40 mi · 45-minute drive from the hostel
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Five waterfalls and the classic gateway to the North Shore.
Gooseberry Falls is the classic first stop on Minnesota’s North Shore — a state park where the Gooseberry River tumbles over a series of waterfalls just before reaching Lake Superior. The Upper, Middle and Lower Falls are all a short, easy walk from the visitor center, which makes it perfect for a half-day trip from Duluth.
The falls and trails
A network of short, well-built paths and stone stairways connects the falls, and you can walk right down to the river and the lakeshore. It’s family-friendly and accessible enough for a quick visit, yet the park also has longer trails (including a stretch of the Superior Hiking Trail) if you want to go farther.
Fall color here is superb, and spring runoff makes the falls thunder. The visitor center has exhibits and rangers who can point you to the best current conditions.
From the front desk
- Come after spring melt or a rain for the falls at full force.
- You can see all three falls in under an hour if you’re short on time.
- A Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required to park.
Good to know
Gooseberry Falls — FAQs
How far is Gooseberry Falls from Duluth?
About 40 miles — roughly a 45-minute drive up Highway 61 along the North Shore from Hostel du Nord.
Is Gooseberry Falls free?
Seeing the falls is free, but a Minnesota state park vehicle permit is required to park at the state park. Permits can be bought at the park.
How many waterfalls are at Gooseberry Falls?
The park features several waterfalls on the Gooseberry River — most notably the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls — all reachable by short, easy trails from the visitor center.
Keep exploring
Nearby & related
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Sleep 10 minutes from the trailhead.
Downtown Duluth — where the Lakewalk, the breweries and Highway 61 all begin.
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