Winona's Ice Climbing Park takes winter activity to new heights
February 5, 2021 — 7:30am
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An iconic rock pinnacle tops Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winona. The whole eye-catching site, towering above Hwy. 61 and the Mississippi River, is so well known that it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. But for a certain group of outdoor enthusiasts, a nearby gem on the same bluff line is even more noteworthy.
The Winona Ice Climbing Park draws thrill- and chill-seekers all week long, and 50 or more on winter weekends. The wide man-made ice wall has three distinct areas for varied levels of challenge and experiences. The main route stretches upward 100 feet, but at the peak, climbers tower 650 feet above Winona and the Mississippi.