ALERT: The lower shower building, including flush toilets, showers and picnic shelter, is closed for repairs during rehab work. The upper shower building and vault toilets throughout the campground remain open.","type":"Showers"},{"type":"Flush Toilets","notes":"Available year-round in the visitor center, and seasonally in the campground.","qualifier":"Accessible"},{"qualifier":"Available year-round throughout the park","notes":"","type":"Vault Toilets"},{"notes":"The park's seasonal dump station is for use only by people staying in the campground. For all other visitors not staying overnight, please use the dump stations in Two Harbors or Silver Bay. Our system is not large enough to accommodate use by day visitors.","type":"Dump Station","qualifier":""}]},"maps":[{"title":"campground","type":"pdf","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00172_camp.pdf"},{"title":"summer","type":"pdf","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00172_summer.pdf"},{"title":"winter","type":"pdf","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00172_winter.pdf"},{"url":"https://mobile-maps-files.dnr.state.mn.us/file/State_Parks/Gooseberry%20Falls%20Summer%20GEO.pdf","title":"summer","type":"geopdf"},{"url":"https://mobile-maps-files.dnr.state.mn.us/file/State_Parks/Gooseberry%20Falls%20Winter%20GEO.pdf","type":"geopdf","title":"winter"}],"narratives":{"naturalist":["Naturalist programs and activities are offered weekly from Memorial Day - Labor Day and on a limited basis at other times. Topics include area resources such as plants, animals, geology, Lake Superior, history, recreation, and more. Be sure to stop by the visitor center and outdoor Gateway Plaza to view interpretive displays and signs."],"geology":["Geologists have determined that about 1.1 billion years ago, the Earth's crust began to split apart along a great rift zone now covered by Lake Superior. Huge volumes of lava flowed out onto the surface and cooled to form volcanic bedrock, mainly the dark type known as basalt. Several lava flows can be seen at the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls and south of the Gooseberry River along the Lake Superior shore. The rifting also caused the flows to tilt gently toward the lake. These basalt lava flows, all along the North Shore, are also the birthplaces of Lake Superior agates."," About two million years ago, the Great Ice Age began as periodic glaciers (up to a mile thick) advanced into the region from the north. As they ground across the area, they changed the landscape dramatically, especially by excavating the whole basin now occupied by Lake Superior. About 10,000 years ago the last glacier melted back, allowing the basin to fill with water and starting the erosional process that creates the river gorges and waterfalls. Today, water, wind, and weather continue to shape the North Shore."],"history":["The park is named after the magnificent set of falls along the Gooseberry River. A French map from 1670 names the river Riviere des Groseilliers after Medard Chouart sieur des Groseilliers who visited the area a decade earlier. The name Groseilliers translates to Gooseberries in English. With the rise of North Shore tourism in the 1920s, there was a concern that the highly scenic North Shore would be accessible only to the rich. As a result the Legislature authorized preservation of the area around Gooseberry Falls in 1933, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) began to develop the park the following year. 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 in the form of the CCC-style visitor center/wayside rest and the Highway 61 bridge that opened in 1996."],"landscape":["Rocky Lake Superior shoreline, five waterfalls, Gooseberry River and gorge, Agate Beach and the Picnic Flow highlight the park. Trails lead through a fairly diverse vegetative cover of mixed evergreen, aspen and birch forests that provide habitat for a variety of birds, plants and other animals. Because the local climate is moderated by Lake Superior, some disjunct populations of arctic-alpine plants can be found in the park. North Shore wildflowers in the park | North Shore trees & shrubs.
North Shore Fall Color Podcast 7:27 mp3 with Naturalist Retta James-Gasser"],"introduction":["Gooseberry Falls is the gateway to the North Shore. It is known for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods wildlife. Listen to the thunderous roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River as it plummets through a rocky gorge. Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow. "," Hike or ski to see the Fifth Falls through a forest of evergreens, aspen, and birch, and enjoy camping in modern campsites, picnicking, and relaxing along the Lake Superior shoreline or the Gooseberry River."," To get the most out of your visit, stop by the Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center where you can find park information, interpretive displays, a park video, Nature Store, and more. Don't miss the Gateway Plaza for outdoor interpretive signs on area resources and history."],"wildlife":["The park has recorded over 225 species of birds that nest or visit the park, 46 species of mammals, and ten species of reptiles and amphibians. Of special interest to visitors are white-tailed deer, black bears, gray wolves, pine martens, migratory Lake Superior salmon and trout, a variety of conifer-dependent birds, ravens, and the herring gulls that establish nesting colonies along the lakeshore. During fall and spring, many migratory birds can be seen because the park is along the North Shore flyway. North Shore birds | North Shore mammals, amphibians & reptiles."]},"directory":"gooseberry_falls","seasonal_update":{"reservations":"Reservations are essential during late spring, summer and for fall weekends. With our 100% reservation system, all site registrations are done through the reservation system. During the off season, you can register after you arrive and find your preferred site, or you can change sites as available once here. Remember that we do not plow more than a couple of campsites during the snow season, and unplowed sites are blocked in the reservation system. If you wish to winter camp at an unplowed site, stop at the Visitor Center to make arrangements. Call the park for information about current conditions.","contact":"Nature Store/Visitor Center open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No vehicle permit is necessary to park in the wayside/visitor center lot.","electric_sites":"","other":"","showers":"The campground has two modern shower buildings - the Upper and Lower sanitation buildings. See 'Bathroom' notes for fall closing/spring opening dates.","rentals":"Two shelters in the park are available for rent. Call the park for more information or see the Recreation Facilities section of this web site. New in 2024: a reservation fee is now charged for shelter rentals.","buildings":"","dump_station":"The dump station is usually open from the first week in May to the middle of October (depending on the weather). This facility was made for the Gooseberry campground and can not support unlimited use from other locations! There is a nearby dump station at the Little Dog Car Wash in Two Harbors, and also one in Silver Bay. Unless you are camping at Gooseberry, PLEASE fill your tank before coming to the shore, and stop elsewhere after your visit. Many thanks!!","trails":"Gooseberry has 20 miles of hiking trail, including 1 mile of trail that is wheelchair accessible. The accessible trail begins at the Visitor Center and extends to the main falls area. Non-accessible park trails connect with the Superior Hiking Trail. In winter, the park offers 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trail (with one large loop - about 1 mile - for skate skiing), 2 miles of snowmobile access trail and a half mile of winter hiking trail. Snowshoeing is permitted anywhere in the park except on groomed ski trails. Several un-groomed park trails are available for snowshoes. Fat bikes are not allowed at this park, but are welcome just up the road at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. The paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail is being developed on the north shore, and is now connected to Gooseberry Falls State Park (please see 'Visitor Alert' notes for more information).","bathrooms":"Flush toilets are available year-round in the Visitor Center. These facilities are wheelchair accessible. Vault toilets are available year-round throughout the park. Shower buildings, water fountains and restrooms at the Lakeview Shelter open in the spring during the first week in May. In the fall, the Upper Shower building is kept open through the 3rd weekend in October, but other water facilities close down early in October due to seasonal concerns.","water":"(See notes below for drinking water and bathroom facilities.)","campgrounds":"The park has 69 non-electric sites. Camping is available year-round. Three group campsites are also available during snow-free months. After snowfall, all but 3 campsites (42-44) are walk or ski-in only (campground roads are not plowed). Stop at the Visitor Center to arrange for unplowed site winter camping. When our campground office is closed, firewood is available at the Visitor Center during open hours.","drinking_water":"Drinking water is available year-round at the Visitor Center. Water will be available in the rest of the park as indicated under 'Bathroom Facilities'.","rvs":"When you make a camping reservation, please check to see that your equipment will fit the site specifications (listed on the reservation website).","programs":"Programs are offered each week from Memorial Day - Labor Day and on a limited basis at other times. The Visitor Center has Interpretive displays for all ages."},"widgets":{"tripadvisor":{"rating_image_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/img/cdsi/img2/ratings/traveler/4.5-60688-5.svg","rating":"4.7","web_url":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g43583-d143784-Reviews-Gooseberry_Falls_State_Park-Two_Harbors_Minnesota.html?m=60688","review_rating_count":{"3":"52","2":"7","5":"1288","1":"9","4":"339"},"write_review":"https://www.tripadvisor.com/UserReview-g43583-d143784-Gooseberry_Falls_State_Park-Two_Harbors_Minnesota.html?m=60688","num_reviews":"1694"}},"contact":{"address":"3206 Highway 61 East
Two Harbors, MN 55616","phone":"218-595-7100","fax":"218-834-3787","email":"gooseberryfalls.statepark@state.mn.us","hours":"Nature Store/Visitor Center open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
No vehicle permit is necessary to park in the wayside/visitor center lot."},"hours_of_operation":"Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.","bbox":{"epsg:4326":[-91.495838,47.13379,-91.447336,47.15668]},"notes":"
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) section between Gooseberry Falls and the Split Rock River Wayside has been restored, with a newly built route traveling north of the park. From the Visitor Center, hike to Fifth Falls and continue upstream on the SHT access trail (see park map). Check current SHT trail conditions.
The 2.5 mile segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail that runs through the park is now paved and ready for use - it's great for biking! The trail connects our lower picnic area to the rest of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail along Highway 61, so there is now continuous paved trail from Gooseberry to the town of Silver Bay, with access to the Gooseberry Visitor Center, campground and the shores of Lake Superior.
Parking is available at our lower picnic area lot, which is adjacent to the trailhead. Due to frequent high levels of traffic, parking for longer than two hours is not always available at our visitor center lots.
Purchase firewood at the office when it is open, or use Yodel to pay. Gathering firewood can spread tree-killing insects and is against state park rules. Protect our trees - please burn only approved firewood!
","adaptive_equipment":[],"alert":"Contractors are working on the park's historic buildings. Construction vehicles may be on or alongside trails in these areas - please use caution.
The shower building in the lower campground is closed for construction through the end of the season. Campers may use the showers in the upper campground.
Updated July 29, 2026
","nearest_town":"Twin Cities","amenities":[{"qualifier":"Open year-round, in the visitor center","type":"Ranger Station","notes":""},{"notes":"Restrooms, vending machines, interpretive displays, large Nature Store, theater, and trail center. Theater rental is available for meetings in the winter, and includes chairs and tables. Daytime use only - not available to rent the rest of the year. Call the park to reserve.","type":"Visitor Center","qualifier":"Accessible, available year-round"},{"type":"Interpretive Exhibit","notes":"Don't miss the exhibits in the visitor center and on Gateway Plaza.","qualifier":"Many throughout the park"},{"qualifier":"Mainly seasonal","type":"Naturalist Programs","notes":"Programs are generally available in the summer, with occasional programs offered throughout the year. Call the park to schedule a program for your school or group."},{"qualifier":"CCC structures throughout the park","notes":"Many log and stone buildings and structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Don't miss the CCC displays in the visitor center and on Gateway Plaza.","type":"Historic Site"},{"type":"Gift Shop","notes":"One of our largest Nature Stores! We have a large variety of books and souvenirs.","qualifier":"In the visitor center, open year-round"},{"notes":"Birding kits and kids discovery kits (activities and stories for age 5-12) are free to check out at the ranger station.","type":"Rentals","qualifier":""},{"qualifier":"","type":"Firewood","notes":"Firewood is available at the ranger station in the summer, and at the visitor center the rest of the year."},{"qualifier":"","type":"Ice Sales","notes":"Ice is available at the ranger station in the summer."},{"qualifier":"","type":"Electric Vehicle Charging Station","notes":"Through a partnership with MNDOT and our local utility, Cooperative Light & Power, we now have a Clipper Creek 120 v. station with two cables in the visitor center parking lot. Free to use. Map of all Minnesota state parks with EV charging stations."}],"acres":1682,"ta_id":"143784","trails":{"winter":[{"qualifier":"12 miles","notes":"Twelve miles are groomed for classical cross-country skiing. Most trails range from easy to moderate, with less than one mile that would be considered difficult.
A Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required on groomed trails for skiers age 16 and up. Ski passes can be purchased online or at the ranger station.
","type":"Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Classic"},{"type":"Groomed Cross-Country Skiing Skate","notes":"","qualifier":"Two and one-half miles"},{"qualifier":"Two miles","notes":"A two-mile trail spur in the park connects snowmobilers to the 146-mile C.J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail.","type":"Snowmobile"},{"qualifier":"Anywhere in the park except groomed trails","type":"Snowshoe","notes":"Snowshoers are welcome anywhere in the park, including off-trail. Please stay off groomed ski or snowmobile trails. The Gitchi Gummi Trail is intermediate, and Fifth Falls Trail is advanced."},{"type":"Other","notes":"The half mile trail to the Upper Falls is maintained for hikers.","qualifier":"Winter hiking trail"}],"summer":[{"qualifier":"One mile","type":"Accessible","notes":"Begins at the visitor center and extends to the main falls area."},{"notes":"Trails travel along the Gooseberry River and through evergreen and birch forests. Scenic views of waterfalls and Lake Superior.","type":"Hiking","qualifier":"20 miles"},{"qualifier":"15 miles","type":"Paved Bike","notes":"Two and one-half miles of the trail connects to the Gitchi-Gami State Trail from the picnic flow parking lot."},{"qualifier":"Superior Hiking Trail","type":"Other","notes":"A trail spur in the park connects hikers to the nearby Superior Hiking Trail."}]},"name":"Gooseberry Falls State Park","related_pages":[{"type":"pdf","title":"bird checklist","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/gooseberry_falls/bird_checklist.pdf"},{"title":"panoramic tour","type":"html","url":"https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/gooseberry/vt_gooseberry.html"},{"title":"snapshot tour","type":"html","url":"https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/virtual_tour/gooseberry_falls/dialup.html"},{"type":"html","title":"Explore Minnesota profile","url":"https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/gooseberry-falls-state-park/8224"}],"id":"spk00172"},"status":"SUCCESS"}