Venture up Lake Superior’s North Shore to visit Tettegouche State Park’s rocky cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and thick forests. Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers flock to this park for its pristine landscapes and outstanding views. I’ve stayed here several times to enjoy the park and as a home base while exploring more of the North Shore. Here’s my Tettegouche State Park guide to help you plan an extraordinary trip to this magnificent space.
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Visiting Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche, pronounced tet-uh-goosh, covers 9,300 acres of forests, cliffs, and rivers along Lake Superior’s shoreline. It’s rugged and wild and one of my favorite places on the North Shore.
Make the Tettegouche Visitor Center your first stop:
- There is a lot of parking and great bathrooms if you need a break.
- Stop by the coffee shop in the gift store to grab a latte, an ice cream cone, or a souvenir.
- Check out the art and informational exhibits.
- Sit by the fireplace or picnic areas for a cozy snack break.
- Purchase a park pass (required to park in any MN state park)
- Check in with a park ranger if you’re camping in the park.
- Ask rangers any questions you may have before exploring the park.
- Purchase firewood for a campfire at your campsite.
- Walk down to the Lake Superior beach.
- Pick up a Tettegouche trail map, then hit the trails!
The Tettegouche State Park office is open 9 am-4 pm daily. The park is open 8 am-10 pm daily.
Best Hikes at Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park has some of the best hikes in Minnesota. Trails vary in difficulty, from Shovel Point’s easy pathway to the brisk climb up to High Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Each of these northern Minnesota hikes welcomes leashed dogs!
Shovel Point
1.2 miles, out and back
Hike the Shovel Point Trail to kickstart your adventures around Tettegouche. You’ll set out from the visitor center and wind along the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. From the platform at Shovel Point, you’re treated to outstanding scenic overlooks of Lake Superior and Palisade Head.
This is the first hike I do every time I visit the park. It’s also a great trail to stretch your legs if you’re traveling further up the North Shore for camping and lodging.
High Falls & Two-Step Falls
3 miles, out and back
Explore this trail to check out the tallest falls in Tettegouche State Park. You’ll hike up the eastern side of the Baptism River. Halfway up, you’ll take a staircase down to Two-Step Falls, and then, at the top, you’ll take a second staircase down to the base of High Falls. Try this as a sunrise hike to see the rising sun light up High Falls.
There used to be a bridge crossing over the top of the falls, but spring flooding in 2024 destroyed it. If you have time or are camping at the Baptism River Campground, visit the falls from the western side of the river.
Illgen Falls
0.8 miles, out and back
This 40-foot waterfall is located just off Highway 1. It’s about a half-mile upstream from High Falls. Near the start of your hike, you’ll pass a cabin you can reserve from the state park. This quick and easy hike is a great spot to escape crowds at the more popular locations.
Two-Step Falls via the Baptism River Campground
1.2 miles, out and back
This hike is excellent if you’re camping at the Baptism River Campground. The trail begins at the back of the campground loop. You’ll hike down 200 steps to reach the base of Two-Step Falls. From Two-Step, you can continue up the trail to the top of High Falls. I like to hike this trail with the dogs first thing in the morning when we’re camping here.
Mount Trudee
6 miles, out and back
If you’re up for it, this challenging trek delivers an outstanding panorama from Mount Trudee. You’ll also get great views at the Red Pine Overlook and Raven Rock. Pick up your trail at the Superior Hiking Trail Trailhead near the Baptism River Campground. Pack plenty of water and snacks along with your other hiking essentials.
Tettegouche Lake
4.8 miles, lollipop loop
You’ll head to the park’s northern end for this underrated trail. The route loops around Tettegouche Lake with views of Lax Lake, Cedar Lake, and Floating Bog Bay. You’re more likely to have this trail to yourself than the ones that start near the visitor center.
Bean and Bear
7 miles, out and back
The Bean and Bear Lake Trail is a popular day hike along the Superior Hiking Trail on Tettegouche’s western side. Your destination is an overlook where the Bean Lake and Bear Lake line up one above the other. This hike will get your heart pumping, so prepare for a challenging day. Plan this adventure in the fall for a kaleidoscope of autumn colors.
Palisade Head
0.9 miles (winter), lollipop loop
This is less of a hike and more of a scenic overlook. You can drive up to the top in the summer. In the winter, you’ll have to hike up a short trail to reach the top. This is a fantastic North Shore photography location and a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Camping at Tettegouche State Park
This Minnesota state park has over 40 campsites spread throughout its thick forests. There’s sure to be one that suits your needs, whether you like to plug in your RV or prefer the more rustic options.
- Baptism River Campground – 28 campsites with a mix of drive-in electric ($35/night), drive-in non-electric ($25/night), and walk-in ($25/night) options
- Lake Superior Cart-In Campground – 13 campsites ($25/night) within 200 feet of the parking lot; use one of the provided carts to haul your gear to your site
- Backcountry Camping – 5 campsites (first-come, first-served) along the Superior Hiking Trail
- Cabins – 4 cabins at Tettegouche Camp ($130+/night) and 1 cabin at Illgen Falls ($220/night)
Note: Reserving campsites online also includes a $8 fee. All lodging options are reservable except for the backcountry campsites.
Tips For Reserving the Best Campsites
Check the site details and photos before reserving your campsite. Some sites have steep driveways, or you may have to climb a few steps to reach the picnic table and tent site. I’ve camped in the Baptism River Campground at sites 31E and 28. Site 31E was level with plenty of space around the picnic table area. Site 28 had a steep, paved driveway and an elevated firepit/camping space.
What to Pack for Hiking Tettegouche State Park and the North Shore
Check the weather before you head out adventuring and consider the following items:
- Ten Essentials: Navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire, repair kit, nutrition, hydration, emergency shelter
- Hiking boots: Lowa’s are my favorite for rough trails and damp conditions
- Trail running shoes: Altra’s are my go-to for most hikes because they’re comfortable and lightweight
- Long pants or leggings: Great for cool days and to help keep ticks at bay
- Shorts: Running shorts are lightweight and dry fast during warm hikes or if you jump in a lake mid-hike (Stio’s Second Light series is my first choice – shorts and jackets)
- Long-sleeve base layers: Consider a wool fabric for temperature regulation in both warm and cool temps and to protect yourself from the sun
- Rain jacket: I keep a Stio Ender Rain Jacket in my pack at all times; it’s lightweight and packs up small
- Bug repellent: Prep your gear beforehand with a permethrin spray and bring a spray or lotion for any exposed skin (Sawyer’s repellents are top-notch)
- Binoculars: For wildlife watching and birding
- Day hiking pack: Pick a hiking pack that’s large enough to hold your essentials and a few extra items (camera, binoculars, extra layers, etc.)
Add extra items like a puffy jacket and extra socks for shoulder season hikes and cool or damp days. If you’re heading out on a backpacking trip, don’t forget your tent, sleeping bag, and camp kitchen for a successful adventure.
Traveling and hiking with your pup? Check out our favorite gear:
- Top Dog Road Trip Essentials: Must-Have Gear for Traveling with Your Dog
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Explore my RockPorch Gear Locker for all of my favorite camping and hiking items:
Explore the North Shore Beyond Tettegouche State Park
Expand your trip with these fantastic destinations along Lake Superior:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park: Check out even more waterfalls at this popular park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Visit one of the most photographed lighthouses in Minnesota
- Temperance River State Park: Locate Hidden Falls, a waterfall tucked away in a narrow gorge
- Gunflint Trail: Head up to Grand Marais and dive deeper into northern Minnesota’s backcountry on this scenic drive known for moose sightings and stunning hiking trails
- Grand Portage State Park: The High Falls on the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota
