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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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Arrowhead Region
Gooseberry Falls State Park
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Gooseberry Falls State Park © Ben Prepelka
Gooseberry Falls State Park © Kari Fischer
Gooseberry Falls State Park © Ben Prepelka
Gooseberry Falls State Park Upper Falls Moonlight © Lucas Payne
Upper Falls on a fully moonlit night.
Gooseberry Falls State Park Middle Falls Moonlight © Lucas Payne
This was photographed on a fully moonlit night.
Gooseberry Falls State Park © Nancy Bauer
Gooseberry Falls State Park Birch trees © Nancy Bauer
Gooseberry Falls State Park Lady Slipper © Kari Fischer
Gooseberry Falls State Park © Kim Lyons
Gooseberry Falls State Park © Kim Lyons
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GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK
GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK
3206 Highway 61 East
Two Harbors, Minnesota   55616

Phone: 218-834-3855
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Email: park email button icon
Gooseberry Falls is the gateway to the North Shore. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife.

Listen to the thunderous roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River, as it plummets through a rocky gorge. Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow.

Hike or ski to see the Fifth Falls through a forest of evergreens, aspen, and birch.

Enjoy camping in modern campsites, picnicking, and relaxing along the Lake Superior shoreline or the Gooseberry River.

To get the most out of your visit, stop by the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center where you can find park information, interpretive displays, a park video, Nature Store, and more. Or visit the Gateway Plaza for outdoor interpretive signs on area resources and history.
Nature of the Area
Rocky Lake Superior shoreline, five waterfalls, Gooseberry River and gorge, Agate Beach and the Picnic Flow highlight the park. Trails lead through a fairly diverse vegetative cover of mixed evergreen, aspen and birch forests that provide habitat for a variety of birds, plants and other animals. Because the local climate is moderated by Lake Superior, some disjunct populations of arctic-alpine plants can be found in the park.

Geologists have determined that about one billion years ago, the earth began to split apart along the area now known as the North Shore. Lava flowed out onto the earth and cooled to form volcanic bedrock. Several lava flows can be seen at the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls and south of the Gooseberry River along Lake Superior. These basalt lava flows are also the birthplaces of Lake Superior agates. About two million years ago, glaciers (up to a mile high) advanced into the region. As they ground across the area, they changed the landscape dramatically. About 10,000 years ago the last glacier melted back, filling the infant Lake Superior and beginning the erosional process that creates waterfalls. Today, water, wind, and weather continue to shape the North Shore.

The park has recorded over 225 species of birds that nest or visit the park, 46 species of mammals, and ten species of reptiles and amphibians. Of special interest to visitors are white-tailed deer, black bears, gray wolves, pine martens, migratory Lake Superior salmon and trout, a variety of conifer-dependent birds, ravens, and the herring gulls that establish nesting colonies along the lakeshore. During fall and spring, many migratory birds can be seen because the park is along the North Shore flyway.
History of the Area
The area known as Gooseberry Falls State Park is intricately tied to human use of Lake Superior. At different times, the Cree, the Dakotah, and the Ojibwe lived along the North Shore. As early as 1670, the Gooseberry River appeared on explorer maps. The river was either named after the French explorer Sieur des Groseilliers or after the Anishinabe Indian name, Shab-on-im-i-kan-i-sibi; when translated, both refer to gooseberries. In the 1870s, commercial and sport fishermen began to use this area. By the 1890s, logging became the principle use of the land around the Gooseberry River. In 1900, the Nestor Logging Company built its headquarters at the river mouth and a railway was used to carry the pine to the lake for rafting to the sawmills. Because of fires and intensive logging pressures, the pine disappeared by the early 1920s.

With the rise of North Shore tourism in the 1920s, there was a concern that the highly scenic North Shore would be accessible only to the rich. As a result the Legislature authorized preservation of the area around Gooseberry Falls in 1933. The following year, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began to develop the park. CCC crews built the park's stone and log buildings and the 300-foot long "Castle in the Park" stone retaining wall. They also laid out the original campground, picnic grounds and trails. The area officially became Gooseberry Falls State Park in 1937. The CCC camps closed in 1941, but the park's CCC legacy lives on. Designed with ties to the CCC, a new visitor center/wayside rest and Highway 61 bridge was opened in 1996.
Swimming
1. Gooseberry Falls State Park offers numerous swimming opportunities in Lake Superior.
2. The park's main beach is a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathers alike.
3. There are also smaller, secluded beaches ideal for private swims or picnics by the water.
4. Swimming near the falls themselves isn't recommended due to strong currents and slippery rocks.
5. Lifeguards aren't present at any of these locations so swimmer safety should be prioritized personally.

Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Gooseberry River, home to brook trout and rainbow trout. Lake Superior nearby offers lake trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon and steelhead. Fishing equipment is available for rent at the park's visitor center. A Minnesota fishing license is required.


Location
Gooseberry Falls State Park is

Picnicking
1. Gooseberry Falls State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic waterfall views.
2. Picnic tables and fire rings are available for use.
3. There's a large, covered picnic shelter that can be reserved in advance.
4. Visitors may enjoy picnicking near the river or forest areas within the park.
5. The park provides grills at some sites for outdoor cooking during your picnic outing.

Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a paved path stretching over 18 miles. Be aware of hikers.

The trail offers stunning views of Lake Superior but requires careful navigation due to steep sections and sharp turns.

Mountain biking is not permitted within park boundaries; stick to designated paths for safety reasons.

Winter months may see trails closed or hazardous from snowfall - always check conditions before setting out on your ride.

Remember that helmets are required by law in Minnesota when cycling, so ensure you're equipped properly for safe riding experiences.

While enjoying scenic rides along riverside routes, be cautious as wildlife encounters might occur unexpectedly.
Birding
The park offers birding opportunities with over 225 species of birds recorded. Birders can spot warblers, thrushes and waterfowl during migration seasons. The area is also home to raptors like hawks and eagles. A checklist for the various types of birds seen in this location is available at the visitor center.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
February 23
park review stars; one to five
April 3 Great for all seasons by Kim
park review stars; one to five Gooseberry Falls are always amazing, especially in the spring! It is a free state park as it is also attached to a rest area. It is definitely worth a stop on the North Shore of Minnesota.
July 26 I loved it ! by Bernie
park review stars; one to five Went there with my dad. Just one of many wonderful memories of our trip to Minnesota.
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Directions
From the town of Two Harbors, follow State Highway 61 northeast approximately 13 miles to the park.

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Minnesota State Parks

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