Grand Portage State Park
Minnesota’s Highest Waterfall on the Canadian Border — High Falls of the Pigeon River Dropping 120 Feet at the Northeastern Tip of Minnesota, Only US State Park Co-Managed With a Native American Tribe (Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Hiking Trail to High Falls Viewpoint Along the US-Canada Border, Middle Falls Trail Through Boreal Forest Along the Pigeon River, Lake Superior North Shore Scenery and Boreal Wilderness, Gateway to Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale Ferry, Near Grand Portage Cook County Northeastern Minnesota Arrowhead Region
Grand Portage State Park is a state park at the northeastern tip of Minnesota on the US-Canada border in Cook County, Minnesota’s Arrowhead region, managed jointly by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa — the only US state park co-managed with a Native American tribe. The park features the High Falls of the Pigeon River — Minnesota’s highest waterfall at 120 feet, plunging over a basalt ledge on the international border, the Middle Falls Trail (5 miles round trip) through boreal forest along the Pigeon River to a second impressive waterfall, Lake Superior North Shore wilderness scenery with boreal forest of spruce, fir, birch, and aspen, proximity to Grand Portage National Monument preserving the historic fur trade post, access to the Isle Royale National Park ferry departing from Grand Portage harbor, and a culturally significant landscape on Ojibwe reservation land where tribal history and state park management intersect.
The co-management partnership is unique in American public lands — the Grand Portage Band leases reservation land to the state of Minnesota for the park, creating a model where tribal sovereignty and public recreation coexist.
The High Falls are spectacular — 120 feet of thundering whitewater dropping over ancient basalt on the Pigeon River, with Canada’s Pigeon River Provincial Park visible on the opposite bank. In spring snowmelt, the volume is staggering.
Things to Do
- High Falls — 120 ft, MN’s tallest
- Middle Falls Trail — 5-mi round trip
- Boreal forest — spruce, fir, birch
- Isle Royale — ferry from Grand Portage
- Cultural history — Ojibwe, fur trade
- Border views — Canada across the river
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Grand Portage, Cook County, NE Minnesota |
| High Falls | 120 ft — Pigeon River, MN’s highest |
| Co-Managed | MN DNR + Grand Portage Band Ojibwe |
| Camping | ❌ No — day-use only |
| Nearby | Isle Royale ferry, Grand Portage NM |
| Managed By | MN DNR + Grand Portage Band |
| Coordinates | 48.0000° N, 89.6000° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Grand Portage SP — on the Canadian border — features High Falls, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall at 120 feet. The Pigeon River drops over a volcanic rock face in a spectacular display. The park is co-managed with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Moose, gray wolves, and black bears inhabit the boreal forest. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs.
Nearby Attractions
Grand Portage — adjacent — has the Grand Portage National Monument (NWC fur trade post). Isle Royale NP — accessible by ferry. Grand Marais — 35 miles south. Thunder Bay, Ontario — 40 miles north.
What is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota?
The High Falls of the Pigeon River at Grand Portage State Park is Minnesota’s tallest waterfall at 120 feet. Located at the northeastern tip of Minnesota on the US-Canada border, it’s the only US state park co-managed with a Native American tribe (Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa). The park also features Middle Falls (5-mi trail), boreal forest hiking, and access to the Isle Royale ferry. Day-use only, no camping.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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