Minnesota’s North Shore is home to some of the state’s most breathtaking and popular state parks. With waterfalls cascading over ancient basalt cliffs and serene hiking trails through old growth forests teeming with wildlife, these unique parks offer adventures everyone can enjoy.
“People who visit state parks and trails in person experience firsthand the amazing natural resources we have in Minnesota,” says Erin Turner-Garza, the park manager for Cascade River and Judge C.R. Magney State Parks in Cook County. Positive park experiences lead people to appreciate these resources and advocate for their preservation.
National parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and many other federal agencies have been impacted by cuts and layoffs this year. While Minnesota’s DNR state parks have not been impacted directly to date, Turner-Garza is concerned by the proposed federal cuts. “We will continue to work collaboratively with federal, state, and local partners to monitor changes at the federal level and understand any implications to our work,” she says. “All Minnesota state parks, recreation areas, and waysides are open and ready to welcome visitors.”
Relatively new to the area, Turner-Garza moved north for her career and family two years ago. “I was an assistant park superintendent for Texas Parks and Wildlife previously and jumped at the opportunity to work for the DNR on the beautiful North Shore,” she says.
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, though they see the most visitors during the summer. Hiking, camping, and picnicking are the most popular recreational activities. Visitors also enjoy educational nature centers and historical sites with various programming, incredible views of Lake Superior and its dramatic tributaries, wildlife watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and foraging.
Parks are constantly making changes and improvements. A new bridge is being constructed this summer at Tettegouche State Park to replace the one that was damaged by flooding in 2022. A section of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) has been rerouted since the original bridge was removed.
“The SHT reroute will remain in place until the new bridge is complete, which is anticipated to be November 2025,” Turner-Garza says. “At Judge CR Magney, we had our Kettle Falls platform replaced so visitors can now walk below the falls for an epic view.” The Hovland area park, well known for its mysterious Devil’s Kettle, is also adding two new WIFI hot spots to boost cell service.
Choosing when to visit state parks will influence your experience. “People looking to avoid the crowds at any park might consider a visit on a weekday instead of a weekend,” Turner-Garza mentions. Getting an early start may offer you more personal space on popular trails as well.
Of all the North Shore parks, George H. Crosby Manitou is considered the quietest. This could be because it’s tucked away a few miles from Lake Superior and busy Highway 61, but it offers serene wilderness hiking and backpacking, views of waterfalls, and easy access to canoeing and fishing opportunities on Bensen Lake.
Visitors with physical disabilities that limit mobility can still enjoy many of Minnesota’s state parks through the DNR’s all-terrain track chair program. People can borrow track chairs for use within the park for free.
“Here on the Shore, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park has a track chair you can reserve,” Turner-Garza says. She also mentions Grand Portage State Park which features two paved, accessible trails—one of which goes to the Pigeon River High Falls, the largest waterfall in Minnesota.
It’s a good idea to check the DNR website as part of your trip planning. If there are alerts or notices such as poor trail and campground conditions, road or trail closures, fire danger, etc., they will be linked at the top of each state park’s web page.
When asked how the parks balance recreation with conservation, Turner-Garza replies, “It can be a fine line. We want our visitors to have the best experience possible. The best way to balance this is through education.” She says practices like Leave No Trace encourage visitors to be “good stewards of our parks so all can enjoy them.”
Unfortunately, crimes like vandalism and littering happen in the parks sometimes, and the public is encouraged to reach out to any park staff to report anything that seems amiss. Turner-Garza says park staff doesn’t handle criminal matters “outside the rules and regulations of the park,” but they do cooperate with officers if an incident occurs.
If you’re a frequent State Park visitor, you may be interested to know there are volunteering opportunities available. “Some parks have friend groups who support the work of the park,” Turner-Garza says, and she mentions there are ways to volunteer directly for the DNR with information online. People can also call parks directly with inquiries.
The state parks of Minnesota’s North Shore are well known and loved by residents and visitors from around the world. USA Today Readers Choice 2025 has Devil’s Kettle Falls trail in the running for best hiking trail in the United States, and Gooseberry Falls State Park has been nominated for best state park.
“If you haven’t visited before, plan a trip and experience these special places for yourself,” Turner-Garza recommends. “If you’re already a regular visitor, invite a friend, relative or neighbor to join you next time.”
Whether you’re an avid outdoor adventurer or a casual traveler seeking scenic views, the North Shore’s state parks provide the perfect escape into the wild heart of our Northern Wilds. For more information on state parks, visit the Minnesota DNR website: mndnr.gov/stateparks.
