Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park is a protected area along the shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. The river cuts through ancient basalt layers and forms several cascades on its way to the lake, framed by wooded slopes and smooth rock ledges.

The park was created in the late 1930s when workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps laid out trails, built bridges and raised stone buildings. These efforts were part of a nationwide program during the economic crisis and shaped the way the place looks today.

The structures built during the 1930s use rough-hewn stone and timber in a style that matches the rugged character of the surrounding cliffs and forest. Visitors walk along paths and cross bridges that were laid out by hand, following routes that feel like natural extensions of the landscape.

A network of about 18 miles (29 km) of trails connects the different waterfalls, the lakeshore, and the wooded slopes, and remains open year-round. Some paths follow level ground along the river, while others climb more steeply through the forest.

The five waterfalls of the Gooseberry River drop more than 100 feet (30 m) over a short distance, tumbling across dark basalt ledges. In some sections you can see the columnar structures of cooled lava rock in the riverbed.

Location: Silver Creek Township

Inception: 1937

Operator: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Address: 3206 Highway 61 East, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Phone: +12185957100

Email: gooseberryfalls.statepark@state.mn.us

Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00172

GPS coordinates: 47.14694,-91.46333

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28