Because this state park has a rest area, the admission is free. You only need to pay entry if you're going to the campground or driving down to the Lakeshore. You can see the Falls and hike the upper areas for free. Friendly staff, small nature, center, restrooms, vending. Ample free parking. The fall cells are pretty cool. It was fairly busy so there were a lot of people around. If you walk to the other side of the highway and hike up there, there are far fewer people. read more

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Overall my trip to the falls was nice. Parking was easy, it was peaceful and clean out there. read more

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Gorgeous state park north of Duluth in Northern Minnesota that you should definitely take the time to visit. We were lucky enough to go on a Monday in April when it wasn't that crowded. It felt like we had the trails to ourselves. Still lots of snow on the trails, and the river and waterfalls were covered in snow and ice that added to its beauty. We had a great time exploring for two hours before heading home. There is a decent sized parking lot (though I'm told it gets packed in warmer months). The visitors center is clean, informative, spacious, with a neat gift shop to satisfy all of your outdoorsy heart's desires. The best part: visitors center, parking, trail access: it's all free! read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - The falls in winter. - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

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A must see if you're in the north shore and especially with kiddos. Short hike to the falls. We explored both the upper and lower falls and played in both but the kiddo (5) had more fun in the lower falls. He did walk cautiously out with me and the hubby on the upper falls. Note - this park is free! Great restroom facilities and a cool place to check out some great background on the park, animals...and a store too for a souvenir. read more

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We were in Duluth for Grandma's Marathon and drove up to Gooseberry the day after. Beautiful park and well-maintained visitor center and gift shop. Clean bathrooms. Big parking lot but it was almost full when we arrived around 11. Our legs were too trashed to do more than the basic path to the upper, middle and lower falls. I wish I we'd had the energy to do more trails. Falls were beautiful and spectacular because of the recent rainfall. I would recommend bug spray. We did not have any and the mosquitoes were hungry. read more

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Our first state park on our road trip up north. Hooray for Minnesota and your State Parks!!! Y'all know me, a quick stop in the visitor center first for chit chat and shopping. There is so many goodies inside, we decided to hike first and go back to shop afterwards. Super friendly staff. Clean bathrooms. This is actually a pretty busy park, but it is spread out so nicely you are able to still feel the beauty. (It was a Wednesday evening. Saturday the parking was out to the road. Yikes) Paved sidewalks and gorgeous views. An easy walk makes for a fun stop for all. read more

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I had a nice walk around Gooseberry Falls State Park this afternoon. It was super nice in mid-June with just the right amount of heat and a good breeze. I would imagine that in the winter, this place gets a little uncomfortable being as it is right on Lake Superior but today was nice. The hiking trails were in good use with quite a few people coming and going. Everyone quite friendly with a wave or a nod or a good afternoon in passing. Plenty of parking today and I had a surprisingly good cell signal throughout. [Review 17890 overall - 110 in Minnesota - 1411 of 2022.] read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Entrance to Gooseberry Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

We came here unplanned on a Monday towards the end of October. Of course the leaves were changing colors and it wasn't busy on a Monday. We parked on the visitors center parking lot where you don't a Minnesota Park permit for your vehicle. The visitor center was great if you need to use the bathroom or get some water or grab a map if you're not familiar with the area! The trails and views were gorgeous for a fall day! We definitely would've stayed longer if we didn't do a day trip. I definitely will plan to come back and do longer hikes to check out all the great sites! read more

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Minnesota has an AWESOME State Park system. You can go on the Yodel app, as of July 2024 it is only $7 per day for multiple Minnesota State Parks. The section of Minnesota State Route 61 north of Duluth along Lake Superior up to the Canadian border is amazing, one of the most underrated drives in America. Give yourself plenty of time to see multiple State Parks in this region. read more

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Gooseberry Falls State Park was one of my best highlights driving along 150-mile North Shore Scenic Drive going up the eastern coast of Minnesota. To be exact, Gooseberry SP is located just outside the town of Two Harbors, MN. I visited back in early June of this year, 2021 in late afternoon around 4pm. When I arrived, the parking lot was busy. In fact, I had difficulty finding a space to leave my car. So overall, I'll say this right now...Gooseberry Falls is very popular. It was congested with a lot of visitors hanging out. Even for coming here at 4pm I felt pretty overwhelmed by the number families and tourists. But...I could easily understand why this is the star attraction off of North Shore Drive. Not only do you have 3 beautiful waterfall areas (The Upper, Middle and Lower Falls) to take pictures of, but during summertime you can bring your bathing suit and go swimming as well. The Middle Falls section is the largest waterfall area of all 3 and there were so many people just lounging around and playing in the waters. I give this Gooseberry SP credit. Because...the waterfalls are like an oasis of fun. You can snap family photos set upon wonderful surroundings and then hop into the pools of water for up close looks of the falls tumbling down the rock side. It's a real cool setting and if you're a family with young children...they can spend all day splashing in the pools sort of like a resort/spa combo set in the heart of nature. Just to back up a moment... - After finding a parking spot...you'll walk towards the Visitors Center. I'd recommend stopping inside. The VC is complete with everything! They offer all sorts of great souvenirs/gifts about the park and the other great attractions along North Shore Scenic Drive. Plus, they sell snacks and drinks as well. You can even have your Parks Pass stamped for those park fanatics. Gooseberry Falls is one of the best state parks out there that I have visited! - In terms of the 3 waterfall sections, the Upper Falls stands alone by itself and can be easily accessed by a short walk. Well...all the waterfalls are easy to get to. But...the Middle and Lower Falls were situated next to each other and that's where most tourists came to hang out at. - The Upper Falls were pretty awesome, imo. What makes it great is that in order to view them, you have to walk up to an observation/overlook spot where you can see the waters cascading down in the background. This vista point area was perfect for photo taking. So...instead of being able to climb on the rocks and swim to the Middle/Lower Falls, here these Upper Falls are the tallest and cannot be accessed other than viewing them from afar. But I appreciated this aspect and the different perspective for witnessing what makes these Upper Falls special. I used about 20 minutes at the overlook point for a few photos and to record a video. - I was a little surprised how many people were swimming in the waters by the Middle and Lower Falls. The falls were hard to capture photos of especially with all the strangers around but...I highly recommend hiking the roundtrip falls pathway that circulates around the whole park! This hiking path is terrific for seeing the Middle and Lower Falls from a distance. When you climb a short boardwalk pathway, you're afforded one giant backdrop of a setting looking out upon all of Gooseberry Falls SP. This hike was pretty amazing! And after peering down on the park in its entirety (which is also absolutely worthy of a few family photos) if you continue on the walkway, it will lead you to the Upper Falls section. My advice for exploring Gooseberry SP... 1. Stop in at the Visitors Center. 2. Walk towards the Middle and Lower Falls. 3. Hang out and swim in the Middle and Lower Falls area. 4. From the Lower Falls, return to the pedestrian pathway and start walking away from the action/happenings of the falls and follow the walk through the woods going towards the boardwalk. 5. Climb the steps of the boardwalk to a little viewing spot for a grand moment looking out upon the Middle and Lower Falls within all of Gooseberry SP. 6. Continue along the pathway to see the Upper Falls section. 7. Return back down towards the main plaza area. In total, all 3 waterfall sections provide unique perspectives for this wonderful part of northeastern Minnesota. I can't stress enough how pleasant the setting was here for early June. Although it was very crowded even for being towards the tail end of the day, I still felt like I was on vacation from my vacation, lol. In total, I spent about 3 hours here at the park enjoying the fresh air ambiance while grabbing some memorable pictures. If there is a next time I come here, I'll definitely take my bathing suit with me. Gooseberry Falls is without a doubt one of the best state parks out there. And...along all of 150-mile North Shore Scenic Drive it's the host for one giant sanctuary of state parks. So...go and take advantage of being in nature at its finest read more

We need to enact legislation that EVERY Minnesotan check out Gooseberry Falls at least once in their lives. It embodies what is truly Minnesotan: beautiful natural areas that no one likes to brag about (I'm a Minnesotan and a Yelper-so I'll brag for us all). It is free to visit (camping is extra), lots of parking area, walkable trail around all the waterfalls. Don't forget to stop in the Visitor Center! Really nice & knowledgeable park staff there waiting to answer your questions about the area. Can't wait to come back here on bicycle on the Gitchi Game State Trail! read more

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A great State Park with wonderful trails and falls. It really is a must stop when visiting the North Shore. The park is just under a hour drive from Duluth. Very family, children, and dog friendly. The trails are very accessible and it's more of a leisurely hike. We have gone in both the summer and winter without any issues. They do a great job even in the winter after a big snow. Just watch out for some of the icy areas around the steps. Ample parking with restrooms and a gift shop. Do yourself a favor and add it to your list of things to do when visiting the Duluth area. A great day trip with with awesome photo opportunities. read more

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All the parks along the North Shore are great. Gooseberry has a nice gift shop. If you just want ti see the falls you do not need a park sticker. To get down to the shore you need the park pass. Lots of fun at Gooseberry. Great hiking trails, amazing views, peaceful setting. read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Frozen falls - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

Nice MN State park, make sure to bring your swimsuit as you can splash or take a quick swim in the falls. There is 2 trails the upper and lower around the falls. The lower pretty much goes directly to the falls. There is other trails as well. Gift shop and restroom on site as well. Vending machines as well. read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

Going to Gooseberry Falls is a rite of passage when traveling up the Superior shore. Of course there are countless sights to see along Highway 61, but Gooseberry feels like an Up-North tradition. It's often busy here, and though the parking lot will seem overwhelmingly full sometimes, it won't feel crowded once you get past it. I always lose track of time here, which is a real good feeling. I love walking the trails, taking annoying selfies, splashing around in the water, climbing over and under formations, sitting with my feet in the rushing water, look for agates, people-watching, listening to both the lower and upper falls. So naturally beautiful and interactive. Other details: free parking and visitor center! I appreciated the automatic toilets and sinks in the bathroom during the time of COVID-19. Tip: Bring water shoes, or even wear a bathingsuit! read more

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We spent a relaxing couple of hours here about 2 years ago in early July while taking a leisurely ride up the shore of Lake Superior. It was busy that day but we found parking and plenty of room to walk around on the rocks by the lake. Even this big ol' boy had no trouble walking on the relatively flat rocks. The views are truly scenic in any direction and there were so many different wildflowers all over. The facilities were clean and comfortable. Definitely worth the price of admission just for a short stop. For the more adventurous and agile there are trails and falls that will make it even more worthwhile. read more

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Beautiful park. We were the only ones hiking to the fifth fall in the rain and fog. We will visit again under better weather. Trails were well marked. The lower falls are easy to walk to for anyone. The bathrooms are plentiful and clean. Gooseberry is a perfect day trip from Duluth. read more

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Visited here many times to escape the summer heat and to get out in nature. It gets quite crowded as the day progresses so as I always say arrive early. Parking here is free but the gift area is closed off right now due to circumstances being what they are during the pandemic. Beautiful views of the falls if the conditions are favorable. read more

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This is a super accessible and beautiful park with waterfalls! And a gift shop. Nice bathrooms. Large lovely trails. There are ramps to the upper falls. And a scenic overlook. This is a must see. read more

I love this place! I've come here in every season and the trails are always great to walk through. There are some paths which are accessible but most of the trails are not. There are looping trails alongside the river which stretch to over 3K of hiking. I saw birds and hummingbirds while there over labor day. Work COVID, the center bathrooms are still open but the exhibit part is closed. Most folks had masks on but around the falls and on the rocks most folks didn't. I highly recommend making gooseberry a pit stop on your way to or from two harbors. read more

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A great hiking state park and awesome for viewing fall foliage when visiting at the right time. The water falls are great too. The trails are paved and and easy to follow for the different ways fall loops. Great big park so enough space for social distancing during COVID-19 protocols. A great hiking and camping state park. Would definitely come back when we are in the area again. read more

Beautiful series of falls, especially now that they are all iced up. A few things could be improved: 1 - Ice on the stairs needs cleared. This is basic maintenance, no excuses. 2 - Trail markers need added deeper into the maze of trails. Luckily we ran into someone familiar with the area. They let us know that the trail we were on does not loop back to the top, so we had to back track to return. Beautiful park, just be careful, and really look at the trail map as you depart. read more

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Drove up from Duluth and hiked the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop. It was beautiful! So worth the trip up! Highly recommend! read more

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This is a must-see when you're visiting that north shore. There is plenty of free parking, a visitor center with clean bathrooms that also has a gift shop! The trails are plentiful and are wheel-chair accessible. There are also stairs if you want more exercise and/or faster access to and from the lower falls instead of the windy trails. You are able to get very close to the falls, which I thought was very cool. I visited on a beautiful fall Saturday, so there were a lot fo people, but not terribly crowded. I was still able to see what I wanted to see and get pictures with no problem. I got lucky and snagged a close parking spot, but others had to park a little farther away. I only had time to explore part of the lower falls and trails during this visit, but would have loved to hike around and explore the whole park. The park is very dog and family-friendly. They even provide dog bags for waste near the visitor center! read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Gooseberry Falls - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

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A must-see!! There's a bunch of different waterfalls at different levels very close together, and you can get in the water! It's a short walk that's mostly paved to the falls, and you can also hike around the falls. Places to camp closer to Superior. I recommend bringing food or eating a few miles before you get to the Falls. You will want to stay here a few hours! The path down to the falls has stairs and non-stair options. To see the actual falls, you would want to walk a short distance on a rocky surface (stable but uneven). Free entry to the falls (including free parking). read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Map of the park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

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Spectacular! And Amazing to visit in early May to see the falls at full strength. We have visited in summer and enjoyed the falls but they are truly fascinating to visit late April and early May with all the melting snow. Also, no crowds and few people make for a more peaceful experience. The falls are so forceful this time of year that they hurt your ears standing next to them. read more

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When going to Duluth, Gooseberry Falls are a can't miss. They are located about an hour north of Duluth, on the way to the Boundary Waters and Split Rock Lighthouse. There is free parking, plenty of trails to walk on and explore and a really nice visitor center with clean bathrooms and water fountains. I enjoy coming here in the fall when the leaves are changing. read more

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A right of passage for every Minnesotan! Second only to dipping your digits in Lake Itasca. It's beauty is unimaginable!

Such a beautiful area! Many falls and not too far of a walk from the parking lot. Loved our time here. Falls were a tad dry in places but beautiful nonetheless read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

Now that its finally getting warmer, I'm reminded how much I loved visiting Gooseberry Falls. I've only been here once, but think that it might be time to plan another visit. Picturesque and beautiful. Lots of rocks to climb on and waterfalls to splash in especially when its super hot out. This is a great park to hike and splash around in. read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

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My husband and I were taking the Lake Superior Scenic North Shore drive and one of our stops was Gooseberry Falls State Park. We weren't able to explore the entire park, but we enjoyed visiting the upper, middle and lower portions of the falls. All of the falls are very close to the Visitor Center, and except for a few spots on the trail, are completely accessible to wheeled conveyances such as wheelchairs or strollers. There are several places where visitors may step out onto the lava that forms the bed of the river, especially when the season is drier. To say the falls are picturesque is an understatement. The falling water, framed by leafy branches and contrasted by the dark lava bed, is a lovely sight. Definitely a photo op! I want to commend the state of Minnesota for having WONDERFUL Visitor Centers at their state parks! Every center we visited was quite modern, clean, with an open floor plan, and had bathrooms, a gift shop, and interpretive plaques and display areas for points of interest in the park. Some centers even had sitting areas and fireplaces for campers to come in and warm themselves. Gooseberry Falls is absolutely worth a stop for anyone taking Hwy 61 up the North Shore! read more

Beautiful state park with trails. There is free parking and a nice visitor center with clean bathrooms. I love walking on the boardwalk and getting up close to the waterfall. read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Gooseberry falls state park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

What a great campground. Sites were large and clean. Great views of Lake Superior from a number of vantage points. Gitchi Gumi trail was great for biking but be warned it's very hilly. read more

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If you love hills, rivers and waterfalls, this is the best place to visit while you are in Duluth or even Twin Cities. This is the best place for a Day trip from twin cities. We have been here during 2 different long weekends. Once before the winter and once before after. Both time there was enough parking. If you park in far away parking lots, there is shuttle service. Every parking pare is next to a nice trail where you can either go Lake Superior beaches or picnic tables and places to barbecue. If you have kids this is the best place as they can play in water, with stones and sand. All the waterfalls is an easy hike with stairs or ramps. There are 4 waterfalls and many caves. The Fall #1 is the most gorgeous. It also has a very good trail which is not accessible with stroller. The visitor center has its own awesome attractions like owls, eagles, wolf's etc. read more

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This is a great place for families to see waterfalls and take hikes. Though I would recommend going to a different location, such as Split Rock if you're planning on actually hiking. read more

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I really liked this State Park. The visitor center was a nice place to look around and buy veneers. The staff was super friendly and very informative. Parking is free if you park in the parking lot by the visitor center. All the other lots charge $7 a day or $35 for an annual pass. This place is handicap accessible most of call the paths are paved. read more

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We had an amazing time! Trails were well marked and clean. We took the easy trails around all of the falls and it was a great experience! read more

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Our family comes to this park at least once a year when we are visiting the North Shore. Seeing the falls and Lake Superior never gets old. Lots of great walking and hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty are available. There is a nice visitor center with some cool exhibits and displays as well as a decent sized gift shop if you need to beat the heat and get some AC. Fun place for a hike, a picnic, or camping. read more

Beautiful waterfall with a super easy 10 minute walk! Bring some comfy shoes and swimming gear to get in a swim :)! read more

Gooseberry Falls State Park - Parks Near Me - Two Harbors, Minnesota

Was hoping to hike a bit more trail here but it was a quick stop on our way back Sunday. By far this was the most crowded park of all we viaited. As beautiful as the falls were, there were way more people there tromping through the water than I cared to see. It felt very touristy rather than a peaceful nature getaway. They made everything handicapped accessible which I think unfortunately takes away from the natural beauty. It was a pleasant walk to see the several vantage points of the falls. I really want to see this in spring when the water runs high and there are a lot less people! Oh, and summertime parking by the falls is a crapshoot. Crowded and filled parking lots and very busy visitor center and bathrooms. read more

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