Winter lends itself to a quieter, peaceful exploration of the outdoors in northern Minnesota. Most foliage and wildlife become dormant and less active with colder, harsher conditions, and the snow creates a tranquil environment. One of the North Shore’s most popular state parks, Gooseberry Falls, offers unique ways to experience all the winter beauty this time of the year. Located just minutes north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, the park welcomes visitors to snowshoe or ski through the miles of groomed trails, take in the awesome site of the falls, and participate in many programs focused on winter themes.
Michaela Rice, interpretive naturalist at the park, says the special winter programs are designed to “enhance the experience of winter.” Critters come out of the woods to use the snow trails, and it is a great opportunity to learn about wildlife tracks and catch a glimpse of the variety of species roaming through the area. The park has recorded over 225 species of birds that nest or visit the park, and 46 species of mammals—white-tailed deer, gray wolves, and rabbits are of special interest to visitors. The park also highlights the natural rocky Lake Superior shoreline, including five waterfalls and the Gooseberry River. Rice notes the conditions of the environment are continually changing throughout the winter: “The falls may be frozen or completely snow-covered and then the water will be rushing, almost turning into a foam, breaking through the ice.”
Inside the visitor center, interactive programs are held by the fireplace and are available for all ages, starting at six months old. “It’s my job to connect people with nature in a way that makes sense for their brain, bodies, spirits, and heart,” says Rice. Rice began working with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as a biologist and soon discovered that research is too specialized on one specific topic to do the work she originally set out to do. This new position provides Rice the freedom to learn more about a variety of natural resources and share her expertise with visitors. The visitor center also offers interpretive displays telling the stories of the park and its natural wildlife, and highlights the area’s history. A large gift shop is also located in the visitor center, offering a variety of educational books, locally made items, and Minnesota themed apparel. The full schedule of interpretive events at the park can be viewed on the website or by calling the visitor center. Reservations are requested, however, drop ins are welcomed. Rice also conducts outreach programs off site at the Two Harbors Public Library and are available year-round.
Guests interested in self-guided tours on the snow-covered trails can bring their own skis and explore on the groomed trails, which are clearly marked. Detailed maps are also available outside the visitor center, which is always open to the public. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required (these passes are separate from the State Park pass). Off trail snowshoeing is also available, and gear can be reserved: contact michaela.rice@state.mn.us or call 218-595-7108. The visitor center parking lot past the contact station is a MnDOT Wayside Rest and there is no charge for parking.
Gooseberry Falls State Park was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) after the legislature authorized preservation of the area. The park is named after the magnificent set of falls along the Gooseberry River. The 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 and a statue, in tribute of their work, is on display along the path leading to the main falls. The park welcomed over 1 million visitors in 2024, more than both 2022 and 2023 combined.
In the winter months, the park, including the use of the trails, is open during daylight hours. The visitor center and gift shop are open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Visit the DNR website for all the park has to offer, including maps and campsite information: mndnr.gov/gooseberryfalls.