Grand Portage State Park: Minnesota’s High Falls at the Canadian Border

There are some state parks that are easy to find, and then there is Grand Portage State Park. Located on Minnesota’s northernmost stretch of Highway 61, the park is just a short distance from the Canadian border. In fact, you can see the border area from the road as you approach the park.

The reason for coming here, though, is High Falls.

At 120 feet, High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The falls are part of the Pigeon River, which forms part of the border between the United States and Canada.

The name Grand Portage comes from the historic route that once allowed travelers to bypass the falls. The powerful rapids and waterfalls made this section of the river impossible to navigate, so Native Americans created a trail around the falls between Lake Superior and the Pigeon River. That trail became known as the Grand Portage.

Today, seeing the falls is much easier than it was for those early travelers.

A paved trail and boardwalk lead visitors toward the falls overlook. The walk is relatively short, making this one of the easier waterfall hikes in the area. As you get closer to the falls, there are several viewing platforms where you can stop for different views and photographs.

There are some steps leading to the lower viewing areas, however, so not every overlook is accessible to everyone. If you are traveling with a wheelchair or stroller, you will want to stay on the accessible portion of the trail.

The closer we got to the falls, the more impressive the sound of the rushing water became. There is something about standing beside a powerful waterfall and watching all that water pour over the rocks that makes you stop and take it in.

Growing all around the park were these beautiful red thimbleberries. I had never paid much attention to them before, so naturally I had to find out whether they were edible.

They are!

Grand Portage State Park may be one of Minnesota’s smaller state parks, but it offers a lot for a short visit: a spectacular waterfall, beautiful scenery, a fascinating history and the unusual experience of being right at the edge of the United States.

And if you are traveling north on Highway 61 toward Canada, it is definitely worth making that last stop before crossing the border.

Planning Your Visit to Grand Portage State Park

Grand Portage State Park Website

Address:
9393 East Highway 61
Grand Portage, MN 55605

Phone: 218-475-2360

Getting There

From Grand Marais, Minnesota, travel north on Highway 61 for approximately 36 miles toward the Canadian border. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway, just before the U.S. Customs Station at the U.S.-Canada border.

Camping & Lodging

Grand Portage State Park is a day-use park, and there are no campsites within the park. Camping is available nearby at Grand Portage Marina and RV Park, approximately six miles south of the park.

Tips for Your Visit

The walk to High Falls is relatively short, but comfortable shoes and water are always a good idea, especially during the warmer months.

Please note: This post reflects information from the time of our visit. Park fees, hours, facilities, and other details may have changed. Be sure to check the current park information before planning your visit.