Gooseberry Falls State Park

Park Minnesota state park featuring scenic waterfalls on river

On Minnesota’s North Shore, Gooseberry Falls State Park showcases several waterfalls on the Gooseberry River with boardwalks, overlooks and hiking routes that lead to Lake Superior.

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Gooseberry Falls State Park is a Minnesota state park on the North Shore of Lake Superior, known for a sequence of three waterfalls on the Gooseberry River. The falls and shoreline scenery make it a prominent stop along the Lake Superior Scenic Byway.

Visitors can follow short trails and boardwalks to view the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls, use picnic areas, and access the park’s campground and trail network. Roadside viewpoints along Highway 61 provide easy access and frequent photo opportunities.

The park was developed as part of Minnesota’s state park system with facilities intended for day use and overnight camping; many park structures and trails were built to provide public access to the river and shoreline. The falls have long been a regional attraction for recreation and nature viewing.

Geographically the park sits on Minnesota’s North Shore, adjacent to Lake Superior and along Highway 61 between Duluth and Grand Marais. The Gooseberry River flows through the park to the lake, and the site is accessible directly from the lakeshore route.

  • Waterfalls: The park features three main waterfalls on the Gooseberry River that are accessible via short trails and viewing platforms adjacent to Highway 61.
  • Best times to visit: Fall foliage and winter ice formations are among the most photographed conditions, while summer brings heavier visitor use for hiking and picnicking.

What to See #

  • Upper, Middle and Lower Falls: A series of three named waterfalls on the Gooseberry River commonly referred to as the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls and located within short walking distance of each other.
  • Trails and campground: Park facilities that include trails, picnic areas and a campground serving visitors exploring the North Shore corridor of Lake Superior.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota Highway 61, near Two Harbors, MN
47.1469, -91.4632

How to Get to Gooseberry Falls State Park #

Gooseberry Falls is located on Minnesota Highway 61 about 14 miles (22 km) northeast of Two Harbors and roughly 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Duluth. From Highway 61, follow the park signs to the main parking area; there is a second, smaller lot closer to the Lower Falls. Highway 61 is the primary route-no public transit serves the park directly; plan to drive.

Tips for Visiting Gooseberry Falls State Park #

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon to catch the falls with the warm side-light; mid-day sun flattens the river's texture.
  • Park at the main lot off Minnesota Highway 61 (seasonal fee) and use the paved trail to the Lower Falls to avoid the steep, rocky upper paths.
  • Bring layers-the microclimate near Lake Superior can be ten degrees colder and windier than Two Harbors or Silver Bay.

Best Time to Visit Gooseberry Falls State Park #

Gooseberry Falls is best visited from late spring through early fall for trail access and comfortable conditions. Expect wind off Lake Superior year-round.

Summer
June-August · 45-70°F (7-21°C)
Warmest water and fullest picnic season; trails and camping fill up, but the waterfalls are at pleasing flow.
Autumn
September-October · 30-55°F (-1-13°C)
Foliage on the gorge explodes in late September; shorter days and dramatic light make the cascades photogenic.
Spring
April-May · 25-50°F (-4-10°C)
Snowmelt swells the Gooseberry River-waterfalls run hard and muddy. Trails can be wet and icy.

Weather & Climate near Gooseberry Falls State Park #

Climate

Gooseberry Falls State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -18°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (741 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-18°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -6°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-12°
Feels Like Freezing
-12°C
Temperature
-18° -6°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -15°C. The driest month with just 18 mm.

Comfort

-10°
Feels Like Freezing
-10°C
Temperature
-15° -4°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

43 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 98 mm of rain.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

Comfort

-8°
Feels Like Freezing
-8°C
Temperature
-13° -4°

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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