Chase Some of Minnesota’s Most Wondrous Waterfalls and Wildlife on This Weekend Road Trip

We’re going to start this trip off with a bang at Gooseberry Falls State Park, which is Minnesota’s most-visited state park and home to one of its most iconic waterfalls. No state park permit is required for this first stop, and the hike to the falls (specifically, the Middle Falls), is a short jaunt down a paved trail. There is a little elevation involved, which is somewhat mitigated by stairs and ramps. But the payoff is definitely worth it.

The stops are going to come fast and furious after this one, but you may wish to add Split Rock Lighthouse to your itinerary. You will need a permit to enter the park, but there’s a wayside just before the entrance that offers stunning views of the lighthouse itself. If you do want to see the lighthouse, look for the wayside or park entrance on your right as you head toward the next stop on the itinerary.

Your next waterfall is beautiful Beaver River Falls. Look for the wayside on your left as you drive through Beaver Bay. It’ll be right next to the bridge over the Beaver River before you cross. Get out and walk onto the bridge for the best view of the falls, then take the short trail down to the riverbank for an up-close look – and to feel the spray on your cheeks.

Tettegouche State Park is the one stop on this itinerary that will require an entry permit. If you don’t already have one, pick it up at the visitor center on the way in ($7 per day; $35 annually), then make your way to the trail head for the High Falls Trail.

Take the 1.4-mile, out-and-back jaunt to 80-foot High Falls on the Baptism River. It’s the tallest waterfall that’s entirely within Minnesota’s borders, and it’s a stunner. If you opt not to spring for the permit, stop at Tettegouche, anyway, and hike out to Shovel Point to enjoy incredible views of Lake Superior.

Next up is another decent hike to a gorgeous waterfall at Caribou Falls State Wayside. The hike is an easy 1.3 miles, out-and-back, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful Northwoods setting and a two-tiered, 40-foot waterfall. If it’s a warm day, consider bringing a bathing suit and splashing around in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Like Beaver River Falls, Cross River Falls is just a quick stop at a wayside next to a bridge. Look for it on the left as you pass through the village of Schroeder, just before you pass over the Cross River. Walk out onto the bridge for a view of what I think is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota. It’s kind of amazing that it’s just right there next to the highway.

Just a couple of minutes up the road, you’ll come to Temperance River State Park, where you’ll find fee-free parking on both sides of Highway 61. Your hike will start on the left side, so you may wish to park over there. Mosey up the trail along the Temperance River gorge to marvel at the rushing falls and swirling cauldrons the river has carved into the basalt. You needn’t hike the full trail to get the idea, and the trek down to Lake Superior is pretty amazing, as well.

After a full day of exploring, you’re bound to be hungry and tired. Fortunately, your stop for the night is less than 5 minutes from Temperance River State Park. Look for Bluefin Bay on the righthand side of the highway as you enter the charming town of Tofte. Enjoy upscale rooms with stunning Lake Superior views; grab some dinner at the always-tasty Bluefin Grill, which is right on property. If you plan to travel on a weekend, book your room well in advance. 

Start your morning with a coffee and breakfast sandwich from the Coho Cafe - it’s a quick walk along a lakefront boardwalk from Bluefin Bay. From here, jump in your car and head back down Highway 61 to its intersection with Minnesota Hwy. 1 and turn. A couple miles up the hill, you’ll see a sign for the Illgen Falls trailhead. Park and take the quick hike down to your first waterfall of the day: Illgen Falls. It’s technically within Tettegouche State Park, but no permit is required to access the falls from this point.

The second day’s stops are more spread out, so you’ll have some time to enjoy the scenery as you curve along Highway 1, through the Superior National Forest, toward Ely. This is prime moose country, so keep an eye out for these massive creatures in the wetlands and willows along the way. Once you reach Ely, head a little ways out of town for the gorgeous, one-mile-plus loop hike to Kawishiwi Falls. This will definitely be the most dramatic waterfall you’ll see on the second day.

When you head back into town, stop into the International Wolf Center to learn more about the fascinating and elusive animals that roam Minnesota’s Northwoods. In fact, the North Star State has more wolves than any other state in the Lower 48, and the Wolf Center offers your best chance of seeing one of these shy canids on your road trip. 

Strap in for a beautiful, backroad drive through the Superior National Forest along the Echo Trail (a.k.a, the Ely-Buyck Road). Enjoy truly gorgeous scenery, and keep your eyes open for moose, black bears, wolves, foxes, and all manner of birds, including bald eagles and spruce grouse, on this stretch of road.

You’ll want to stretch your legs at this point, and the Vermilion Gorge Trail is a wonderful place to do it. You may not see another person on a hike along the wildest section of the Vermilion River in this remote part of northern Minnesota, with only the rushing of the river over rocks and through the canyon to keep you company.