Discover Gooseberry Falls: A self-guided tour to Gooseberry Falls State Park
For group leaders, teachers, and other interested folks
This guide is designed to give you a brief look at the park's natural and historical resources.
Recommendations
I recommend that you stop at the visitor center first (allow 15-30 minutes), and then take either the shorter ADA accessible (or non-ADA if you use stairs) "Waterfalls Walk" to see the Middle and Upper Falls (allow 30-40 minutes) OR take the non-ADA accessible "Falls View Loop" to see the Middle, Upper, & Lower Falls (allow 45-90 minutes). Along the way, you can view outdoor signs highlighting area natural and historical resources by the Gateway Plaza.
I highly recommend spending some time exploring on the Picnic Flow (allow 15-30 minutes) as well since it is one of the North Shore's best examples of a well-exposed, hardened lava flow. It's located on the Lake Superior shoreline and is a nice area to have a sack lunch, if you brought one. However, since the local climate is moderated by Lake Superior (generally temps are 10°F cooler during spring/summer), you may want to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt since it can be breezy along the lakeshore. From the visitor center you can either walk (allow 20-30 minutes via the River View trail) or drive (allow 5 minutes).
A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is not needed to park in the rest area parking lot. However, if you choose to drive to the lakeshore/Picnic Flow areas, a vehicle permit is needed. (Purchase daily or annual permit at park.)
Teacher information: For large groups visiting during the school year
Please contact the park naturalist to let us know you are coming. This helps the naturalist allow enough time to work with the school groups that have been scheduled for a tour on the same day. This will make your self-guided visit more enjoyable.
Contact
If you have any questions, contact the park naturalist at: 218-595-7108, Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN 55616.