Top Things to do at Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

Located about 58 miles from Duluth, the Tettegouche State Park is just the right combination of nature and camping.

You can approach it via Highway 61 from the Silver Bay side entrance.

Before talking about the wonderful ways to spend your time at the state park, let’s discuss a few instructions shared by the park authorities.

First off, you should arrive prepared.

Make sure you check the website or the ViaTravelers.com blog post about Tettegouche State Park beforehand for any current visitor alerts or insider tips on how to make the most of your visit. Download the road map on your phone, get your vehicle permit, and stock up on facilities because most of them are limited at the state park.

When you arrive at the Tettegouche State Park, pay attention to your surroundings.

Don’t take any unnecessary risks if you don’t know the area well. If you’re careful, you’ll have the time of your life since the Tettegouche State Park has a lot to offer.

From pleasingly beautiful waterfalls to long hiking trails and rock climbing, the park is a heaven for nature lovers.

One Hour Trip

If you’re just passing by and have an hour to spend at the Tettegouche State Park, start walking from the visitor center. Hike along the cliffs all the way to Shovel Point.

Here, you can enjoy an overhead view of Lake Superior and watch rock climbers in action.

Or, you can walk to the gravel beach to see the confluence of Lake Superior and Baptism River. It’s the perfect spot for a quick picnic and some pictures.

If taking pictures with a waterfall is on your to-do list, take the Cascade Trail to the Cascade River waterfall.

With the waterfall ahead and the Baptism River on one side, you’ll be surrounded by gushing waters, wildlife, and nature.

One Day Trip

Travelers who want to spend the whole day at the Tettegouche State Park can do a lot in 24 hours. Download the bird checklist from the park’s website and start your day with birdwatching.

Once you’ve spotted enough birds, take a hike on one of the many trails along Lake Superior.

If you’d rather spend your time by the water, Black Beach Park is the right place to be.

The beach has unique black sand, which will make the perfect background for all your Instagram pictures.

You can either set up a picnic at the beach or eat at one of the local eateries.

Camp 61 Restaurant & Motel is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, serving American dishes, like burgers and barbecues.

Their signature dishes include garlic roast beef, street tacos, and hand-pattied burgers, so don’t forget to indulge. If you fancy a juicy rib or steak, Northwoods Family Grille is the place for you.

The diners are also accompanied by gift shops where you can purchase trinkets, souvenirs, and local crafts. Zup’s Dollars Flowers and Gifts is a popular gift shop selling floral arrangements.

But if you’re interested in stunning stones and handcrafted furniture, walk into Eagles Nest Gift.

Camping

If you plan on spending a long time in Tettegouche State Park, book a campsite. Even when the office is closed, you can pay the camping fees at the self-registration station since camping is available throughout the year.

Alternative lodgings include Illgen Falls Cabin and Tettegouche Camp.

The camping rates are quite reasonable, starting from 17 dollars a day and going up to 23 bucks. Do note that you have to buy park permits for your vehicle separately.

The park also has a charging station for electric vehicles in the visitor center’s parking lot. The good news is it’s free to use.

Although the Tettegouche State Park is open year-round, the best time to visit is from 10 am to 3 since the staff is available during these hours.

If you need any additional information or purchase a park permit, you can do all of this on the park’s website. Get your essentials and hit the road today!