🌤 Weather at Tettegouche State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–60 °F | 49–76 °F | 21–65 °F | 1–24 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wolf Ridge Elc, 7 mi away, elevation 1,400 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Tettegouche State Park is the crown jewel of Minnesota’s North Shore, a rugged 9,346-acre wilderness where ancient volcanic cliffs plunge 200 feet into Lake Superior, four waterfalls cascade down the Baptism River, and pristine inland lakes hide deep in the boreal forest. The park’s High Falls — at 60 feet — is the tallest waterfall entirely within Minnesota, and the dramatic Shovel Point headland offers some of the most photographed views on the entire Great Lakes. With 23 miles of hiking trails, diverse camping options including hike-in lakeside cabins, and a section of the legendary Superior Hiking Trail, Tettegouche is the ultimate North Shore adventure destination.
Waterfalls of the Baptism River
| Waterfall | Height | Trail Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌊 High Falls | 60 ft | 1.5 mi from VC | Tallest waterfall entirely in Minnesota |
| 💧 Two Step Falls | ~15 ft | On High Falls trail | Two-tier cascade, long stairway to river |
| 🌀 Cascade Falls | ~20 ft | ~1 mi from VC | Broad cascade, less-visited gem |
| 🏊 Illgen Falls | ~20 ft | Short hike from Hwy 1 | Scenic swimming hole nearby |
High Falls is the star attraction — a powerful 60-foot plunge over volcanic rock that’s most spectacular during spring snowmelt and after heavy rains. The 1.5-mile trail from the Visitor Center passes through dense boreal forest before arriving at an overlook platform with full views of the falls. Along the way, Two Step Falls provides a beautiful two-tier cascade. The lesser-known Cascade Falls and inland Illgen Falls (with a swimming hole) reward visitors who venture beyond the main trail.
Trails & Hiking
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏔️ Shovel Point Trail | 1.2 mi out-and-back | Moderate | Iconic 200-ft cliffs over Lake Superior |
| 🌊 High Falls Trail | 3 mi out-and-back | Moderate | Tallest MN waterfall, steep steps |
| 🌲 Inland Lakes Trail | Varies | Moderate–Hard | Remote Mic Mac, Tettegouche, Nipisiquit Lakes |
| 🥾 Superior Hiking Trail | Through-hike | Moderate–Hard | 310-mile long-distance trail passes through park |
| 🏞️ Illgen Falls Trail | 0.8 mi out-and-back | Easy | Less crowded, scenic falls, swimming hole |
The Shovel Point Trail is a must-do — a 1.2-mile path along a volcanic headland with 200-foot cliffs plunging into Lake Superior. The views are staggering — on clear days, you can see 20+ miles across the open lake. Rock climbers often scale the Palisade Head cliffs visible from Shovel Point. The park’s six inland lakes are accessible only by foot, offering solitude and excellent fishing in a true wilderness setting.
Camping & Cabins
| Accommodation | Sites/Units | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Baptism River Campground | 28 (22 electric, 6 walk-in) | Electric hookups, showers, RVs up to 60ft |
| 🛒 Lake Superior Cart-In | 13 | 200 ft from parking, carts provided |
| 🎒 Backcountry Sites | 5 | First-come, Superior Hiking Trail, 1-night max |
| 🏠 Tettegouche Camp Cabins | 4 | Hike-in 3.5 mi, rustic, canoe access, showers |
| 🏡 Illgen Falls Cabin | 1 | 2 bedrooms, full kitchen, gas fireplace, accessible |
The Tettegouche Camp Cabins are the park’s hidden treasure — four rustic cabins accessible only by a 3.5-mile hike, situated on the remote inland lakes with canoe access. It’s one of the most authentic wilderness cabin experiences in any US state park. The Illgen Falls Cabin offers a more comfortable option with full kitchen and gas fireplace, near the inland waterfall. The main Baptism River Campground accommodates RVs up to 60 feet with 22 electric sites.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | Peak waterfall flow, migrating birds, wildflowers | Muddy trails, cool temps, black flies |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm hiking, Lake Superior kayaking, long days | Popular — book early, fog possible |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Oct) | Spectacular fall colors, best hiking weather | Peak foliage crowds, book months ahead |
| ❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar) | Ice formations, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing | Campground limited services, vault toilets only |
Budget Planning
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🅿️ Vehicle Permit | $7/day or $35/year | MN State Park pass |
| ⚡ Electric Campsite | $27–31/night | 22 sites, 20/30 amp |
| 🛒 Cart-In Site | $17–21/night | 13 sites near Lake Superior |
| 🏠 Tettegouche Cabins | $75–100/night | Hike-in 3.5 mi, rustic |
| 🏡 Illgen Falls Cabin | $125–175/night | 2BR, full kitchen, accessible |
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614 |
| 📞 Phone | (218) 353-8800 |
| 🌐 Website | MN DNR – Tettegouche |
| 💲 Entry | $7/day or $35/year vehicle permit |
| 📍 GPS | 47.3442°N, 91.2008°W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Tettegouche SP — on the North Shore — features Shovel Point (a dramatic volcanic headland jutting into Lake Superior), the High Falls of the Baptism River (Minnesota’s highest waterfall entirely within the state at 60 feet), and Palisade Head (a 350-foot sheer cliff popular with rock climbers). Peregrine falcons nest on Palisade Head. Moose roam the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Silver Bay — adjacent. Split Rock Lighthouse — 5 miles south. Crosby Manitou SP — 5 miles north. Superior Hiking Trail — traverses. Palisade Head — the most dramatic clifftop in MN.
How tall is High Falls?
High Falls stands at 60 feet, making it the tallest waterfall entirely within Minnesota. It’s best viewed during spring snowmelt (April–May) and after heavy rains when water volume is highest. The 1.5-mile trail from the Visitor Center leads to an overlook platform.
What is Shovel Point?
Shovel Point is a dramatic volcanic headland with 200-foot cliffs plunging into Lake Superior. A 1.2-mile trail follows the ridgeline with stunning panoramic views. It’s one of the most photographed locations on Minnesota’s North Shore and a spot where you can watch rock climbers on nearby Palisade Head.
Can I swim in the Baptism River?
There is a popular swimming hole near Illgen Falls, accessible via a short hike from Highway 1. Swimming near other waterfalls is extremely dangerous due to strong currents, slippery rocks, and cold water. Lake Superior is also very cold (40–55°F) even in summer.
What are the hike-in cabins like?
The four Tettegouche Camp Cabins require a 3.5-mile hike and sit on remote inland lakes. They’re rustic (no electricity) but come with canoe access and shared modern restrooms with showers. They offer one of the most authentic wilderness cabin experiences in any US state park.
🌊 Where Waterfalls Meet Lake Superior
Stand on 200-foot volcanic cliffs above Lake Superior, hike to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, paddle remote inland lakes, and camp where the boreal forest meets the greatest of the Great Lakes. Visit the Minnesota DNR website to plan your Tettegouche adventure.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Tettegouche 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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Gitchi-Gami State Trail (a short drive away) and Ray Berglund State Wayside (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Minnesota state parks online at reservemn.usedirect.com.
⛺ Camping at Tettegouche State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Baptism River Campground: 28 drive-in sites; plus 13 cart-in sites; plus 4 hike-in cabins at Tettegouche Camp — 28 year-round drive-in sites (22 with 20/50-amp electric, 6 non-electric), no pull-through, max combined length 60 ft; 13 cart-in sites closer to Lake Superior |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 4 historic hike-in cabins at Tettegouche Camp on Mic Mac Lake (2-4 mi hike, no drive-in access). Each has woodstove + firewood, electricity, and a propane furnace keeping interior above 50°F; kitchenette (2-burner cooktop, mini fridge, cookware), screened porch, canoe use with paddles/life vests. No bathroom or running water (water jugs provided; shower building or hand pump). Guests must bring own bedding/linens (sleeping bags recommended). |
| Pets | Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; service animals only in buildings/cabins. |
| Reservations | reservemn.usedirect.com, or phone 866-857-2757 (seasonal phone support roughly April-Sept); vehicle permit required. |
| Special sites | Baptism River Campground is the only MN state park campground with operational heated showers and flush toilets in winter. |
| Season notes | Drive-in campground open year-round; hike-in cabins seasonal (check current dates). |
Camping questions about Tettegouche State Park
Can you camp at Tettegouche State Park?
Yes. Tettegouche State Park has Baptism River Campground: 28 drive-in sites; plus 13 cart-in sites; plus 4 hike-in cabins at Tettegouche Camp. 28 year-round drive-in sites (22 with 20/50-amp electric, 6 non-electric), no pull-through, max combined length 60 ft; 13 cart-in sites closer to Lake Superior.
How do you reserve a campsite at Tettegouche State Park?
reservemn.usedirect.com, or phone 866-857-2757 (seasonal phone support roughly April-Sept); vehicle permit required.
Are there cabins at Tettegouche State Park?
4 historic hike-in cabins at Tettegouche Camp on Mic Mac Lake (2-4 mi hike, no drive-in access). Each has woodstove + firewood, electricity, and a propane furnace keeping interior above 50°F; kitchenette (2-burner cooktop, mini fridge, cookware), screened porch, canoe use with paddles/life vests. No bathroom or running water (water jugs provided; shower building or hand pump). Guests must bring own bedding/linens (sleeping bags recommended).
Are pets allowed at the Tettegouche State Park campground?
Statewide MN DNR policy: leashed/enclosed, attended; service animals only in buildings/cabins.
Source: dnr.state.mn.us (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Tettegouche State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
- Dogs & wildlife
- Keep dogs on a leash six feet or shorter and attended at all times — black bears and, occasionally, wolves are documented in the park.
Are dogs allowed at Tettegouche State Park?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
🐻 Wildlife at Tettegouche State Park: What to Watch For — and Watch Out For
Worth watching for: The Minnesota DNR documents more than 40 mammal species in the park: white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, red squirrel and beaver are the most commonly seen, while moose, black bear, red fox and river otter are less commonly observed, and timber wolves turn up only occasionally. The park is also home to peregrine falcons, and 140 bird species have been identified here; in fall, the hawk migration along the Lake Superior shore numbers in the tens of thousands.
Watch out for: Trails here follow high cliffs along Lake Superior's shoreline, including Shovel Point and Palisade Head, so keep well back from edges. Black bears live in the park: the cart-in, backpack and group campsites are equipped with bear-proof food storage lockers — store all food and scented items in them.
Are there bears at Tettegouche State Park?
Yes — see above for where they occur in the park and how to behave. Sightings are a normal part of a healthy park; incidents are rare when visitors keep distance and store food properly.
Wildlife information verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us.
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