Open seasonally
218-663-7476, winter call 218-353-8800
Nature Store, firewood and ice
The 5,000+ acre state park is an all-in-one slice of the North Shore, featuring Lake Superior cobblestone shoreline, a river cutting through billion year old rock with several waterfalls, an an upland forest of birch, pine and cedar forests.
Said to be the only river along the North Shore without a sand “bar” at its mouth; hence the name. However, it is hardly a moderate river. A few hundred feet upstream, a thunderous water force continues to carve out a deeper path in the amazing gorge. Waterfalls run all year at Temperance River State Park, but are at their peak in the spring and after rain accumulations. An easy access view to one falls is just below the highway and includes picture perfect settings from a foot bridge. Another footbridge is a little more than half-mile up the river and includes gorge and waterfalls views and a trail that traverse the old waterfall bed. Hike the popular riverside trails by parking along Highway 61 and following trail signs. Note – this trail has high drop-offs, rushing rivers, and at times slippery pathways. It may not be suitable for children or pets.
Access Lake Superior at the public beach and picnic grounds. Camping takes place in two campgrounds, the lower offering primitive sites, some with lake views. The upper campground has electricity, shower houses and flush toilets. To access Carlton Peak, popular with rock climbers, hikers and snowshoers, follow trails from the river mouth or drive 2 miles up the Sawbill Trail to Superior Hiking Trail Parking and head west. This is especially nice in the spring and autumn when the foliage doesn’t hinder the wide open views.
***Please note – there have been 8 deaths in the Temperance River in the past 20 years. The Temperance has an amazing current, especially after it rains. This is also true for the river mouth. Use caution and do not swim if you are unsure of conditions.
Park is open daily 8am – 10pm; buy a vehicle permit online, record your confirmation number and place it on your car’s dashboard.
Be prepared. Bring your own water, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants, towels and toilet paper.
Upper & Lower campgrounds open with some sites closed; due to construction the bathrooms and showers will not be available, however vault toilets in campground are open.
All campsites need to be registered and paid for ahead of time by calling: 1-866-857-2757.
Parks are getting extremely busy every day and it may not be possible to practice good social distancing. Be extra careful in parking areas, around signs and toilets, and on narrow trails, fishing piers and bridges where people tend to cluster. If you see a lot of cars in the parking lot or at the trailhead, turn around and find someplace else for outdoor recreation.
The Ranger Station will remain closed until further notice.
Vault toilets are available in the campgrounds.
Open seasonally
218-663-7476, winter call 218-353-8800
Nature Store, firewood and ice
Open late spring to Lat October; an upper and lower campground with wooded sites; some in the lower campground have great Lake Superior views.
HIdden Falls and Upper Falls cut gorges north of the highway while another waterfalls tumbles below the highway
Tables and fire rings near Lake Superior’s shore.
22 miles; riverside trails briefly lead to Lake Superior then head north, connecting to extensive inland trails
Carlton Peak offers over two dozen climbs in the 60-foot to 80-foot range; required free climbing permits available at visitor center; lovely views from the 900-foot summit.
7 groomed miles connect with the State Trail
Anywhere in the park except on groomed trails
