Grand Portage State Park - United States

About Grand Portage State Park

RV quick facts for Grand Portage State Park

Best time to visit Grand Portage State Park

Late June through early September offers the warmest, most reliable weather for hiking the boardwalk to High Falls and exploring the North Shore. Spring snowmelt from May into early June produces the most dramatic waterfall flow, though trails can be muddy and black flies are active. September brings fall color along the Pigeon River with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. Winter access is possible but the North Shore receives heavy snow, and visitors should plan for icy boardwalks and limited services.

Things to do at Grand Portage State Park

• Hike to High Falls on the Pigeon River Easy

  RV parking available

  The High Falls Trail is a one-mile round-trip paved boardwalk leading to an overlook of Minnesota's tallest waterfall, which drops about 120 feet over a diabase dike. The paved route ends at a viewing platform directly across from the thundering cascade. The trail is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most RV travelers. nps.gov/thingstodo/visit-grand-portage-state-park.htm

• Walk the Picnic Trail Easy

  RV parking available

  The Picnic Trail is a half-mile paved loop connecting the visitor center to shaded riverside picnic tables. It leads down a paved path to several grassy picnic table sites along the Pigeon River. It is an easy add-on after visiting High Falls.

• Middle Falls Trail Moderate

  RV parking available

  This longer backcountry hike climbs through boreal forest to reach the less-visited Middle Falls upstream on the Pigeon River. The trail offers a quieter waterfall experience and distant views into Ontario. Expect uneven footing and pack insect repellent in summer.

• Visit Grand Portage National Monument Easy

  RV parking available

  Grand Portage National Monument preserves the fur-trade depot of the North West Company on Lake Superior, six miles south of the state park. The Historic Depot area is open from Memorial Day weekend into fall, while the Heritage Center is open year-round with staff available to answer questions. Grand Portage National Monument is a fee-free area. nps.gov/grpo/

• Hike Mount Rose Trail Moderate

  RV parking available

  The Mount Rose Trail is a short but steep climb at Grand Portage National Monument with panoramic views of Grand Portage Bay and the reconstructed depot. The paved loop is compact but gains elevation quickly. Leashed pets are welcome. nps.gov/articles/000/top-10-tips-for-visiting-grand-portage-national-monument.htm

• Hike a section of the historic Grand Portage Trail Strenuous

  RV parking available

  The Gichi Onigaming (Grand Portage) footpath is an 8.5-mile historic portage route used for centuries to bypass the Pigeon River's unnavigable falls. Hikers can follow the full route to Fort Charlotte on the Pigeon River. Day hikers can sample shorter sections from the Old Highway 61 trailhead. nps.gov/thingstodo/hike-the-grand-portage.htm

• Scenic drive along Highway 61 North Shore Easy

  RV parking available

  Highway 61 between Duluth and the park is one of North America's most scenic drives, tracing Lake Superior past waterfalls, state parks, and overlooks. RVers can stop at Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Grand Marais along the way. Pullouts and day-use lots accommodate larger rigs.