Looking for the best state park for hiking in Minnesota? Head to Tettegouche State Park for waterfall trails, incredible overlooks, and so much more! Here are the best things to do in Tettegouche State Park:

why me? hi there! I’m Maddy, a Minnesota based writer & photographer. I’ve spent the last three or so years living on the North Shore, working on and off as a wilderness guide in the area and appreciating this area the best way I know how; from the trail! I’m stoked to share all of my favorite North Shore hiking trails with you! Happy trails and see you out there!

Leave no Trace in Tettegouche State Park:

The North Shore of Minnesota is the ancestral homeland of the Anshinaabe Indigenous People, and we are all guests on their land. Be aware when recreating on the North Shore that many sites have historical and cultural significance and should be treated with exceptional respect and care. Avoid hiking on unofficial trails as it may contribute to erosion, and only park where official parking spots are available, rather than make new parking spots widening roads. Take care not to damage trees and other plant life, even if they seem to be blocking the view. 

All trash, including toilet paper, orange peels, banana peels, etc, needs to be packed out. Many hiking trails on the Superior Hiking Trail are rigorous; be sure to pack enough food and water for your group. Cell service is not guaranteed in the area; neither is a quick rescue in the event of an emergency. To learn more about the general principles of Leave No Trace, click here.

Check out a detailed guide to Leave No Trace in Northern Minnesota!

How do you pronounce “Tettegouche” state park?

First and for most, it is not “Tett-a- goochie”!! It is pronounced “Tette-a-goosh”! Make sure to say it “Tette-a-goosh” to avoid sounding like you’re new to the area.

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What to pack for a hiking trip in Northern Minnesota:

Summers of Lake Superior can be chilly, particularly in June and early July! Pack for a variety of weather conditions. I recommend…

• Long pants: for women looking for a flattering fit and functionality try Kuhl Freeflex or REI Trailmade
• Long sleeve wool baselayers : wool tops like this make a great hiking layer both for sun protection and for regulating body temperature 
• Shorts: I like a quick dry pair with a built-in belt  and a elastic waist, swim-friendly pair
• If paddling or swimming: a UPF sun hoodie
• A down puffy jacket that packs down small: nights are a lot cooler than you might expect!
• Leggings with pockets!!! 
• A solid day hiking pack
• On rugged trails, trekking poles
• Hiking boots: I like Oboz Bridger Mids for best grip and ankle support, or alternately hiking/paddling sandals like Bedrocks (designed for paddling guides and paddling guide (me) approved)
• A solid raincoat
• Binoculars for watching wildlife
• If camping, a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad
• If backpacking, backpacking gear!

Best Things to do in Tettegouche State Park:

For a map of the trails in Tettegouche State Park, click here.

1) Hike High Falls (moderate)

Looking for the single best hiking trail in Tettegouche State Park? Head to High Falls on the Baptism River. Begin from the Tettegouche State Park visitor center and hike north into the park along the river. This will take you to the best views of High Falls at about four miles round trip!

This hike is especially beautiful in the mornings, when golden light hits the falls.

2) Visit the Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center

Looking to learn more about Tettegouche State Park before you begin hiking and sight seeing? Swing by the Tettegouche State Park Visitor’s Center. Here, you can pick up your Minnesota State Park pass, enjoy the hiking trails nearby, learn a little about the park, or even grab a coffee or souvenir!

3) Visit Palisade Head (beginner)

For one of the most beautiful views in Tettegouche State Park, head to Palisade Head. In the summer, you can drive up to sweeping views of the massive cliffs overlooking Lake Superior!

4) Hike Shovel Point (beginner)

For the best easy hike in Tettegouche State Park, and one of the only places you can easily hike along the shore of Lake Superior on the North Shore, tackle the Shovel Point Trail. This is a 1.2 mile trail that winds along beautiful cliffs of Lake Superior. This trail is especially beautiful in the winter.

5) Hike Bean & Bear Lakes (Hard)

Just outside of Tettegouche State Park is the most iconic hiking trail in Minnesota. This 7-8 mile loop takes hikers to a number of beautiful overlooks, including the iconic double lakes of Bean & Bear Lake. This is easily one of the most popular hikes in Minnesota and likely to be crowded.

6) Grab coffee at Timber Coffee Co

After a hard morning on trail, swing by Silver Bay’s Timber Coffee Co for fresh baked cinnamon rolls, bagels, and a delicious latte!

7) Hike Mount Trudee (Hard)

Looking for one of the most beautiful (and difficult!) hikes in Northern Minnesota? Grab your hiking boots, and head deep into Tettegouche to reach Mt. Trudee on the Superior Hiking Trail. There are several ways to reach Mt. Trudee, but the fastest is from the trailhead near the Baptism River Campground.

8) Rent a Cabin on Tettegouche Lake

Renting a hike-in cabin on Tettegouche Lake is easily one of the coolest things to do in Tettegouche State Park! These cabins come with firewood, and are open year-round.

9) Hike Fantasia Overlook

Looking for a beautiful hiking trail just outside of Tettegouche State Park? Head to Fantasia Overlook and Wolf Ridge Overlook on the Superior Hiking Trail just east of Tettegouche.

10) Visit Illgen Falls

For a beautiful and easy waterfall in Tettegouche State Park, check out Illgen Falls in Tettegouche State Park tucked away off Highway 1. This huge waterfall is less than a one mile hike and one of the coolest things to do in Tettegouche State Park in all seasons.

Where to camp near Tettegouche State Park:

Wondering wear to camp in Tettegouche State Park? Here are your best camping options when visiting Tettegouche State Park:

• Book a rustic, hike-in cabin on Tettegouche Lake. This will take you to the heart of Tettegouche State park with incredible hiking opportunities all around!
• Camp at the Tettegouche Cart-In campground for a rustic Lake Superior camping experience with the comforts of your car nearby.
• Check out Eckbeck Campground for car camping reasonable driving distance! This site is first-come, first-serve only.

Where to stay on the North Shore:

From Two Harbors to Grand Marais, here are the best places to stay on the North Shore:

• East Bay Suites, Grand Marais
• Larsmont Cottages, lakeside cottage rental near Two Harbors
• Superior Shores, Two Harbors, variety of lodging options
• Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay, good location for hiking Split Rock and Tettegouche
• Best Western, Grand Marais

Love exploring the Northern Midwest? Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook bundle for all of the best hikes, snowshoes, and paddling routes in the Midwest!

Explore more on the North Shore:

• Check out 30 Things to do on the North Shore
• Head up to beautiful Grand Marais, Minnesota
• Check out all of the best Great Lakes destinations

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