovely opportunity to enjoy one of Hastings’ natural treasures together!
In-Yan-Teopa Rock
One of the most unusual sights in Minnesota’s beautiful Bluff Country is In-Yan-Teopa Rock at Frontenac State Park.
Overlooking the Lake Pepin area, this fascinating formation features a natural opening.
Its name comes from the Dakota language and means “rock with an opening.” The surrounding bluffs reveal the region’s ancient geological history and hold cultural significance for the Dakota people.
Reaching the rock is part of the adventure!
The Bluffside Trail winds through the woods, with wooden stairs and steep sections along the way.
A viewing platform nearby offers a place to admire the formation.
Dogs can enjoy all the new sights and smells along the trail, but stairs and uneven ground may be challenging. Keep your pup leashed, bring water, and choose a route suited to your dog’s abilities.
Exploring In-Yan-Teopa Rock is a lovely way to enjoy Bluff Country with your furry companion. Take in the scenery, snap a few photos, and make special memories together on your dog-friendly adventure!
He Mni Can-Barn Bluff
Rising above the Mississippi River in Red Wing, He Mni Can, also known as Barn Bluff, is a famous landmark in beautiful Bluff Country.
Its Dakota name means “Hill, Water, Wood,” and the bluff is a sacred place to the Dakota people.
One special feature is the historic Kiwanis Stairway.
The original 450-step concrete stairway was built in 1929 through the efforts of the Red Wing Kiwanis Club.
Much of it was later lost during highway and bridge construction, and a new stairway was built in 1983, incorporating some surviving steps.
Today, adventurous hikers and their four-legged companions can explore the bluff’s trails and enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River, although the stairs can be too demanding for some dogs.
For pups, the wooded trails offer fresh air and plenty of interesting smells, but steep slopes, stairs, and rocky sections can be challenging.
Keep your dog leashed, bring water, and choose a route that suits your companion’s abilities.
If your furry friend is up for the adventure, enjoy the scenery, take a photo together, and make special memories exploring Bluff Country.
After all, discovering new places is even better with your best four-legged friend by your side!
Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area
If your pup loves exploring new trails and sniffing out nature’s treasures, Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area in Red Wing is a fun place to visit!
This peaceful natural area features grassy prairie, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks to enjoy together.
Let your furry hiking buddy take in all the exciting new smells as you wander through the beautiful Bluff Country scenery.
Some trails climb uphill over uneven ground, so take breaks when needed and let your pup explore at a comfortable pace.
Bring a leash, fresh water, and waste bags, and stay on marked trails to protect the local wildlife and plants.
With prairie paths to explore, woodland trails to wander, and exciting new scents around every corner, Billings-Tomfohr Conservation Area is a wonderful place to share a little adventure with your four-legged best friend!
Hok-Si-La’s Waterfront and Beach
Does your pup love sniffing along sandy shores, feeling the lake breeze, and exploring somewhere new?
Hok-Si-La’s waterfront and beach in Lake City, Minnesota, offer a lovely place for a lakeside adventure with your four-legged best friend!
Take a stroll along the shoreline together, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the beautiful views of Lake Pepin.
The sparkling water and sandy beach make a wonderful backdrop for photos of your furry travel companion.
Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed and attended.
Bring fresh water and waste bags, and keep your pup safe near the water.
With new scents to discover and beautiful lake views to enjoy, it’s a wonderful place to slow down and make special memories with your best furry friend!
Schaar’s Bluff
Scenic views, fresh air, and exciting new smells make Schaar’s Bluff in Hastings a lovely place to explore with your four-legged friend!
The bluff overlooks the Mississippi River Valley and surrounding countryside, offering beautiful scenery to enjoy together.
The bluff is named after the Schaar family, who farmed the land beginning in the late 1890s. In 1973, the family sold the property to Dakota County.
A silo from their former farm still stands near the entrance, offering a glimpse into the area’s farming history.
The landscape also features ancient sandstone and limestone formations.
A fence runs along part of the bluff to help protect visitors near steep drop-offs, so keep your pup leashed and safely away from the edge, especially where fencing is absent.
Enjoy the beautiful views, breathe in the fresh air, and explore a little local history with your best four-legged friend!
The Anderson Center Sculpture Garden
Art, nature, and curious noses come together at the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden at Tower View in Red Wing!
This unique outdoor destination lets you explore fascinating sculptures and artwork while spending time with your four-legged best friend.
Wander through the garden together, admire the creative displays, and snap a few memorable photos of your pup among the outdoor art.
The garden offers a different kind of adventure from the area's hiking trails and riverfront parks, making it a fun stop for dog-loving travelers who enjoy discovering something unexpected.
Leashed, socialized dogs are permitted in the Sculpture Garden, so keep your pup close as you explore and be respectful of the artwork and other visitors.
With intriguing sculptures to discover and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos, the Anderson Center Sculpture Garden is a creative way to add something special to your Bluff Country getaway with your furry companion!
The Bar Draft House
Good food is even better when your furry best friend can come along!
The Bar Draft House is a fun stop for dog-loving travelers exploring the Red Wing area.
And the best part?
They always have treats for the dogs!
While the humans enjoy their food and drinks, pups get a little something special, too.
It’s a thoughtful touch that makes dining out with your four-legged companion even more enjoyable.
Good food, tasty treats, and happy tails make The Bar Draft House a lovely addition to your Bluff Country adventure!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Bluff Country, Minnesota
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that would have put Luie Boone's leash in a twist and he would have woofed:
My humans had dreamed of a getaway to beautiful Bluff Country, Minnesota, where towering bluffs rise above the mighty Mississippi River. I was looking forward to joining them, sniffing new trails and exploring all those exciting places together. But as much as I would have loved that adventure, there was one thing that made me nervous just thinking about it… ALL THOSE GEESE! I heard there could be huge flocks of Canada geese along the Mississippi River. Not just a few geese, but LOTS of them! Imagine trying to enjoy a peaceful walk with hundreds of feathered strangers honking all around you. HONK, HONK, HONK! Where would a pup even begin to bark? And what if they all decided to come waddling toward me at once? Yikes! I might need a much bigger leash—and a quick escape plan! Sadly, I’ve crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and my humans can’t bear the thought of taking our vacation without me. Bluff Country will have to wait until their hearts are ready. I wish I could still be there beside them, keeping an eye on those noisy geese. For now, I’ll be watching over my humans from above, hoping they remember our happy adventures and know that I’ll always be their faithful travel buddy!
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