Welcome to the North Shore’s Hidden Gem
Tettegouche State Park, perched along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, is more than just a park—it’s a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, and adventure. Spanning nearly 9,400 acres, it boasts six inland lakes, four stunning waterfalls, and 22 miles of hiking trails. Plus, it’s one of just four state parks in Minnesota with rock climbing. Whether you’re an adrenaline-pumping hiker or climber, an eagle-eyed birdwatcher, or just someone looking to soak in some serious tranquility, Tettegouche has got you covered. And trust me, this place is anything but ordinary.
The Calm Before the Storm: A Pit Stop in Duluth
But before diving into Tettegouche, let me set the scene. My journey began with a stop in Duluth, Minnesota, where I did something as mundane as laundry. Now, doing laundry at a laundromat might not sound like blog-worthy material, but hear me out. It’s in places like these where life unfolds in unexpected ways. At the laundromat, you get a front-row seat to humanity. From the overworked mom juggling kids and detergent to the retiree meticulously folding each shirt, you realize we’re all in this together, one spin cycle at a time. It’s a humbling reminder that no matter where the road takes us, we all have these shared, simple moments. Plus, my timing couldn’t have been better; the skies opened up with a torrential rainstorm, turning this simple chore into the perfect escape.
Afterward, I made my way to a quirky spot for the night: the Lakewalk Parking lot behind the Holiday Stationstore on London Road. My trusty SUV was once again my “tent,” and I rolled in with daylight to spare. I took the chance to stretch my legs on the Lakewalk, enjoying some stunning views of Lake Superior. The trail was buzzing with bikers, runners, and walkers—perfect for a little people-watching.
After dinner and a quick pit stop at the Holiday Stationstore (yes, I grabbed a drink to make using the restroom more legit), I settled in for the night. Not quite used to “roadside camping,” my sleep was a bit fitful. But by sunrise, the morning walkers had me up and at ’em. Clearly, this spot is where Duluthians kick off their day!
Photos: My Roadside Campground in Duluth, Minnesota
The Journey Begins: Coffee, Lighthouses, and Early Morning Solitude
Bright and early the next morning, with a fresh cup of grind-and-brew coffee from the local Holiday Stationstore (bless those machines!), I set off for Tettegouche State Park. But hey, what’s a road trip without a few detours? My first spontaneous stop: Split Rock Lighthouse. Nestled dramatically on a cliff, this lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1910. Although it was too early for the lighthouse to be open (that’s what you get for being an early riser!), I still wandered the trails, soaking in the views of Lake Superior as the morning mist clung to the cliffs.
Not far from there was Palisade Head, a remote portion of Tettegouche. And yep, you guessed it—I was early again. But being early isn’t all bad; it meant I had the place to myself, which made the ½-mile hike up the road totally worth it. The views were nice, but I knew I’d have to come back to truly do this spot justice.
Photos: History of Palisade Head | Communication Tower on Palisade Head
Class is in Session: The Visitor Center Experience
Next stop: the Tettegouche Visitor Center. Even though I arrived before it officially opened, the restrooms were available, and let me tell you, they were more educational than your average pit stop. Imagine this: you’re in the stall, and there’s a poster teaching you how to pronounce “Tettegouche” (it’s Tet-a-goo-sh, in case you’re wondering) and sharing the history behind the park’s name. Who knew a bathroom break could double as a history lesson?
Photos: The Visitor Center | My History Lesson
Once the visitor center opened, I met Bev, a staff member with a wealth of knowledge and a contagious enthusiasm for the park. After chatting with her, I felt like I had the insider’s guide to Tettegouche, and she encouraged me to check out the Shovel Point Trail. But, in true Upper Midwest fashion, she also warned me about the stairs—lots of them. It seems like folks around here have a bit of a thing about stairs, but I wasn’t going to let that scare me off.
Photos: Park Maps and Information
Photos: Campground and Climbing Areas Maps
Shovel Point Trail: Stairway to Heaven
The Shovel Point Trail is a 0.6-mile journey that feels like stepping into another world. Starting at the visitor center, the trail winds along Lake Superior’s shoreline, with rugged cliffs and wooden boardwalks guiding your way. The day was overcast, with winds whipping off the lake, making the scene both dramatic and serene. Along the way, there’s a set of stairs leading down to the pebble-strewn Lake Superior Beach—a perfect spot for a quiet moment with the waves. And when you reach the end of the trail, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of Palisade Head to the west. The best part? I had the End of Shovel Point to myself, which made the experience even more special.
Photos: The Crashing Waves along Lake Superior Beach | Looking Down on Lake Superior Beach
Photos: The Boardwalks and Stairs Awaiting Your Adventure
Photos: Shovel Point’s Climbing Zone | A View from the Edge
Photos: The End of Shovel Point | Observation Deck with Amazing Views
The Baptism River Mouth: Nature’s Symphony
After Shovel Point, I headed back to the visitor center, then took a short walk to the Baptism River Mouth. Here, the river meets Lake Superior, and it’s like nature’s version of a grand finale—water crashing against rocks, winds whipping through the trees, and the colors of the landscape shifting with the light. This was my first day at Tettegouche, and the weather added an extra layer of wildness to the scene. The river was a churning force, and the waves on the lake were anything but gentle.
Photos: Looking Up the Baptism River | A View of the River Mouth from the River’s Edge
Connecting the Dots: From Pasty to Passion
Back at the visitor center, I couldn’t resist buying some postcards (I love sending those out from my travels—what can I say, I’m a bit old-school like that). I also had another chat with Bev, who, as it turns out, is from Ishpeming, Michigan—the same town I had driven through the day before. Small world, right? I told her about my pasty experience there, and she asked if I had seen the US Skiing and Snowboarding Hall of Fame. I hadn’t, but I did notice a cool statue of a ski jumper outside. Here’s the kicker: that statue, “Passion to Fly,” is of Bev’s cousin, who was a famous ski jumper! Moral of the story? Put down your phone and engage with the world around you. You never know what connections or stories you might uncover.
Illgen Falls and Devil’s Rock: Chasing Waterfalls
With the day still young, I decided to explore Illgen Falls. This 40-foot waterfall, located upstream from the High Falls, isn’t accessible from the park’s main trails, but it’s worth the extra effort. The best part? You can get really close to the falls, feeling the cool mist on your face as the water crashes down.
Photos: The Parking Lot off MN-1 | Illgen Falls and Devil’s Rock Trailhead
Photos: View from the Brink of the Falls | Illgen Falls
Photos: Illgen Falls: A Waterfall with Multiple Personalities
Feeling adventurous, I also hiked out to Devil’s Rock. I’ll be honest—it was a little underwhelming, but the hike itself was pleasant, and the mosquitoes were just starting to wake up as the day warmed up. Not to worry, though; a little bug spray kept them at bay.
Photos: Nature’s Quirky Sculpture | Devil’s Rock—Is It Really That Impressive?
A Quick Pit Stop and High Falls Trail
After all that exploring, I took a quick trip into town for some gas, ice, and a postcard stamp run (thanks, Melissa, for the stamps—unfortunately, I didn’t bring enough on this trip). Then, I was back at the park, ready for more adventure. I parked at the High Falls Trailhead, eager to see the highest waterfall completely within Minnesota’s borders.
Photos: High Falls Trailhead | The Trail is a Blend of Boardwalks and Dirt Trails
The trail is 1.5 miles one way and is impressively maintained. You’ll navigate steep sections with wooden stairs, gravel paths, and some bare rock. Along the way, there’s a side trail with 200 steps down to Two Step Falls. It was a bit of an adventure, especially since a storm had wiped out the last set of stairs. The climb down to the river’s edge was a bit sketchy but totally doable!
Photos: The Steep Descent to Two Step Falls | The Section That Took a Dive
At last, the payoff: High Falls, cascading a dramatic 63 feet. The roar of the water and the mist it sends up are nothing short of mesmerizing, providing a refreshing cool-down after the hike.
I knew the trail ahead was closed due to the storm knocking out the swinging bridge (I’ll share some pics in Part 2). Still, I pushed on as far as I could to get as close as possible to the brink of the falls.
Photos: Looking Ahead: Left – The Bottom of High Falls and Right – The Brink and the Swinging Bridge (Well, What’s Left of It!) | Bonus: More Stairs for Extra Fun!
Photos: High Falls Brink | The Closed Trail | Across the River—Where I Was Supposed to Go (But Hey, Adventure Awaits!)
Trail Running and Campsite Life
On the way back to the parking lot, I squeezed in a quick trail run—one of my favorite ways to enjoy the trails. fterward, I checked into my campsite, which involved a bit of a winding drive through the park to the Baptism River Campground. Like at Tahquamenon, the park was buzzing with activity, so I had to juggle campsites each night due to high demand. More on that in Part 2.
I settled into camp, lit a cozy fire, enjoyed a hearty dinner with a couple of cold ones, and hit the sack. It was a big day, and tomorrow promised an even bigger adventure as I geared up to tackle Eagle Mountain, Minnesota’s highest natural point.
Photos: My Campsite for the Night—Where the Magic Happens | Check Out This Epic Fire!
That’s a wrap on Part 1 of my Tettegouche escapade. Stick around for Part 2, where the sun finally shines, the trails beckon, and the park unveils even more of its magical charm. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it.
Catch you on the road!
Dates of Visit: 22 & 23 July 2024