Where is Gooseberry Falls State Park?

Gooseberry Falls State Park is on the Lake Superior shore of Minnesota.

How much time do you need at Gooseberry Falls State Park?

Allow 2–3 hours to explore Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Can you camp at Gooseberry Falls State Park?

Yes. Gooseberry Falls State Park offers camping. Summer sites can book up early, so reserve through the official park system.

State Park · Lake Superior

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Waterfalls, river trails and a rocky Lake Superior shore on Minnesota's North Shore.

Photo: Edward Morrissey · CC BY-SA 4.0

Middle Gooseberry Falls, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota.jpg by Edward Morrissey · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized and converted to WebP; display crops vary.

Official website Plan a trip around it

On the coast

About Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls is more than a roadside waterfall stop: trails follow the river toward its Lake Superior mouth. Combine waterfall viewpoints with a shoreline walk to see how the North Shore's rock and water shape the landscape. Check trail status and remain behind barriers around fast water.

LakeLake Superior

RegionMinnesota

Park typeState Park

BeachNot listed

CampingYes

Live · Gooseberry Falls State Park

What's going on right now.

Weather, alerts, the water, the sky and local headlines, gathered from official sources as you read.

Gathering the latest conditions…

National Weather Service Environment Canada NOAA buoy observations Aurora forecast

This place has no verified map position, so conditions are for a nearby forecast point. Live data from the U.S. National Weather Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, NOAA's National Data Buoy Center and Space Weather Prediction Center; headlines link to the publishers. Sun and moon times are calculated. Conditions change quickly—check official forecasts before going on the water. Not for navigation.

Best time

Spring for snowmelt-swollen falls, early October for North Shore color, and January–February when the cascades freeze into sculpted ice.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best months

Don't miss

Highlights of Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Take in the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls on a short loop from the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center.
Hike upriver to quieter Fifth Falls, where the Superior Hiking Trail crosses the Gooseberry on a footbridge.
Admire the 1930s stone and log craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps, still visible in the park's walls and buildings.
Walk or bike the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail northeast toward Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Know before you go

Tips for visiting Gooseberry Falls State Park.

A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required; an annual permit makes sense if you plan to stop at several North Shore parks.
Parking fills on summer and fall-color weekends — arrive early in the morning or return in the late afternoon.
Rock near the falls is slick with spray, and in winter with ice; traction cleats make cold-season visits far safer.

Great for Trails, cliffs & waterfalls Winter & ice Camping & dark skies

Loading the map. The links and itinerary below are always available.

No verified point location is available. This is a lake overview, not this place's exact position. Precise shipwreck sites are not plotted.

Black-and-white basemap by OpenStreetMap. Great Lakes highlighted in color. Hold Ctrl (or Command) while scrolling to zoom. Use two fingers on touch screens.

Lake outlines: Natural Earth (public domain). Town centers: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Not for navigation.

Good to know

Questions about Gooseberry Falls State Park

Where is Gooseberry Falls State Park?: Gooseberry Falls State Park is on the Lake Superior shore of Minnesota.
When is the best time to visit Gooseberry Falls State Park?: Spring for snowmelt-swollen falls, early October for North Shore color, and January–February when the cascades freeze into sculpted ice.
How much time do you need at Gooseberry Falls State Park?: Allow 2–3 hours to explore Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Can you camp at Gooseberry Falls State Park?: Yes. Gooseberry Falls State Park offers camping. Summer sites can book up early, so reserve through the official park system.

Travel well

Make it a good visit.

Check access before leaving.

Opening hours, parking, permits and step-free access change by season. Confirm your needs with the official destination; a map pin is not an entrance.

Give the shoreline time.

Leave room for weather delays and a quieter side trail. Stay on marked paths, respect closures and support the local communities that make the coast special.

Travel thoughtfully

Look beyond the air forecast.

Waves and water temperatures can tell a very different story. Use marine forecasts and local beach advisories before any water activity.

Official weather resources

Road trips

Put this place on a longer route.

3-5 days

Minnesota North Shore Slow Drive

A relaxed Duluth-to-Grand Marais route linking harbors, waterfalls and lighthouse country.

View the itinerary

Events

Seasonal traditions on this coast.

These events share the region and lake—not necessarily this destination. Confirm current dates with organizers.

July (confirm annual dates)

Grand Marais Arts Festival

A North Shore arts gathering rooted in Grand Marais's creative community.

Organizer & event guide

Summer (dates vary; not annual)

Duluth Tall Ships

A harbor gathering celebrating sailing and maritime heritage on Lake Superior.