One of the best state parks in Minnesota Judge C.R. Magney State Park offers solitude, the mysterious Devil’s Kettle, waterfalls, lots of cardio, and stunning views. The park’s namesake was key in creating 11 state parks and waysides on the North Shore along Lake Superior in Minnesota. If you like hiking up and down lots of stairs and feeling like you’re miles from civilization, then Judge C.R. Magney State Park is your kind of place.
See my related Minnesota state park series.
- Take the Minnesota State Park Challenge – list of all the best MN state parks with reviews
- How to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks in a year
- Explore Minnesota State Parks on Free State Park Day
- Top Minnesota state parks with waterfalls – ranked!
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Top things to do at Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, MN
Here are the top 10 things to do at Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
- Hike down and up to Devil’s Kettle where the Brule River splits around ancient volcanic rock where one side spills into a pool of water 50 feet below. The other side of the river disappears into a mysterious pothole.
- Before you take the final steps to Devil’s Kettle, admire the tranquil Upper Falls waterfall.
- Continue a steep hike and connect with the Superior Hiking Trail for a wilderness hike that leads all the way to Canada or back to Duluth, MN.
- Fish for brook and rainbow trout, steelhead, and salmon on the Brule River and Gauthier Creek.
- Walk the easy one-mile Timberdoodle Trail that features interpretive signs.
- Camp (traditional tent, RV, and hammock) early May through mid-October.
- Take the hilly Gauthier Creek Trail to view wildflowers among the forest.
- Watch for wildlife including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, and more.
- Picnic along the scenic Brule River.
- Enjoy a magical wonderland while hiking in the winter at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. You can also snowshoe or cross-country ski on ungroomed trails.
Frequently asked questions about Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, Minnesota
Where is Judge C.R. Magney State Park located? What is the address for Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
The address for Judge C.R. Magney State Park is 4051 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
When is Judge C.R. Magney State Park open?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. However, the entrance may not be snowplowed after a recent snowfall. Campgrounds are available early May through mid-October and trails are open year-round for day use.
Is Judge C.R. Magney State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Admission to Judge C.R. Magney only costs $7 per vehicle per day ($5 per motorcycle). That includes unlimited visits to all Minnesota state parks on the same day. I highly recommend an annual pass, which gives you entrance to all Minnesota state parks. See the Minnesota DNR website for more information. And it’s highly recommended to pay online ahead of time. Minnesota state parks are no longer accepting cash self-payment envelopes on site.
You can also visit other Minnesota state parks for free four days each year. See my related post for this year’s free state park days. Admission to every Minnesota state park is free for all Minnesota state tribal members throughout the year.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?
Yes. Judge C.R. Magney State Park features Brule River, Gauthier Creek, and two waterfalls. Devil’s Kettle splits in two as one side plunges 50 feet below and the other side of the river disappears into a mysterious pothole. Where does the water go? The latest theory is that the water from Devil’s Kettle reemerges downstream in the Brule River. The second waterfall, Upper Falls, is pictured.
Can you fish at Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota?
Yes. Anglers may fish on the lower Brule River before it reaches Lake Superior. Both the Brule River and Gauthier Creek are designated trout steams that require a trout stamp and a fishing license.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park have a swimming beach?
No. Judge C.R. Magney State Park does not have a swimming beach.
Can you boat at Judge C.R. Magney State Park? Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park offer a boat ramp?
No. Judge C.R. Magney State Park does not allow boating or have a boat ramp.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park have a campground? Can you camp at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Yes. The Judge C.R. Magney State Park campground sites are open early May to mid-October.
- 27 drive-in campsites.
- RV parking length ranges from 30 to 50 feet.
- Note there are no electrical campsites at Jude C.R. Magney State Park.
- Additionally, no hookups for filling RV water tanks.
Where to stay near Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
If you’re not a camper or visiting Judge C.R. Magney State Park in late fall and winter, I recommend staying at one of the best resorts centrally located on the North Shore. The dog-friendly Caribou Highlands Lodge (pictured) is located 35 miles south in Lutsen, MN and features ski-in, ski-out townhomes. While our stay at Caribou Highlands Lodge was hosted, opinions are always my own.
You could also stay at the one of their other sister hotels or resorts. East Bay Suites (pictured) is located in nearby Grand Marais, MN. This North Shore hotel overlooks Lake Superior.
- Beacon Pointe Condo Hotel on Lake Superior in Duluth, MN is the best place to stay near Jay Cooke State Park.
- Breezy Point Cabins in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
- Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen, MN is the most centrally located resort on the North Shore and is the best place to stay near Lutsen Mountains (it’s right on the property), Temperance River State Park, George Crosby Manitou State Park, Cascade River State Park.
- East Bay Suites in Grand Marais, MN is the best place to stay near Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Portage State Park and Cascade River State Park.
- Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near George Crosby Manitou State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park.
- Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
How big is Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota covers more than 4,000 forested acres.
Is Judge C.R. Magney State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?
I don’t recall Judge C.R. Magney State Park particularly buggy. However, I always apply picaridin and Aunt Fanny’s DEET-free mosquito wipes when hiking in Minnesota state parks. .
How long and how difficult are the hiking trails at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park offers nine miles of easy to challenging hiking trails.
Devil’s Kettle Trail is the most popular hiking trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Although it’s only 1 mile long one-way, allow up to two hours to traverse the steep terrain and 175 steps down and then 175 steps back up. It’s strenuous, but worth it! Before taking the final leg to Devil’s Kettle viewing platform, be sure to stop and admire the Upper Falls waterfall.
The hilly one-mile Gauthier Creek Trail threads through a forested canopy and wildflowers.
An interpretive trail, the Timberdoodle Trail takes you on an easy one-mile loop through spruce, cedar, and birch trees.
For a challenging hike in the wilderness, connect with the Superior Hiking Trail in Judge C.R. Magney State Park. The length varies as the trail runs 310 miles from Duluth in the south to the Canadian border to the north. Expect steep, rocky, uneven, and stunning terrain.
Be sure to check for any seasonal updates (snow or flooding especially), which may impact access to hiking trails.
Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Yes. I highly recommend hiking poles on the Devil’s Kettle Trail in every season.
And definitely wear metal spikes or crampons in the snowy, winter season. Judge C.R. Magney State Park does not maintain the hiking trails year-round.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Yes. You can snowshoe anywhere in Judge C.R. Magney State Park in the winter as well as cross-country ski on ungroomed trails. Additionally, winter hiking to see the frozen waterfalls is magical. See my full review on the most scenic frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
Can you snowmobile at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
No. Judge C.R. Magney State Park is too rugged and not suitable for snowmobiles.
What are the best views at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park offers several scenic views. The most popular view at Judge C.R. Magney State Park is from the Devil’s Kettle observation deck as well as the riverside view of Upper Falls. Pictured is one of my favorite scenic views of Judge C.R. Magney State Park in all seasons.
See related post, Top 12 breathtaking views in Minnesota.
Are there bike trails at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
No. Judge C.R. Magney State Park does not feature bike trails.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park feature equestrian trails?
No. Judge C.R. Magney State Park does not have horseback trails.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park opens its park office daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Only campers may use the flush toilets in the campgrounds. Vault toilets are available throughout Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
Is Judge C.R. Magney State Park dog-friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on Judge C.R. Magney State Park hiking trails. All Minnesota state parks welcome dogs except inside buildings. Leashes must be six feet or less.
Are there bears and moose at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Yes. Moose and bears meander through Judge C.R. Magney State Park occasionally. Also watch for white-tailed deer.
Is firewood available at Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Yes. Firewood is available for sale at Judge C.R. Magney State Park when the park office is open or via the Yodel app.
To protect Minnesota trees, you can only burn certified wood on MN DNR land. Collection is not allowed in state parks and you may not bring firewood from home. This helps prevent spreading harmful insects and diseases.
How far is Judge C.R. Magney State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is located 282 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
What’s near Judge C.R. Magney State Park? Top things to do near Judge C.R. Magney State Park?
Here are the top things to do near Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota.
- The charming Grand Marais community is located 14 miles south of Judge C.R. Magney South Park. Pictured is the Grand Marais lighthouse on Lake Superior. Check out this guide to the scenic North Shore / Highway 61 for more waterfalls, hiking trails, and photo-op stops.
- Plan to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks? Then I recommend Grand Portage State Park, which is 26 miles north. Cascade River State Park is 22 miles south on the North Shore. Note that Grand Portage State Park is located on the Minnesota-Canadian border.
- The Grand Portage National Monument, heritage center, and living history village and depot is located 21 miles away. Open year-round, this national monument features educational exhibits and films about the Anishinabe (Chippewa / Ojibwe) people and the fur trading industry. You’ll also find scenic views and hiking trails.
- Take the ferry from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to Isle Royale National Park – 22 miles away – May through October.
- Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, open 24 hours, is located 20 miles from Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
- Bring your passport and road-trip it to Thunder Bay, Ontario just 65 miles north. Here you’ll find several waterfalls including the majestic Kakabeka Falls. Known as the Niagara of the North, Kakabeka Falls is 130 feet / 40 meters high
When was Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota established?
Judge C.R. Magney State Park was first named Brule River State Park in 1957. It was renamed Judge C.R. Magney State Park in 1963.
How did Judge C.R. Magney State Park get its name?
Judge C.R. Magney, former mayor of Duluth and member of the Minnesota Supreme Court, was instrumental in preserving and creating 11 Minnesota state parks and waysides on the North Shore.
Does Judge C.R. Magney State Park host deer hunts? Is Judge C.R. Magney State Park closed during deer season?
Yes. Access to parts of Judge C.R. Magney State Park is limited to non-hunters typically in November. For a complete list of which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see my post: Hiker safety: MN state parks that host deer hunts.
Hiking safety tip during deer season: Wear bright orange when hiking during deer season. I typically avoid hiking at all even if the state park is partially open to non-hunters.
A list of the best Minnesota state parks
All Minnesota state parks are the best in my opinion. You can read reviews of each one to create your own list of top-ranked Minnesota state parks: Take the Minnesota state park challenge
- Afton State Park | Hastings, MN (26 miles)
- Banning State Park | Sandstone, MN (97 miles)
- Bear Head Lake State Park | Ely, MN (240 miles)
- Beaver Creek Valley State Park | Caledonia, MN (148 miles)
- Big Stone Lake State Park | Ortonville, MN (186 miles)
- Blue Mounds State Park | Luverne, MN (208 miles)
- Buffalo River State Park | Glyndon, MN (240 miles)
- Camden State Park | Lynd, MN (161 miles)
- Carley State Park | Plainview, MN (88 miles)
- Cascade River State Park | Lutsen, MN (257 miles)
- Charles A. Lindbergh State Park | Little Falls, MN (112 miles)
- Crow Wing State Park | Brainerd, MN (134 miles)
- Father Hennepin State Park | Isle, MN (113 miles)
- Flandrau State Park | New Ulm, MN (93 miles)
- Forestville / Mystery Cave State Park | Preston, MN (115 miles)
- Fort Ridgely State Park | Fairfax, MN (99 miles)
- Fort Snelling State Park | Bloomington / St. Paul, MN (2 miles)
- Franz Jevne State Park | Birchdale, MN (336 miles)
- Frontenac State Park | Frontenac, MN (62 miles)
- George H. Crosby Manitou State Park | Finland, MN (231 miles)
- Glacial Lakes State Park | Starbuck, MN (156 miles)
- Glendalough State Park | Battle Lake, MN (194 miles)
- Gooseberry Falls State Park | Two Harbors, MN (197 miles)
- Grand Portage State Park | Grand Portage, MN (308 miles)
- Great River Bluffs State Park | Winona, MN (136 miles)
- Hayes Lake State Park | Roseau, MN (343 miles)
- Hill Annex Mine State Park | Calumet, MN (197 miles)
- Interstate State Park / Taylors Falls State Park | Taylors Falls, MN (56 miles)
- Itasca State Park | Park Rapids, MN (219 miles)
- Jay Cooke State Park | Carlton, MN (146 miles)
- John A. Latsch State Park | Winona, MN (99 miles)
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park | Grand Marais, MN (282 miles)
- Kilen Woods State Park | Lakefield, MN (153 miles)
- Lac qui Parle State Park | Watson, MN (141 miles)
- Lake Bemidji State Park | Bemidji, MN (230 miles)
- Lake Bronson State Park | Karlstad, MN (409 miles)
- Lake Carlos State Park | Alexandria, MN (152 miles)
- Lake Louise State Park | Le Roy, MN (113 miles)
- Lake Maria State Park | Monticello, MN (60 miles)
- Lake Shetek State Park | Currie, MN (168 miles)
- Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park | Soudan, MN (229 miles)
- McCarthy Beach State Park | Side Lake, MN (227 miles)
- Maplewood State Park | Pelican Rapids, MN (217 miles)
- Mille Lacs Kathio State Park | Onamia, MN (108 miles)
- Minneopa State Park | Mankato, MN (82 miles)
- Monson Lake State Park | Sunburg, MN (141 miles)
- Moose Lake State Park | Moose Lake, MN (116 miles)
- Myre-Big Island State Park | Albert Lea, MN (93 miles)
- Nerstrand Big Woods State Park | Nerstrand, MN (52 miles)
- Old Mill State Park | Argyle, MN (350 miles)
- Rice Lake State Park | Owatonna, MN (70 miles)
- St. Croix State Park | Hinckley, MN (105 miles)
- Sakatah Lake State Park | Waterville, MN (60 miles)
- Savanna Portage State Park | Northeast Aitkin, MN (149 miles)
- Scenic State Park | Bigfork, MN (232 miles)
- Schoolcraft State Park | Deer River, MN (198 miles)
- Sibley State Park | New London, MN (128 miles)
- Split Rock Creek State Park | Jasper, MN (202 miles)
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park | Two Harbors, MN (204 miles)
- Temperance River State Park | Schroeder, MN (239 miles)
- Tettegouche State Park | Silver Bay, MN (217 miles)
- Upper Sioux Agency State Park | Granite Falls, MN (122 miles) – Note: Minnesota returned this park’s land to the Native Americans in February 2024. It is no longer open to the public.
- Whitewater State Park | Altura, MN (99 miles)
- Wild River State Park | Center City, MN (58 miles)
- William O’Brien State Park | Scandia / Marine on the St. Croix, MN (43 miles)
- Zippel Bay State Park | Williams, MN (345 miles)
Pin it for later: A local’s guide to Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota
Please share and pin this guide for when you visit Judge C.R. Magney State Park in MN – one of the best Minnesota state parks for solitude, challenging hikes, and waterfalls.
I was swooning looking at all of the gorgeous photos you included of Judge CR Magney State Park. Absolutely stunning…I feel like I need to make this a must-visit destination for my family!
Thank you so much! I think you and your family would love Judge CR Magney State Park in Minnesota.
I’m sold! I love this guide to Judge C. R. Magney State Park. I haven’t been to Minnesota, but I love hiking and waterfalls.
Then you would love Judge CR Magney State Park and the entire North Shore in Minnesota. Beautiful waterfall hiking trails here.
Minnesota has so many great start parks, with so many options year round..and such beauty… adding this spot to the MN files 🙂
Yay! Minnesota does offer some beautiful spaces. And Judge CR Magney is a beautiful state park to explore.
Love to see a Midwest post, there’s so much to see around Lake Superior! I’m a Michigander myself.
Awesome things to do in Minnesota
Thanks!
So many cool state parks to hike in Minnesota. And would love to explore Michigan.
I’m Canadian so those snowy trails look right up my alley! Where would you recommend warning up with hot cocoa after a winter hike?
Yes! Judge CR Magney State Park is a perfect place to hike snowy trails. You can find lots of places for hot chocolate on the North Shore, Minnesota. Lots of mom-and-pop restaurants and resorts.
The river here looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing a lesser-known destination!
You’re welcome and my pleasure! Love sharing Minnesota’s hidden gems like Judge CR Magney Stare Park.
This is such a great and complete guide to visit the State Park! it really looks like a great highlight and a must-visit in Minnesota! It would be cool to see moose and bears and all the wildlife in general! 🥰
I’ve only seen a bear and her three cubs once while hiking in Minnesota. Would love to see a moose. So much beauty here and especially love Judge CR Magney State Park.
It looks like Judge C.R. Magney State Park will need to be on my Minnesota park list. I am ok doing the workout for stunning views and two waterfalls too. It looks like a great spot in summer or winter. But I would not forget my hiking poles!
Yes…bring the hiking poles! You would love this waterfall hiking trail at Judge CR Magney State Park.
Wow, Judge C.R. Magney State Park looks beautiful! Minnesota is definitely on my bucket list.
So good to hear! Judge CR Magney State Park in Minnesota is so beautiful!
The snowy trails and the Grand Marais lighthouse on Lake Superior look like great additions to my travel list, thanks.
Awesome! So much to do in the North Shore in Minnesota!
Judge CR Magney State Park looks like it’s straight out of the Pacific Northwest. I haven’t been to Minnesota before, but it looks like a great place to visit or camp. There are so many hidden gems in the midwest it seems!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota. Judge CR Magney is just one of the best state parks in Minnesota!
This looks like a fun Minnesota state park worth visiting!
Judge CR Magney State Park is a fun state park to visit. It’s one of my favorites in Minnesota.
What a beautiful part of the world. All those beautiful lakes and trails. The Minnesota State Park Challenge looks daunting. I’m impressed at how many you have seen already!!
Thank you! Loved exploring all 66 Minnesota state parks and Judge C.R. Magney is one of our favorites.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park sounds like one I’d really enjoy. I’d appreciate the solitude and have fun seeing those waterfalls.
Lots of solitude and cascading waters at Judge CR Magney State Park. One of my favorite places to hike in Minnesota.
What a beautiful park! So much to see while there – I think the photos during winter are my favorite even though I’d shamelessly prefer to visit in summer!
Summer is a great time to explore Temperance River State Park. Such a beautiful place!
The lakes at this Minnesota State Park are so beautiful. It looks like a very peaceful place to explore.
Lake Superior is stunning! As is Temperance River State Park on the North Shore.