Grand Portage State Park
Minnesota’s Highest Waterfall
Grand Portage is Minnesota’s northernmost and newest state park, home to High Falls—the state’s tallest at 120 feet! On Ojibwe tribal land near the Canadian border.
High Falls
Easy 0.5-mile boardwalk leads to viewing platforms of the 120-foot plunge on the Pigeon River (US-Canada border).
Middle Falls
More adventurous 5-mile round trip to Middle Falls on the border.
Unique Partnership
Operated jointly with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa—Minnesota’s only state park on tribal land.
No Camping
Day-use only. For camping, try Judge C.R. Magney State Park to the south.
Is the trail to High Falls difficult?
No! It’s an easy half-mile boardwalk suitable for all ages and abilities.
Things to Do
Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.
Best Time to Visit
Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.
Visitor Tips
Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Grand Portage State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
