Grand Portage State Park

Torrents of wild water plummet 120 feet over the High Falls down to the Pigeon River in this park on the U.S. – Canadian border. The falls, the highest in the state, presented a serious obstacle to river travel, so a “carrying place,” or portage, was necessary. American Indians created the ancient nine-mile trail from Lake Superior to bypass the falls. This trail became known as “The Grand Portage.” Today, visitors of all abilities can take a one-half mile trail and boardwalk to the falls overlook area. The park is designed for day use only and contains mixed hardwood-conifer forests and hiking trails along the banks of the Pigeon River. The spectacular scenery sets the stage for recreational opportunities that include hiking, photography, and picnicking. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is bordered by Canada on the north and east. Lake Superior is about one mile east of the park.

Highlights

• Minnesota’s Highest Waterfall
• Scenic Views
• Wildflowers (Spring and Summer)
• Hiking
• Picnicking

Trails

• Summer – Hiking – 4 Miles
• Summer – Wheelchair Accessible – .5 Miles
• Summer – Boardwalk – .5 Miles
• Winter – Snowshoe – .5 Miles
• Winter – Hiking Trails – 3.5 Miles Maintained

Getting Here

From the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, travel north on State Highway 61 for about 36 miles to the Canadian Border. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway, just before you come to the U.S. Customs Station on the US/Canada border.

History

Git-che-O-ni-ga-ming and Grand Portage are Ojibwe and French words for “a great carrying place.” Grand Portage State Park and the surrounding area is rich in Indian and fur trade history. To American Indians, voyageurs and fur traders in the 1700s, the natural features of the area were an awesome sight. Travelers and traders were faced with a 120-foot waterfall, the thundering rapids of the Pigeon River, cliffs, and rocky terrain that was impossible to cross. The only option was to go around these obstacles. The nine-mile trek became known as “The Grand Portage” and ultimately gave the area its name. The park lies within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation and is bordered by Canada on the north and east. Lake Superior is about one mile east of the park. The park was established in 1989 through the cooperative efforts of the State of Minnesota and the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Indians. A unique situation exists in that this is the only state park not owned by the State of Minnesota. The land is leased from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) which holds it in trust for the Grand Portage Band. The development and operation of the park rests primarily with the Department of Natural Resources and is implemented through the Division of Parks and Recreation.

Phone Number  (218) 475-2360

Content the property of Grand Portage State Park and MN Department of Natural Resources.

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