Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park is located along Highway 61 near Grand Marais, Minnesota. The park is popular for a series of cascades that are easily accessible from the parking area along the highway. Longer trails, access to Lake Superior, picnic areas, and camping are also available at this state park.

Cascade River became a state park in 1957 and was largely developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which had a camp at the river years ago. The Cascade River is one of the largest rivers along the North Shore and runs through a volcanic canyon that is continuing to be shaped by the river.

The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Parking is available along Highway 61 and inside the main park entrance. From the parking area along the highway, visitors have easy access to Lake Superior, a picnic area along the shore, and the short half-mile loop through the Cascades.

There are 18 miles of established hiking trails in the park that vary in terrain, and many provide scenic areas along the trail. The Superior Hiking Trail also runs through Cascade River State Park. In the winter there are 17 miles of cross-country ski trails ranging from easy to difficult, and many connect to other local trails outside of the park. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere expect on groomed ski trails, and there is also 2 miles of groomed snowmobile trails that link to other local trail systems.

The state park offers 40 drive-in campsites (four pull-through), five walk-in sites, and two group sites that can each accommodate up to 20 people. The RV length limit is 35 feet, and a dump station is open seasonally. Showers and flush toilets are available May through October, and vault toilets are available year-round. There are seven picnic sites on the shore of Lake Superior as well as an enclosed picnic shelter that can be reserved and is open year round. This shelter is used as a warming house in the winter and is heated on holidays and weekends during the cross-country ski season. There is a park office on the entrance road where firewood and ice are sold. Groceries can be purchased in neighboring towns within 10 miles of the park.