Minnesota may be best known for its 10,000 lakes, but this state has a lot of nature to offer. Aside from the lakes, thick forests blanket much of the north. In the south, the trees give way to prairie. And along major rivers like the St. Croix and the Mississippi, rocky bluffs rise high over everything. That’s how it is in Winona, where a curious geological wonder has been the subject of many photos over the year. If you’re from the area – or have visited at least once – you’ll definitely know about the Sugar Loaf.

Winona is in the heart of bluff country. The bluffs make it a beautiful town with access to phenomenal vantage points.

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A network of city and state park trails give visits plenty of opportunity to explore the area.

Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy/Flickr

But perhaps the most famous sight in the whole city? The Sugar Loaf.

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It’s interesting up close, but this rock pinnacle is much better viewed from a distance.

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The Sugar Loaf gets its name from the cone-shaped packages sugar once came in. It rises high over its surroundings, making it a pretty distinct feature of Winona.

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The 85 foot sugar loaf sits atop a tall bluff. The entire formation rises over 500 feet. It’s easy to spot while driving along Highway 61.

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One of the best places to see the Sugar Loaf is from Lake Winona.

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Lake Winona is a popular spot for activities - and for photographing the Winona landmark.

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The Sugar Loaf was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. As a symbol of Winona, this geological wonder is likely to remain a popular sight in southern Minnesota for many years to come.

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Have you ever been to Winona? Did you see the Sugar Loaf? Let us know your experience! If you love rock formations, also check out this article about the one place in Minnesota that must be seen to be believed.

John W. Iwanski/Flickr

Sam / Olai Ose / Skjaervoy/Flickr

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Visit Winona/Facebook

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Ben Stephenson/Flickr

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