Temperance River State Park

Temperance River State Park is located along Highway 61 in Schroeder, Minnesota. The park is popular for the the geologic formations along the Temperance River Gorge, camping adjacent to Lake Superior, hiking, and climbing around Carlton Peak. Temperance River became a state park in 1957, and when visitors first came to the area, the river flowed so deeply that there was no debris build up and no sand bar at the mouth of the river. Because the river had no “bar,” the name “temperance” was selected.

Visitors can easily explore the Temperance River Gorge which is just a short walk from the parking areas along Highway 61. Over the years the river has cut deep potholes along the igneous bedrock, creating a deep narrow gorge that exists today. There are a few waterfalls along the river, and there is a hiking trail that follows the river until diverging to the top of Carlton Peak.

The Temperance River is a designated trout stream and, brook, brown, and rainbow trout can be found as well as Chinook salmon and steelhead. The forest in the park is made up of white and yellow birch, white pine, spruce, fir, and cedar.

The state park offers 60 campsites (six cart-in, the rest drive-in) split between an Upper Campground and a Lower Campground. A few sites have views of Lake Superior while most are in shaded, wooded areas. Showers and flush toilets are available during the summer season at the Upper Campground.

Amenities offered at the park include a park office with a nature store, firewood and ice sales, a picnic area featuring tables and fire rings, and rock climbing opportunities at Carlton Peak. The Superior Hiking Trail also runs through the park.