.jpg){kind=link}
Jay Cooke State Park
Carlton, MN
The St. Louis River tumbles through slanted slabs of dark rock here, crossed by a famous swinging footbridge. Trails follow the gorge and offer easy loops; bring sturdy shoes, since the rock is slippery after rain.
Jay Cooke State Park was established in 1915 and lies on the St. Louis River, about 10 miles (16 km) southwest of Duluth. Here the river has cut through a rocky gorge of Precambrian bedrock roughly 13 miles (21 km) long; the oldest rock is slate and graywacke about 1.9 billion years old. The park is famous for the Swinging Bridge across the river, about 200 feet (60 m) long overall. After severe flooding in June 2012 it was damaged and was rebuilt by 2014.
More than 50 miles (80 km) of hiking trails run through the park, including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail; the Willard Munger State Trail links it with Duluth. The old Grand Portage Trail, which Indigenous people and voyageurs used to bypass the impassable gorge, also runs through here. Two hours are enough for the bridge and a short loop. Wear sturdy footwear, because the rock is slippery after rain. Camping is available.
- Nearest town
- Carlton, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.6545, -92.3680
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)
Nearby
© Fibonacci Blue from Minnesota, USA · CC BY 2.0Canal Park and Aerial Lift Bridge
© Tony Webster from San Francisco, California · CC BY-SA 2.0Gooseberry Falls State Park
© Sharon Mollerus · CC BY 2.0Split Rock Lighthouse
© Lorie Shaull · CC BY 2.0Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View
Campsites nearby
- Jay Cooke State ParkCampsite0 mi from Jay Cooke State Park · 113 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
- Spafford CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Jay Cooke State Park · 25 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Red Pine CampgroundMotorhome stopover15 mi from Jay Cooke State ParkMotorhomes
- Gafvert CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Jay Cooke State Park · 18 pitchesTentsDrinking waterToilets
- Bear Lake County Park CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Jay Cooke State Park · 15 pitchesElectricityDrinking waterShowersWaste disposal
- Red Fox Campground & RV ParkCampsite24 mi from Jay Cooke State Park
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Jay Cooke State Park?
Jay Cooke State Park is in Carlton, MN, at GPS 46.6545, -92.3680. It is about 16 mi from Duluth.
Can you camp near Jay Cooke State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Jay Cooke State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 26 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Jay Cooke State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Canal Park and Aerial Lift Bridge (16 mi), Gooseberry Falls State Park (54 mi), Split Rock Lighthouse (60 mi) and Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View (61 mi).
When is the best time to visit Jay Cooke 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)