Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)
Grand Portage, MN
An easy trail with boardwalk sections, about 800 m each way, leads to the 37 m High Falls on the Pigeon River, the border with Ontario and the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The visitor center is at the end of MN-61 before the border crossing.
Grand Portage State Park lies in the far northeast of Minnesota, on the Canadian border, at mile marker 150.3 on Highway 61. The main attraction is High Falls on the Pigeon River. At about 120 ft (37 m), it is, according to the source, the tallest waterfall on the North Shore; the river forms the border between the USA and Canada here.
The trail to the falls is easy and ends at two viewing platforms. The source gives its length inconsistently as half a mile and one mile; allow 1 to 1.6 km each way. The park is managed jointly with the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe and is said, according to the source, to be unique in the country.
For road trippers: the visitor center (9393 MN 61) has restrooms, water and exhibits; there is no campground. According to the source, access is free and no park pass is needed; please check beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Grand Portage, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.9960, -89.5935
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Andy CreekCampsite15 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 3 pitchesFree
- Jackson CreekCampsite16 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 5 pitchesFree
- Caribou PondCampsite16 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 3 pitchesFree
- North Carlson PondCampsite18 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 5 pitchesFree
- South Carlson PondCampsite19 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 4 pitchesFree
- Judge C.R. Magney State ParkCampsite25 mi from Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) · 27 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking water
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)?
Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) is in Grand Portage, MN, at GPS 47.9960, -89.5935. It is about 25 mi from Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
Can you camp near Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Andy Creek, about 15 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)?
Grand Portage State Park (High Falls) is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Minnesota’s North Shore: waterfalls and cliffs to Grand Portage.
What is there to see near Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)?
Places worth a stop nearby: Temperance River State Park (67 mi), Quincy Mine (76 mi), Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds (83 mi) and Brockway Mountain Drive (84 mi).
When is the best time to visit Grand Portage State Park (High Falls)?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)