Temperance River State Park
Schroeder, MN
The river cuts a narrow, deep gorge of potholes and cauldrons just above MN-61. Easy trails climb along the rim from roadside parking; the Superior Hiking Trail continues to Carlton Peak.
Temperance River State Park lies on the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, on Highway 61 between Schroeder and Tofte. The park covers about 5,059 acres (roughly 20.5 square kilometers). The river has cut a gorge that the Superior Hiking Trail follows.
About the name: in 1864 surveyors noted that no sandbar ("bar") had formed at the river's mouth. Because of the missing "bar", the river was named Temperance.
The Superior Hiking Trail runs through the park and climbs to Carlton Peak, almost 1,000 ft (about 300 m) above Lake Superior. There are hiking trails on both sides of the river. The park has two campgrounds, one on each side of the river, both closer to the lake than most campgrounds in the state parks along the shore. Please check reservations and opening with the Minnesota DNR beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Schroeder, MN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 47.5555, -90.8745
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
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Tettegouche State Park
© Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY 2.0Palisade Head
© Sharon Mollerus · CC BY 2.0Split Rock Lighthouse
© Tony Webster from San Francisco, California · CC BY-SA 2.0Gooseberry Falls State Park
Campsites nearby
- Lamb's ResortCampsite1 mi from Temperance River State Park
- Eckbeck Campground and Day-Use AreaCampsite21 mi from Temperance River State ParkTentsDrinking water
- Wildhurst Campground and LodgeCampsite21 mi from Temperance River State Park
- Sawbill Lake CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Temperance River State Park · 51 pitches
- Tettegouche State Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Temperance River State ParkTentsElectricityShowersToilets
- Kawishiwi Lake CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Temperance River State ParkFree
All campsites in Minnesota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park is in Schroeder, MN, at GPS 47.5555, -90.8745. It is about 10 mi from Lutsen.
Can you camp near Temperance River State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Upper Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Minnesota’s North Shore: waterfalls and cliffs to Grand Portage.
What is there to see near Temperance River State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Tettegouche State Park (21 mi), Palisade Head (23 mi), Split Rock Lighthouse (34 mi) and Gooseberry Falls State Park (40 mi).
When is the best time to visit Temperance River State Park?
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)