Gooseberry Falls State Park
Two Harbors, MN
The Gooseberry River drops over upper, middle and lower falls just before Lake Superior. Short paved paths from the visitor center on MN-61 reach all three; spring snowmelt brings the biggest flow.
Gooseberry Falls State Park lies on the North Shore of Lake Superior, 13 miles (21 km) northeast of Two Harbors on Minnesota Highway 61. Here the Gooseberry River drops over the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls just before it reaches the lake. The area rests on at least 19 lava flows, and three layers of lava can be seen from the highway bridge. Lake Superior agates also occur here. The park was established in 1937 and covers 1,687 acres (about 680 hectares).
The Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center opened in 1996 and offers exhibits. Rustic buildings of red, blue, brown and black basalt were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (1934-1941). There are hiking trails, a campground and a connection to the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. The park is accessible year-round; in summer the falls often carry little water, while in winter ice formations are the draw.
- Nearest town
- Two Harbors, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.1418, -91.4693
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
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Nearby
© Sharon Mollerus · CC BY 2.0Split Rock Lighthouse
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Palisade Head
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Tettegouche State Park
© NPS Photo · Public domainApostle Islands sea caves
Campsites nearby
- Gooseberry Falls State Park CampgroundCampsite0 mi from Gooseberry Falls State Park · 69 pitchesDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
- Burlington Bay CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Gooseberry Falls State Park · 102 pitchesTentsCaravansShowers
- Black Beach CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Gooseberry Falls State Park · 49 pitchesShowersWi-Fi
- Penmarallter CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Gooseberry Falls State Park · 24 pitchesTentsElectricityShowersWaste disposal
- Tettegouche State Park CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Gooseberry Falls State ParkTentsElectricityShowersToilets
- Eckbeck Campground and Day-Use AreaCampsite20 mi from Gooseberry Falls State ParkTentsDrinking water
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is in Two Harbors, MN, at GPS 47.1418, -91.4693. It is about 15 mi from Silver Bay.
Can you camp near Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Nestor Grade Group Camp, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 45 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Minnesota’s North Shore: waterfalls and cliffs to Grand Portage.
What is there to see near Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Split Rock Lighthouse (6 mi), Palisade Head (17 mi), Tettegouche State Park (19 mi) and Apostle Islands sea caves (28 mi).
When is the best time to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)