Spring in northern Minnesota doesn’t arrive all at once. The transitional season can sometimes take months, as winter lingers just a little longer than most would like.
On sunny days with temperatures in the 40s, motivation kicks into gear, and the long-awaited spring projects get underway. A few days later, a snowstorm can blanket the region, sending mud boots back to the closet and bringing winter gear back out.
April and May can feel like an emotional roller coaster, with moments of excitement and stretches that test your patience.
Outdoor activities during this period are hit-or-miss, as ice conditions on lakes are typically unsafe for travel, fishing seasons are not yet open, and the mud season brings its own challenges.
But one outdoor experience that’s easy to enjoy this time of year—and becomes more rewarding as the snow steadily disappears—is waterfall season
By May, the waterfalls along the North Shore are on full display, with melting snow and spring rains cascading over towering cliff edges. From Duluth to Thunder Bay, the North Shore is home to numerous remarkable waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible, creating opportunities for families, hikers, photographers, or those looking for a short stroll to bask in the beauty of spring.
The Classic Highway 61 Stops
Gooseberry Falls, Gooseberry Falls State Park
When driving along Highway 61 in the spring, one stop to add to your route is Gooseberry Falls State Park. While the 1,600-acre state park is home to five waterfalls, it also features picnic areas, accessible walking trails, and educational centers.
The three most commonly known waterfalls in the state park along the winding Gooseberry River are Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. Each waterfall is easily accessible via a well-maintained trail located near the visitor center. The state park includes a “Waterfalls Walk” route that takes approximately 30 minutes and is ADA-compliant, offering views of the Middle and Upper Falls. For visitors looking for a slightly longer walk, there is the 1-mile “Falls View Loop,” which includes all three waterfalls and a hike along the river.
Before or after your walk, swing into the visitor center to learn about the area’s history and geology, and get recommendations for other waterfall viewing options in the state park.
Baptism River Falls, Tettegouche State Park
Farther north along Highway 61 is another notable state park with several opportunities to view waterfalls.
Tettegouche State Park, near Silver Bay, is home to four unique waterfalls. The 3-mile round-trip Baptism River Trail takes visitors to High Falls, the second-tallest waterfall within the state’s borders at 63 feet high. Farther downstream, visitors can hike to see the slightly smaller Two Step Falls.
The state park also features several other unique geological landmarks and overlooks of the Baptism River and Lake Superior. A short walk from the visitor center offers expansive views of the North Shore from Shovel Point.
Illgen Falls
Another nearby, easily accessible waterfall on the Baptism River is Illgen Falls, a 40-foot-high waterfall. With access from Highway 1 along a short walking trail, Illgen Falls is a popular spot in the spring and summer.
In the warmer months, it’s common to see individuals jumping off the waterfall cliffs into the deep pool. In the spring, however, it may be too cold to enjoy. If engaging in an adventurous swimming activity, be mindful that the river and its currents are powerful, and there have been a handful of past swimming accidents at this location.
Temperance River Falls, Temperance River State Park
It’s common in the spring and summer months to see the parking areas along Highway 61 full of cars as folks enjoy the numerous water-related activities on the Temperance River.
Visitors can enjoy waterfall views, swim in the potholes carved into the unique geological landscape, and relax on the rocky beach while listening to the sound of Lake Superior.
During the spring melt, the Temperance River has three well-known locations for viewing waterfalls along its deep, narrow gorge. Visitors can access the Upper, Hidden, and Lower Falls via a short walk that includes several viewing platforms, and iron and stone bridges spanning the gorge. The Lower Falls is the shortest-distance option, while the Upper and Hidden Falls are slightly longer at over a mile.
For those seeking more adventure and looking to tack on a few extra miles, the Superior Hiking Trail and Gitchi-Gami State Trail run through the state park and offer additional water-related fun, along with views of Lake Superior and nearby Carlton Peak.
Cascade River Falls, Cascade River State Park
Closer to Grand Marais is Cascade River Falls, which in spring and early summer can be an impressive sight as the Cascade River surges from snowmelt. It’s common to see debris, branches, and downed trees bobbing in the river and making their way under the Cascade Bridge before flowing into Lake Superior.
From the wayside parking area along Highway 61, a short half-mile uphill walk leads to a series of overlooks along the river and views of the first waterfall at over 100 feet. Extend the adventure by continuing on the trail to see the waterfall from a different perspective.
While only a portion of the river is visible, the entire Cascade River runs 17 miles from its headwaters in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness until it reaches Lake Superior. A unique feature of the river is the annual return of steelhead each spring to spawn. While waterfall viewing, keep an eye out for anglers deep in the gorge trying their luck.
High Falls, Grand Portage State Park
A waterfall tour along the North Shore would not be complete without seeing High Falls along the Pigeon River.
Recognized as the tallest waterfall in Minnesota at 120 feet, water flows over the cliff’s edge before plummeting into the gorge below. All the action is viewable from an overlook accessible by an easy, paved trail from Grand Portage State Park. Once you reach the viewing platform, the immense scene and sound of the waterfall unfold. The Pigeon River borders Minnesota and Ontario, and historically served as a vital travel route. In total, the round-trip walk to High Falls is approximately 1 mile and is a great spring outdoor activity for families.
Afterward, stop for lunch at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, or continue the waterfall adventure into Ontario to see Kekabeka Falls.
Near Grand Marais: Local Favorites
Fall River Falls
Just a few miles outside Grand Marais along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is Fall River Falls. While this waterfall pales in size compared to High Falls or others along the North Shore, it’s unique and special in its own way.
The falls can be accessed in several ways, depending on your desired level of activity. A unique way to reach the falls is to bike the nearly 3-mile one-way route along the state trail from Grand Marais. Another option would be to walk from Grand Marais or, for a shorter trip, park in a safe location closer to the falls. A third option, popular in warmer months, is to view the falls from the water by boat, kayak, or canoe.
In recent years, a new bridge over the falls was installed, creating an opportunity to view the nearly 30-foot falls up close.
Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park
One thing’s for certain: it wouldn’t be a North Shore waterfall tour without stopping at Devil’s Kettle. This unique landmark, however, isn’t for the faint of heart. For those looking for a longer hike and a leg workout, include this waterfall in your itinerary.
With its long-standing mysterious history, Devil’s Kettle is one of the most unusual waterfalls on the North Shore. Tucked inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park along the Brule River, the landmark puzzled visitors for years, as water on the west side plunges into a cavernous hole in the rock and then vanishes.
It wasn’t until 2017 that scientists solved the mystery by adding a biodegradable dye upstream. The water eventually makes its way back into the Brule River, but the geological feature’s uniqueness remains. To see Devil’s Kettle, plan for a 2.5-mile round-trip hike with numerous stairs.
