Gooseberry Falls State Park
Overview
Park trails wind through 1,700 acres of mixed evergreen, aspen and birch forests bordering Lake Superior. You can step along ancient lava flows eroded by water at the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. The land has a history of drawing people. Early explorers met native residents, fishermen made their living from the lake, logging transformed the landscape in the early 1900s, and tourism expanded in the 1920s. In 1933, the state authorized the preservation of this area and soon the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) arrived to create Gooseberry Falls State Park. View the lasting legacy of these young men in the log and stone features they built here.
- Trails
- 9
- Viewpoints
- 3
- Activities
- 0
- POIs
- 39
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.
- Emergency Call Stations
Blue-light phones or cellular-boosted call points located throughout urban parks, connected directly to park security and emergency services.
- Mountain Biking
Required Permits
VEHICLE PERMITSRequired
Permits required in park, EXCEPT at the visitor center/DOT Wayside parking lot; purchase at visitor center or entrance kiosk.
Popular/Nearby Trails
Hiking (Fifth Falls Trail)
Hiking/Mt. Biking
Hiking/Mt. Biking
Gitchi Gummi Trail
Hiking/Mt. Biking
Hiking
Hiking
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Hiking (River View Trai & Upper Falls)
Nearby Viewpoints
Waterfall (Fifth Falls)
Waterfall
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a state park of Minnesota, The park surrounds the mouth of the Gooseberry River and includes Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
0.2 mi
Waterfall (Upper Falls)
Waterfall
Upper Falls is a striking 35-foot waterfall located upstream from Middle and Lower Falls along the Gooseberry River. Easily accessible via a short, paved walking trail from the Visitor Center, this viewpoint offers excellent elevated vantage points of the river rushing through ancient dark basalt rocks.
0.4 mi
Waterfall (Middle & Lower)
Waterfall
Middle & Lower Falls is a popular scenic viewpoint along the Gooseberry River in Gooseberry Falls State Park. A short hike along the Falls Loop/Gitchi Gummi Trail leads to viewing decks and boardwalks offering panoramic views of these tiered, 30-foot waterfalls as the river cascades through a ancient basalt rock gorge toward Lake Superior.
0.5 mi
Nearby Points of Interest
Reviews & Ratings
Community Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours of Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is open every day from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
What is Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Park trails wind through 1,700 acres of mixed evergreen, aspen and birch forests bordering Lake Superior. You can step along ancient lava flows eroded by water at the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. The land has a history of drawing people.
Where is Gooseberry Falls State Park located?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota, United States.
How many trails are there at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Gooseberry Falls State Park has 9 mapped trails covering 20 miles in total. The longest is Hiking/Mt. Biking at 5.6 miles.
What is there to see at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Places to see at Gooseberry Falls State Park include Waterfall (Fifth Falls), Waterfall (Middle & Lower), Waterfall (Upper Falls), Information, Nature Store, Overlook and 1 more.
What facilities are available at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Facilities at Gooseberry Falls State Park include Campgrounds, Drinking Water Fountains, Emergency Call Stations, Hiking & Nature Trails, Mountain Biking, Paved Parking Lots, Picnic Areas & Shelters, Restrooms / Flush Toilets and 1 more.
Is there parking at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Yes, Gooseberry Falls State Park has parking (Paved Parking Lots).
Are there restrooms at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Yes, Gooseberry Falls State Park has restrooms (Restrooms / Flush Toilets).
Can I camp at Gooseberry Falls State Park?
Yes, Gooseberry Falls State Park has 3 campsites marked on its map, including Group Camp and RV Sanitation Station.
How can I contact Gooseberry Falls State Park?
You can contact Gooseberry Falls State Park by phone at 8886466367.
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