The North Shore of Minnesota stretches more than 150 miles from Duluth, Minnesota, through Grand Portage, Minnesota, to the Canadian border. State Highway 61 connects the area's quintessential hiking trails, harbor towns, ski hills and waterfalls. Interspersed are eight state parks, each situated within the area's rugged forests and hills.
State Parks
The North Shore State Parks are operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. A vehicle permit is required to enter state parks. As of 2010, Permits cost $25 per year or $7 per day and can be purchased at each park. Winter camping is available at many of the North Shore state parks.
There are several types of campsites available, such as hike-in, RV, kayak, handicap, group and tent-only sites. Visitors might need special permits to enjoy some of activities within the parks. Fishing is allowed in some places and requires a Minnesota fishing license and applicable species--such as trout--stamps. Cross-country skiers can access miles and miles of trails provided they have a Minnesota ski pass.
State Parks Nearest Duluth
At just under 40 miles from Duluth, Gooseberry Falls State Park is the North Shore's southernmost state park. Named for the cascading series of waterfalls that highlight the park, visitors can also access the Superior Hiking Trail, with spurs to several waterfalls, overlooks and Lake Superior.
Mountain bikers will find 8 miles of hard-packed dirt trails; skiers can access groomed trails in the winter. Plan ahead with a reservation to stay at the park's popular campground where a kayak site on the Lake Superior Water Trail is also available. The visitor's center provides details about the park, educational programs and a gift shop.
The new Gitchi-Gami State Trail connects Gooseberry Falls State Park with Split Rock State Park with more than 7 miles of paved trails for inline skating, biking or hiking. Split Rock State Park surrounds the lighthouse of the same name. Visit in 2010 to partake in the 100th anniversary of the landmark. Camp sites are open from May to October.
Mid-North Shore State Parks
More than 9,300 acres make up Tettegouche State Park, including four inland lakes, 1 mile of Lake Superior coastline and an undisturbed hardwood forest. Activities at Tettegouche include hiking, fishing, mountain biking and rock climbing. Tettegouche Camp is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its cabins are available for rental.
A hiker's paradise, George Crosby Manitou State Park is 60 miles from Duluth and 14 miles inland from Highway 61. The 20 miles of trails are often challenging but provide spectacular views. Only hike-in campsites are available, providing a Northwood's escape into the wilderness.
State Parks near Grand Marais
Twenty miles further north on State Highway 61 is Temperance River State Park. Temperance River carves through the hillside, forming several waterfalls as it races to Lake Superior. Camping is available all year, making the park accessible for those skiers and hikers enjoying the network of trails. Rock climbing is available on Carlton Peak.
Located on the shore of Lake Superior where the Cascade River ends, Cascade River State Park provides visitors with access to the area's renowned fishing. Hiking trails crisscross the river, and skiers can find overnight respite at the park's winter campsites.
State Parks nearest the Border
Farther north is Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Linked to the Superior Hiking Trail, this park is reminiscent of Manitou--where hikers can wander to see waterfalls and hidden lakes--although more easily accessible with drive-in sites and handicap-accessible facilities. Fishing for trout in the rivers and lakes is popular for visitors trekking the 120 miles north from Duluth.
Grand Portage State Park is located closest to the Canadian border. Grand Portage is operated jointly with Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, the only state park in the United States with such an arrangement. Although no campsites are available, visitors can view the highest waterfall in Minnesota.
Getting to the North Shore of Minnesota
The North Shore's eight state parks can be reached by traveling through Duluth, which is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Duluth International Airport provides a limited number of daily connections. Once in Duluth, follow Lake Superior north along Highway 61.
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