Grand Portage

Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the High Falls down to the Pigeon River in this park on the U.S. - Canadian border. The falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a "carrying place," or portage, was necessary. American Indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as "The Grand Portage." Today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area. The park is designed for day use only and contains mixed hardwood-conifer forests and hiking trails along the banks of the Pigeon River. The spectacular scenery sets the stage for recreational opportunities that include hiking, photography, and picnicking. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is bordered by Canada on the north and east. Lake Superior is about one mile east of the park.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert! EVENT DATE CHANGE Our Sesquicentennial talk has been changed to Saturday, November 8th at 1:30pm. It was originally set for October 17th. Meet at the OLD LOG SCHOOL in Grand Portage. Park News: New Visitor Center Coming Soon! Look for a new park visitor/interpretive center coming in 2009! Planning is nearly complete on this combination visitor center and class one highway rest area. When complete, the Grand Portage and Gooseberry visitor centers will 'bookend' a scenic shoreline that includes eight very special state parks. Construction could start as early as January 2009, and last one year.

Park Notes Sesquicentennial Speaker on November 8th The Grand Portage Reservation was established four years before Minnesota became a state but the Ojibwe people lived here long before that. Join us for “the rest of the story” as an Ojibwe elder and park staff share some insights about life “on the Rez” over the past 150 (and more) years. Meet at the old log school in Grand Portage at 1:30 pm. Minnesota's Number One Waterfall! Experience the majesty and scenic wonder of Minnesota's highest waterfall! Three viewing decks provide park guests with various views for photography, or quiet contemplation. Birders: Click Here for the Bird Checklist at Grand Portage State Park. Firewood restrictions information: Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Complete information and lists of vendors and locations where approved firewood is available are posted on the DNR Web site. More information Vendor List

Minnesota's Highest Waterfall  Hiking  Scenic Views  Picnicking  Spring/Summer Wildflowers

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Hours

Best time to contact the park: Sat & Sun 10-4, M-F 11-3 Office hours will vary. If no one is available, please leave a message.

Contact

9393 E. Highway 61, Grand Portage, Minnesota 55605-3000.

tel: (218) 475-2360

fax: (218) 475-2365

Getting There

From the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, travel north on State Highway 61 for about 36 miles to the Canadian Border. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway, just before you come to the U.S. Customs Station on the US/Canada border.