Gooseberry Falls

There's a lot that Two Harbors has to offer for a getaway. Cute little shops, pie, and the kicker for us was Gooseberry Falls. This was the first State Park that TJ and I went to together when we started traveling in our new camper, before we had decided to jump in and move completely on the road. If you plan on just stopping in to see a little bit and be on your way - I would highly suggest you reconsider. Grab a backpack, pack a snack and some water, and spend some quality time there. There are over 20 miles of hiking, beautiful waterfalls, majestic trees, and even a glimpse at what's left of the original bridge that was built over the Gooseberry near the falls in 1922 and widened in 1937 to include a third arch and service Minnesota State Highway 61. The original bridge (Bridge no. 3585) was built by the Illinois Steel Bridge Company. It's the only bridge that goes to Canada along the North Shore.

We made the trip to Gooseberry Falls in September. Personally, this was the perfect time to go if you are looking for a hike that isn't too warm, and not cold at all. We brought along sweatshirts just in case we needed them, but we were both comfortable in our jeans and flannel shirts. I think I may have put my sweatshirt on once when we were closer to the falls, because it was the slightest bit windy (and I am a total freeze baby), but that's about it. The trees had not yet started to change, so TJ and I both agreed to go back a couple weeks later (toward the end of September) next year to catch the fall colors. I'm definitely looking forward to that!

Gooseberry Falls was the first of 8 state parks developed along Lake Superior's North Shore. Most of the buildings were built by employees of the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1934 and 1941. There are some steps you can climb to see some of the structures of the park, as well as get some awesome pictures over the trees with a view of the falls.

Gooseberry River is a 23 mile long stream that runs through Lake County and drains into Lake Superior. Gooseberry Falls is near the mouth. Some say Ojibwe people named it Shabonimikani-zibi (Place of the Gooseberries) for the gooseberries that grew in the surrounding area.

Overall, it is definitely a sight to see. There is also camping available, however we didn't utilize that option, because we were already staying at a different campsite. There is so much more information on the park side of things (camping, visitor center, dump station, etc.) on the Minnesota DNR website. Simply google "Gooseberry Falls, MN" and you will find it! Happy hiking, everyone!