The North Shore of Lake Superior is one of Minnesota’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes. This rocky coastline from Duluth to the Canadian border is the perfect place to soak in the fall colors and go off the grid for a few nights of camping. Add these 5 state parks to your list to explore this season and beyond.
Photography provided by Explore Minnesota
Cascade River State Park
The hiking trails at Cascade River State Park are ideal for taking in a handful of small waterfalls and basking in the park’s lush Boreal forest. Named for the rushing river that weaves its way through the terrain, this state park offers 40 year-round drive-in campsites, five backpacking spots and two group sites.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Considered the gateway to the North Shore, Gooseberry Falls is a well-loved green space renowned for its picturesque waterfalls and scenic hiking trails. Most campers settle at one of the park’s 69 drive-in campsites, four of which are wheelchair-accessible.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Located in Grand Marais, Judge C.R. Magney State Park is best known for its mysterious Devil’s Kettle waterfall. As the Brule River makes its way through the park, it splits into two separate waterfalls. The campground features 27 private wooded drive-in sites, complete with showers and modern plumbing.
Tettegouche State Park
People visit Tettegouche State Park to take in lake views and see the Baptism River’s 60-foot falls, the highest in Minnesota. There are 28 drive-in campsites that offer wooded privacy along the river, and most have electricity. There are also five first-come-first-served backpacking sites.
Temperance River State Park
Temperance River State Park has beautiful views of Lake Superior and a sandy beach where you can wade in the water, skip rocks or search for agates. There are two drive-in campgrounds here. The lower one boasts breathtaking water vistas, while the upper one offers electricity.
