north shore attractions
Explore the north shore of Lake Superior for a variety of exciting things to do. The natural wonders of 8 State Parks, recreation areas, vast wilderness and hundreds of miles of trails will satisfy your freedom to get outdoors. From April through June, melting rivers and waterfalls are at their best, while rivers run all year round.
Guide to State Parks and Recreation Areas on the North Shore:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Tettegouche State Park
- George Crosby Manitou State Park
- Temperance River State Park
- Cascade River State Park
- Judge Magney State Park
- Grand Portage State Park
- Flood Bay State Wayside
- Caribou Falls State Wayside
- Ray Berglund State Wayside
- Kodence River State Wayside
North Shore Waterfall Tour Itinerary for the Weekend:
- On Day One, check out Jay Cooke State Park, near Duluth. Consider staying the night at the campground in the heated camper cabins, electric and non-electric campsites or walk-in sites. If you’re a little more adventurous, they also have backpack campsites that are a scenic 2-3 mile hike in. Bring a picnic to the River Inn Visitor Area, view the St. Louis River rapids, and cross the Swinging Bridge.
- On Day Two, head north on I-35 through Duluth to Tettegouche State Park. Checkout the Cascades Trail and Shovel Point Trail. The High Falls are a must see! By late afternoon, head to Gooseberry Falls State Park and settle in for an overnight stay. The Gitchi Gami State Trail will provide great examples of a hardened lava flow, exposed to the elements over billions of years. The Gooseberry River drops 240′ down over five scenic waterfalls to Lake Superior.
- On Day Three, hike to the Joseph A. Alexander Visitor Center for great gifts, then head to the Fifth Falls Trail and River View Trail to look for caves and features from the Civilian Conservation Corps.