Hiking through the trees at Gooseberry Falls State Park
Hiking in Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the best things to do in Minnesota. Whether you want a short hike or a long one, the park truly has something for everyone. And I’m surprised, as someone who grew up in Minnesota, it took me this long to visit the place. To be perfectly honest, it’s kind of a tragedy that I hadn’t gone sooner.
Now, granted, I moved to Colorado thirteen years ago. I should deserve a little slack for that, considering I no longer live in the state. But, nonetheless, I have to concede that between my youth and all of the return trips I’ve made, I should have visited the park by now, especially considering it’s one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota.
Gooseberry Falls Sate Park map
How so? Well, as an example, take a peek at these unaltered photos…
The easily accessible Lower Falls
The nearby Upper Falls
The trail to the Fifth Falls
The Gooseberry River
The Fifth Falls can be seen in the distance
Crossing over the Fifth Falls
My dad and nephews enjoying the view at the Fifth Falls
The Lower and Upper Falls are both gorgeous. And the hike to the Fifth Falls, while an incredibly easy walk at only two miles round trip, is gorgeous, cutting through the trees and alongside the river. It’s a perfect spot to simply sit and be, enjoying life for what it is. We certainly did plenty of that while I was back home for a surprise 70th birthday party for my father.
Crossing a small bridge on the hike back
Gooseberry Falls State Park sits on the north shore of Lake Superior. It’s a short drive north from Duluth or a half day up from the Twin Cities. So, if you don’t mind a little driving, it can be a day trip. But, more ideally, it’s a visit during a long weekend away. That’s how we did it; there are lot of rental cabins and campsites available in the area, as well as a ton of other sites to see and outdoor activities to enjoy in all seasons. Yes, even winter; cross country skiing or snowshoeing, anyone?
Jason's Travels 
I passed by Gooseberry Falls probably 25 times before finally stopping there a couple of years ago and hiking for an hour or two. I felt the same way: it deserved a visit the first time I drove past it.