Quick Guide to the Rock Climbing Craigs of Minnesota
Barn Bluff, Redwing, Minnesota
Bolted sport climbing on a somewhat chaucey sandstone-limestone mix. Most climbs are between 40′-70′ and range
5.8 to 5.13 With nearly 50 routs, half in the sun and half in the shade – this place has something for everyone. Most of these routes were bolted back in the 80’s,
Interstate Park, Taylor’s Falls, Minnesota
Top-rope and trad climb on the basalt bluffs above the St Croix River. This park is shared by Minnesota and Wisconsin with climbing on both sides of the river. A high concentration of routs are found along the main pathway of the Minnesota side of the river and if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, eplore the bluffs on the Wisconside of the park.
Robinson Park, Sandstone, Minnesota
The old quarry site along the Kettle River is being reclaimed by the Minnesota climbing community. Sport climb on over thirty bolted routes, the park has a few trad climbing routs. Additionally Robinson park is surronded by Banning State Park
and don’t miss the Sandstone Ice Festival
Blue Mounds State Park
A climbers treasure located in the prairie of South-West Minnesota. A wall of rock sneaks out of the expansive pairie giving climbers a variety of cracks and overhangs to play on.
Ely’s Peak
Just outside of Jay Cooke State Park, south-west of Duluth MN.
North Shore Climbs
Palisade Head, Shovel Point, Section 13, Johnson lake. North Shore Climbs
Willow River State Park, WI
although not in Minnesota, the park is located just across the Wisconsin boarder. Very steep sport routes for only the stoutest of climbers. Most of the routes fall in the 5.12 to 513 range.
Drive Time From Minnespolis
- Redwing 1 hour
- Robinson Park, Sandstone 1 hour 15 minutes
- Taylors Falls 1 hour
- Ely’s Peak 2 hours
- Blue mounds 4 hours
- Palisade Head 4 hours