When Memorial Park first was developed, picnic areas with overlooks were created in the two abandoned Carlson quarries atop Sorin's Bluff. Each has a sugar loaf rock formation that remained after mining ceased, and each offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. From 2012 to 2013, the quarries were cleared of dead trees and invasive vegetation by a joint citizen-City effort. The Red Wing Area Fund provided money for milling the quarry floors, refurbishing parking lots, and adding new trailheads, kiosks, fencing, fire rings, stone picnic tables, and picnic grills in both quarries.