Mystery at the Falls - Judge Magney State Park

Traveling down Minnesota’s 150 mile scenic North Shore Drive is something everyone should experience at least once.  Today, we are at Judge Magney State Park (Mile 123.8).  When it was established in 1957 it was originally named Brule River State Park.  In 1963, it was renamed the Judge Magney State Park and now contains 4,642 acres … and a mystery.   

Located within the park is the mysterious Devil’s Kettle Falls. It is here where the river splits - half of it drops 50 feet and continues toward Lake Superior and the other half disappears into a huge pothole.  No one knows where this water goes. 

This is something we have to see for ourselves.  We hike the trail (2 miles round trip and includes 255 stairs each way).   

Forest Trail

Stairs

We arrive at the Devil’s Kettle Falls.  I am intrigued by these falls.  Where does that water go?  Over the years, researchers have poured dyes down the giant pothole expecting to see the colored-water emerging into Lake Superior.  So far, no evidence of the dyes has been seen.  

Devil's Kettle Falls

For more information on the Devil’s Kettle Falls, click on the following link:

Mystery of Devil's Kettle Falls

We continue hiking and take a spur trail for a closer look at the Upper Falls.  The breezes shower us with mists from the falls – yup, the falls have mist kissed us.

Upper Falls

For more information on Judge Magney State Park, click on the following link:

Judge Magney State Park

Temperance River State Park - Minnesota

Continuing on our scenic journey on Highway 61, we arrive at Temperance River State Park (Mile 80.5).  This 9,346 acre park contains lakes, waterfalls, a beach on Lake Superior, and lots of hiking trails. 

Grand Portage State Park - High Falls

Located one-half mile from the US/Canadian border is Grand Portage State Park.  This park has Minnesota’s highest waterfall aptly named High Falls (estimated to be 120 feet high).

We walk a half mile paved trail thru a mixed hardwood forest.  At first, we can not see the river but we can hear the sounds of rushing water.

Trail to High Falls

We walk up the 30+/- steps to an overlook of the falls.  It may not be raining but the mist from the falls dampens everything (and everyone) in the area.  I think it is nature’s way of welcoming us – we are kissed by the mist.  There are a couple of viewing platforms along the wooden stairway that parallels the river offering slightly different views of the falls.  

High Falls

Pigeon River

We begin our walk back to the parking lot straying from the main trail onto a spur trail that leads to the river's edge.  A series of ferocious looking rapids continues down this stretch too.

Rapids on the Pigeon River

We return to the car having spent almost two hours here.  You could do this trail quicker but we take our time and enjoy nature.

For information on Grand Portage State Park, click on the following link:

Grand Portage 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

Nearby food and lodging in this ares (Minnesota) is limited to the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. The Lodge was remodeling (half the rooms were not available) when we were there (May 2015).  We did not have a reservation but we did get their last room.  So, I would recommend making a reservation if you plan to stay here.  Once you leave the Indian Reservation, there will be local restaurants and places to stay the night farther down Highway 61 South.