Red Wing in Goodhue County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Kiwanis Stairway
Photographed By Keith L, July 24, 2009
1. Kiwanis Stairway Marker
Citizens of Red Wing have long sought convenient access to the summit of Mt. La Grange (Barn Bluff) to enjoy the impressive view of the Mississippi valley.
In 1889 local civic leader C.C. Webster promoted the construction of a path up the west face of the bluff. Built with volunteer labor, it became known as Webster's Way.
In 1908 members of the Civic League under the leadership of A.W. Pratt, organized a community group to rebuild the then long-neglected pathway. For several years thereafter high school seniors, under the supervision of George H. Cook, held an annual half-day work holiday to maintain the path.
In 1929 the Red Wing Kiwanis Club sponsored the building of a concrete stairway along Webster's Way to the crest. To provide the funds, local citizens purchased steps inscribed with their names.
With the dedication August 24, 1929 by Gov. Theo. Christianson, the Kiwanis stairway became a point of great interest in the area.
Building of the Eisenhower Bridge in 1959 resulted in the removal of much of the stairway. The steps were reset in 1975–6 along the southeast side of the bluff.
Beginning at this point, a pathway again provides means of ascent to the top of one of Red Wing's historic landmarks.
Erected 1976
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Landmarks • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 44° 34.086′ N, 92° 31.179′ W. Marker is in Red Wing, Minnesota, in Goodhue County. Marker can be reached from East 5th Street, half a mile east of Bluff Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is southeast of the bluff, along the pathway going to the crest of the bluff. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Red Wing MN 55066, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mt. La Grange – Barn Bluff (a few steps from this marker); Barn Bluff (within shouting distance of this marker); The G.A. Carlson Lime Kiln (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Remember the Maine (approx. 0.3 miles away); Geology of Minnesota (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Kiwanis Stairway (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Colvill (approx. ¾ mile away); National Newspaper Association (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Red Wing.
![Kiwanis Stairway Marker <i>[right foreground]</i> image. Click for full size.](Photos/87/Photo87390.jpg?11252005 "Kiwanis Stairway Marker <i>[right foreground]</i>. Click for full size.")
Photographed By Keith L, July 24, 2009
2. Kiwanis Stairway Marker [right foreground]
Photographed By Keith L, July 24, 2009
3. Mt. La Grange / Barn Bluff
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, July 22, 2011
4. Red Wing and Barn Bluff
Carole J. Chauncey Collection, circa 1940's
5. Stairway to Mount La Grange
Description:An important tourist attraction in Red Wing, is Barn Bluff, more accurately known as Mount La Grange, which provides many scenic highlights to the visitor. A stairway is the only means of ascent to this majestic landmark on the Mississippi.
Details:State:Minnesota (MN) City:Red Wing Publisher:E. C. Knopp Co Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:211944
Details:State:Minnesota (MN) City:Red Wing Publisher:E. C. Knopp Co Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:211944
Carole J. Chauncey Collection, circa 1940's
6. Main St. and Mt. La Grange
Historic Main Street extends to the base of Mount La Grange, commonly called Barn’s Bluff.
Details:State:Minnesota (MN) City:Red Wing Publisher:Curt Teich & Co. Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:225003
Details:State:Minnesota (MN) City:Red Wing Publisher:Curt Teich & Co. Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:225003
Carole J. Chauncey Collection, 1940's
7. Barn Bluff And Stairway
Barn Bluff, so called because to the early river travelers it appeared as a huge barn, is now known as Mt. La Grange The memorial stairway leading to the summit, an ideal spot to view the historic Mississippi and surrounding territory, was built by the Kiwanis Club.
Details:State:Minnesota (MN)City:Red Wing Publisher:E. C. Kropp Co. Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:42556 Description:
Details:State:Minnesota (MN)City:Red Wing Publisher:E. C. Kropp Co. Type:Linen Size:3.5" x 5.5" (9 x 14 cm) Stock #:42556 Description:
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,762 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 27, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on August 9, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 5, 6, 7. submitted on October 4, 2011, by Carole J Chauncey of Satellite Beach, Florida. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
