Temperance River State Park
Overview
This 1.1 billion year-old landscape became a state park in 1957, but visitors have been attracted by its scenery for far longer. The rugged terrain is cleft by the Temperance River Gorge, a crack in the earth that the river rushes through on its way to Lake Superior. See and feel the power of the world’s largest freshwater lake at the beach and picnic area at the mouth of the river. Over 1,000 feet above the lake, Carlton Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Visit the park for miles of trails, designated trout streams, or camping.
- Trails
- 8
- Viewpoints
- 13
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 28
Opening Hours
08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Emergency SOS
Amenities Available
- Paved Parking Lots
Designated vehicle parking areas with clearly marked spaces and ADA-accessible spots mandated by federal law. Most parks offer free or low-cost daily parking passes.
- Restrooms / Flush Toilets
Modern restroom facilities with running water and proper sanitation. Subject to seasonal closures in northern states during winter months.
- Drinking Water Fountains
Potable water stations distributed throughout the park, tested regularly for safety to ensure clean water access for all visitors.
- Picnic Areas & Shelters
Covered pavilions equipped with tables and built-in grills. Shelters are often reservable for group events and birthday parties.
- Visitor / Ranger Station
Information hub staffed by rangers or volunteers offering maps, wildlife briefings, and educational programs for school groups and families.
- Hiking & Nature Trails
Marked paths ranging from easy, paved walks to rugged backcountry routes, blazed with color-coded markers and difficulty ratings.
- Campgrounds
Tent and RV sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. Some include full electric hookups, reservable through Recreation.gov.
- Overlook
- Historic Site
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required; purchase at park office.
Alerts & Advisories
Stay informed before heading out
Safety Tips
Safety Advisory
- Current safety alerts for Temperance River State Park include extreme caution advised along the fast-flowing, deceptive river currents and slippery, sheer rock drop-offs near the gorge, along with seasonal washouts on nearby access roads like Carlton Peak Road (Forest Service Road 1201).
- Visitors must stay behind safety railings on the gorge trails, avoid swimming entirely due to violent undercurrents and freezing Lake Superior temperatures, and check the Minnesota DNR Alerts Page for real-time
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking
Hiking
Snowmobile
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Superior Hiking Spur Trail
Snowmobile
Snowmobile
Superior Hiking Trail
Nearby Viewpoints
Waterfall
0.4 mi
Waterfall
0.9 mi
Waterfall
1.0 mi
Campground
1.0 mi
Backpack Campsite
1.1 mi
Campground
1.1 mi
Backpack Campsite
1.3 mi
Historic Site
Monument / Memorial
1.3 mi
Waterfall
1.3 mi
Backpack Campsite
1.7 mi
Overlook (Carlton Peak)
Overlook
2.0 mi
Overlook (Tofte Peak)
Overlook
2.2 mi
Picnic Area
2.4 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Temperance River State Park?
This 1.1 billion year-old landscape became a state park in 1957, but visitors have been attracted by its scenery for far longer. The rugged terrain is cleft by the Temperance River Gorge, a crack in the earth that the river rushes through on its way to Lake Superior.
Where is Temperance River State Park located?
Temperance River State Park is located in Schroeder, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park has 8 mapped trails covering 30.8 miles in total. The longest is Superior Hiking Trail at 10.4 miles.
What is there to see at Temperance River State Park?
Places to see at Temperance River State Park include Historic Site, Overlook (Carlton Peak), Overlook (Tofte Peak), Carry-In Access and Trailer Access.
What facilities are available at Temperance River State Park?
Facilities at Temperance River State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Hiking & Nature Trails, Historic Site, Overlook, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 1 more.
Is there parking at Temperance River State Park?
Yes, Temperance River State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Can I camp at Temperance River State Park?
Yes, Temperance River State Park has 7 campsites marked on its map, including Cart-In Campsite.
How can I contact Temperance River State Park?
You can contact Temperance River State Park by phone at 8886466367.
What safety tips should visitors to Temperance River State Park know?
Current safety alerts for Temperance River State Park include extreme caution advised along the fast-flowing, deceptive river currents and slippery, sheer rock drop-offs near the gorge, along with seasonal washouts on nearby access roads like Carlton Peak Road (Forest Service Road 1201). Visitors must stay behind safety railings on the gorge trails, avoid swimming entirely due to violent undercurrents and freezing Lake Superior temperatures, and check the Minnesota DNR Alerts Page for real-time
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