Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park is located in the Arrowhead region of northeastern Minnesota along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

How to Get to Cascade River State Park: Drive 265 miles northeast from the Twin Cities. The park is 10 miles southwest of Grand Marais, just off State Highway 61.

Park Highlights:

• The foamy river is the primary attraction here, cascading 900 feet down the craggy rocks and over two waterfalls. Many people pull off Highway 61 to take photos of this beautiful display. Far fewer stay to camp here.
• Trails within the park connect to the Superior Hiking Trail and will take you into the Superior National Forest, to the Sawtooth Mountains, and to a popular overlook at Lookout Mountain.
• The park and campground stretch for five miles along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Cascade River's Natural Attractions: The setting for this park and river is a boreal hardwood-conifer forest of aspen, birch, fir, spruce, and cedar. The Cascade River is one of the largest rivers along the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Wildlife is attracted to this hilly terrain. You might spot deer, moose, pine marten, or even a wolf or bear. Hawks may fly above you and songbirds may sing for you. Warblers and chickadees are just two types of wild birds that nest here.

Things to Do in Cascade River State Park: Stand on the footbridge to experience the awe-inspiring power of the river as it rushes by. Some of the best hiking on the North Shore can be experienced by hiking the miles of trails within the park, and those that lead you to scenic vistas beyond the park. Fish for trout at the mouth of the river, and from the shore of Lake Superior.

Hunt for agates along the shore of Lake Superior.

Snowmobiling trails abound. 17 miles of trail are open in winter for cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing is allowed in the entire park, except on groomed cross-country ski trails.

Cascade River State Park Camping

Camping in Cascade River State Park: You will find 40 drive-in camping sites, 5 backpacking campsites, and 2 group sites that each accommodates up to 20 people. Flush and vault toilets, showers, and a dump station are available. An enclosed picnic shelter can be reserved by calling the park. In winter, this shelter becomes a warming house that is heated by a wood stove.

Top 10 North Shore Attractions: Not to be missed.

More Attractions in This Region: Enjoy the harbor community of Grand Marais and the Lutsen recreation area. In both towns you will find wonderful restaurants, shops, and activities. Travel up the famous Gunflint Trail.

Other State Parks in This Region of Minnesota: Many of Minnesota's most appealing state parks line the shore of Lake Superior. Those closest to Cascade River include Gooseberry Falls State Park > Split Rock Lighthouse State Park > Tettegouche State Park > Temperance River State Park > Judge C R Magney State Park > and Grand Portage State Park

State Parks Guides and Gear

Contact:

3481 West Highway 61
Lutsen, MN 55612
Phone: 218-387-3053
Fax: 218-387-3054
Email: cascaderiver.statepark@state.mn.us

Related Links:

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