Tettegouche State Park

Minnesota’s North Shore Drive (aka Highway 61) has a lot of roadside scenes that you can enjoy from your car.  However, there are times when you should turn-off the main highway to really see what the place is all about.  Tettegouche State Park is one of those places. 

First, at Mile 57.0 is Palisade Head (part of Tettegouche State Park).  It is a narrow paved road that winds its way up to a parking area at the top (certain vehicles are not able to negotiate this road).  At this spot we are at the highest point in Minnesota with a 180 degree view of Lake Superior and Shovel Point (part of Tettegouche State Park).  We walk around on the rocky bluff.  When we look down the side of the bluff, we can see two people making their slow descent down the 100' drop.  You won’t find me doing that!  

Shovel Point from Palisade Head

Top of Rocky Bluff at Palisade Head

At Mile 58.5 is the main entrance to Tettegouche State Park.  Established in 1979 to preserve natural features and important historical and cultural features, this 9,000 acre park is best known for Shovel Point, the Baptism River, Palisade Head, and Lake Superior.  There are lots of hiking and cross-country skiing opportunities making this park a year ‘round favorite. 

Some of Minnesota’s highest waterfalls can be found in Tettegouche State Park.  Today, we will hike to High Falls (not to be confused with High Falls in Grand Portage State Park) and Illigen Falls.

The 3/4 mile trail to High Falls (65’-70’ high) is rated moderately difficult partly because of its 200+ steps.  The trail begins as a gravel two-track road and then becomes part of the Superior Hiking Trail system.  A bouncy metal bridge allows us to cross the Baptism River to view the falls from both sides. 

Bridge over Baptism River

High Falls

At Mile 60.2 is Minnesota 1.  To get to Illigen Falls, turn and go 1.6 miles to the trail head.  The ¼ mile long trail includes 35 steps   

Baptism River at Illigen Falls

Illigen Falls

For information on Tettegouche State Park, click on the following link:

Tettegouche State Park

To view a detailed Mile-By-Mile Guide of the North Shore Road (PDF), click on the following link:

North Shore Mile By Mile Guide