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Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors, MN

Photo: Jonathunder, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureFamily Favorite

Gooseberry Falls State Park

3206 Highway 61 E · Two Harbors, MN

Why you should go…

This state park on Minnesota Highway 61 surrounds the mouth of the Gooseberry River, about 13 miles northeast of Two Harbors. From the visitor center, the accessible Waterfalls Walk leads to the Middle and Upper Falls, and the longer Falls View Loop takes in all three. The River View Trail runs down to the lakeshore at Picnic Flow, a well-exposed hardened lava flow along Lake Superior.

  • #state park
  • #waterfalls
  • #lake superior
  • #hiking trails
  • #north shore

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Gooseberry Falls State Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Split Rock Lighthouse

    Under $25

    Tour a 1910 lighthouse and keeper's home perched on a 130-foot cliff above Lake Superior.

    5.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Lutsen Mountains

    $50+

    Ski and ride across four peaks above Lake Superior, or take a summer gondola and alpine slide in the Sawtooth Mountains.

    50 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Iron Range

    Free

    A collection of small mining towns on Minnesota's Iron Range, promoted by the region's tourism bureau.

    54 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    International Wolf Center

    Under $25

    Watch live ambassador wolves through viewing windows and explore exhibits on wolf behavior at this interpretive center in Ely.

    55 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions