Gooseberry Falls State Park is known as the Gateway to the North Shore. It is one of Minnesota’s most popular state parks due to its magnificent waterfalls, a river gorge, and its proximity to Lake Superior. The park is comprised of 1,687 acres, 18 miles of year-round trails, three picnic areas, and a campground with 72 sites. Of the 18 miles of trails, a portion are ADA accessible. Although popular for the waterfalls, Gooseberry Falls is also home to log and stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and these are accompanied by interpretive signs outlining the history of the development of the park. You can find these near the Gateway Plaza, where you will find other interpretive signs and a view of the river and Lake Superior basin from above.
Over the years visitors to the park have recorded over 225 bird species, 46 species of mammals, and 10 species of reptiles and amphibians. A few common visitors include white-tailed deer, black bears, trout, and herring gulls.
Biking enthusiasts can access the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail from within Gooseberry Falls State Park. There is a 2.5-mile segment that runs through the park and connects with the rest of the trail along Highway 61.
The visitor center at Gooseberry Falls State Park is ADA accessible and includes bathrooms, interpretive displays, vending machines, a video wall and theater, trail center, and a gift shop. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has extended hours during the summer. The park also offers a seasonal naturalist program.
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