It’s difficult to choose the best state park in Minnesota, but Temperance River State Park ranks high on my list and may be my husband’s favorite. Temperance River State Park offers rugged and scenic hiking trails, access to the shoreline of the majestic Lake Superior, beautiful campsites, and rock climbing. Pictured is Hidden Falls foot bridge at Temperance River State Park.
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 10 things to do at Temperance River State Park in Schroeder, MN
Here are the top 10 things to do at Temperance River State Park in Schroeder, Minnesota.
- Hike 22 miles of rugged and scenic trails at Temperance River State Park.
- Take in gorgeous views right from the Highway 61 bridge overlooking the Temperance River gorge and Lake Superior. Trek down the stairs for even more beautiful views on the foot bridge as well as access to Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline filled with driftwood.
- Follow the Temperance River Gorge Trail and Upper Falls Trail to two waterfalls and powerful cascading water.
- Connect with the Superior Hiking Trail within Temperance River State Park for breathtaking panoramic views at Carleton Peak (~1,000-ft elevation) and Tofte Peak.
- Rock climb Carleton Peak – one of only five state parks where you can rock climb.
- Kayak on the Lake Superior State Water Trail.
- Fish for brook, brown, and rainbow trout in Temperance River and for steelhead, and Chinook salmon nearby.
- Camp lakeside or surrounded by trees (traditional tent, RV, SUV, van, and hammock) typically early May through mid-October. Rustic cart-in campsites also available.
- Wade, swim, or splash at the pebble beach near Temperance River State Park’s lower campground. It’s also a great place to skip rocks or picnic.
- Enjoy winter activities like winter hiking and cross-country skiing on groomed trails, or snowshoeing anywhere in the park on ungroomed trails. Snowmobile trails are nearby.
Frequently asked questions about Temperance River State Park in Schroeder, Minnesota
Where is Temperance River State Park located? What is the address for Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park is located on the North Shore in Minnesota between the charming small towns of Tofte (2.2 miles) and Schroeder (1.4 miles). The address for Temperance River State Park is 7620 West Highway 61, Schroeder, MN 55613.
Note that GPS may take you to the Upper Campground. Watch for roadside parking right on Highway 61 (North Shore) on both sides of the road. You can access the bridge and stairs overlooking the mouth of the Temperance River State Park and Lake Superior on the west side. East side parking is next to the trailheads leading to the waterfalls and cascades. If parked on the west side, watch for traffic and take caution crossing the highway.
Additional parking is available at the Lower Campground (right before you get to the roadside parking). If you’re planning to hike to and/or climb Carlton’s Peak at Temperance River State Park, you can also park at Britton Peak Parking Lot.
When is Temperance River State Park open?
Temperance River State Park is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Campground sites are typically available early May through mid-October and trails are open year-round for day use.
Is Temperance River State Park free? How much is the admission fee at Temperance River State Park?
Admission to Temperance River 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 Temperance River State Park have a lake, river, or waterfall?
Yes. Temperance River State Park features the scenic Temperance River that cascades over ancient lava bedrock as it forces it way through a gorge to Lake Superior. Cross Lake is also located here.
You’ll find two waterfalls within Temperance River State Park: Hidden Falls and Upper Falls.
Additionally, take the stairs down to the shoreline of Lake Superior. Beautiful views in every season!
Can you fish at Temperance River State Park in Minnesota?
Yes. Anglers may fish on Temperance River and Cross River. Both are designated trout streams (brook, brown, and rainbow). You can also fish for steelhead and Chinook salmon nearby.
Does Temperance River State Park have a swimming beach?
Yes. Temperance River State Park features a swimming pebble beach near the Lower Campground. You can also find picnic tables here.
Can you boat at Temperance River State Park? Does Temperance River State Park offer a boat ramp?
No. Temperance River State Park does not allow boating or have a boat ramp. However, you can sea kayak on the Lake Superior State Water Trail.
Does Temperance River State Park have a campground? Can you camp at Temperance River State Park?
Yes. The Temperance River State Park campgrounds are typically open early May to mid-October. One of only four Minnesota state parks on the North Shore with electrical hookups, Temperance Rivers offers two campground sites: Upper (shaded and wooded) and Lower (overlooking Lake Superior). They feature:
- 52 drive-in campsites with 2 pull-through sites
- 18 electric sites with 20- and 30-amp hookups (Upper Campground only)
- RV parking length: 60 feet
- 6 cart-in sites
I’m not much of a camper. And am a reluctant camper. However, when I set out to complete my Minnesota state park challenge, I selected Temperance River State Park as my first SUV camping experience. And I loved it!
Pictured is the view of Lake Superior just a short hike from my SUV campsite at Temperance River State Park.
See my related posts:
Where to stay near Temperance River State Park?
If you’re not a camper or are visiting Temperance River 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, located just 11 miles north in Lutsen, MN, features ski-in, ski-out townhomes. While our stay at Caribou Highlands Lodge was hosted, opinions are always my own.
How big is Temperance River State Park in Minnesota?
Temperance River State Park in Minnesota covers more than 5,000 acres. Pictured is the frozen Hidden Falls waterfall.
Is Temperance River State Park buggy? Mosquitos? Ticks?
I don’t recall Temperance River 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 Temperance River State Park?
Temperance River State Park offers 22 miles of moderate and very challenging hiking trails. You can determine how long to hike depending on your abilities.
If hiking is not your thing, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Temperance River mouth and Lake Superior from the bridge next to the roadway. Parking is available alongside the bridge so the walk is not far.
On the lakeside of Temperance River State Park, you can climb down the stairs to the footbridge for a closer look at the mouth and Lake Superior.
Turn around for a spectacular view of Temperance River flowing through the gorge and under the Highway 61 bridge. In the winter, you’ll enjoy magical frozen cascades.
You can also access the footbridge via stairs from the Upper and Lower campgrounds. Take the steps down to the Lower Campground to stroll along the pebble beach on Lake Superior.
Across the highway (watch for traffic), you’ll find the trailhead that leads you to two waterfalls, more scenic views and rugged landscapes. You can also hike three miles from Highway 61 trailhead to Carleton Peak and Toft Peak via the Superior Hiking Trail that crosses through Temperance River State Park. Or you can drive to the Britton Peak Parking Lot for a one-mile hike (one-way) to Carleton Peak.
Be sure to check for any alerts or seasonal updates (snow or flooding especially) that which may impact access to hiking trails.
Are hiking poles needed on the trails at Temperance River State Park?
Yes. I highly recommend hiking poles at Temperance River State Park in every season. The hiking trail terrain is hilly, steep, and uneven throughout the park.
And during the winter, you can only navigate the rocky inclines to the waterfalls if you are wearing crampons or metal spikes on your hiking boots.
Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing trails at Temperance River State Park?
Yes. You can snowshoe on any of the ungroomed trails in Temperance River State Park in the winter as well as cross-country ski on groomed 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 Temperance River State Park? Which state parks offer snowmobile trails?
Yes. You can snowmobile on the North Shore State Trail in Temperance River State Park.
What are the best views at Temperance River State Park?
In my opinion, Temperance River State Park offers scenic views anywhere you are. View the scenic Temperance River mouth, gorge, and Lake Superior from Highway 61 bridge or the footbridge below. Take in the stunning river, cascades, and waterfalls on the Temperance River Gorge Trail. Beautiful views of Lake Superior are also available at both campground sites. And for panoramic views, hike to Carleton Peak and Tofte Peak in Temperance River State Park.
See related post: Top 12 breathtaking views in Minnesota.
Are there bike trails at Temperance River State Park?
You can find a mountain bike trail within 10 miles of Temperance River State Park. Additionally, you can bike on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail for three miles between Schroeder and Tofte, MN. This section of the bike trail does run through Temperance River State Park. Eventually, this trail will run interrupted from Two Harbors to Grand Marais, MN. Hover over Temperance River State Park on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail website for tips on how to connect to other parts of the bike trail.
Does Temperance River State Park feature equestrian trails?
No. Temperance River State Park does not have horseback trails.
Can you rock climb at Temperance River State Park? Which Minnesota state parks offer rock climbing? Where can I rock climb on the North Shore in Minnesota?
Yes. Temperance River State Park offers a free rock climbing pass at Carleton Peak. Note that you must apply for a rock climbing pass at individual state parks. Temperance River State Park is only one of five state parks that offers rock climbing. Â
Here is a list of all the state parks in Minnesota where you can rock climb:
- Blue Mounds State Park (southwest Minnesota)
- Banning State Park (on the way to the North Shore from the Twin Cities)
- Interstate State Park (aka Taylors Falls just north of the Twin Cities)
- Temperance River State Park (North Shore)
- Tettegouche State Park (Shovel Point and Palisade Head on the North Shore)
Does Temperance River State Park have a visitor center? Modern restrooms?
The park office at Temperance River State Park is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily (except in the winter). Modern facilities (showers and flush toilets) are available in the Upper Campground at Temperance River State Park for campers during camping season. Vault toilets are available throughout Temperance River State Park.
Is Temperance River State Park dog-friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on Temperance River State Park hiking trails. All Minnesota state parks welcome dogs except inside buildings (service dogs, of course, are allowed). Leashes must be six feet or less.
Are there bears and moose at Temperance River State Park?
Yes. Moose and bears may wander through Temperance River State Park. In fact, when I was SUV camping at Temperance Rivers State Park, I saw several black bear warning signs posted.
Is firewood available at Temperance River State Park?
Yes. Firewood is available for sale at Temperance River State Park when the park office is open or via the Yodel app. You can also purchase at nearby stores or gas stations that sell certified wood.
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 Temperance River State Park from the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul (MSP) airport?
Temperance River State Park is located 239 miles from the Minneapolis – St. Paul (MSP) International Airport.
What’s near Temperance River State Park? Top things to do near Temperance River State Park?
Here are the top things to do near Temperance River State Park in Minnesota.
- You’re only 12 miles south of Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort in Lutsen, Minnesota. The Midwest’s largest ski resort is open year round and in addition to skiing and snowboarding offers hiking, a gondola for spectacular views of Lake Superior (pictured), and an alpine slide. Read my full review of my hosted experience: Guide to Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort. Opinions are always my own.
- Next door to Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort is the fabulous Caribou Highlands Lodge (which hosted my husband and me one winter). And located inside is one of the best places to eat on the North Shore: Mogul’s Bar and Tap Room.
- Do you love chasing waterfalls? Then stop at the Caribou Falls State Wayside 10 miles south of Temperance River State Park. Illgen Falls, located in one section of Tettegouche State Park right off Highway 61, is 23 miles south.
- Plan to hike all 66 Minnesota state parks? Then I recommend hiking Cascade River State Park which is only 21 miles north on the North Shore. Tettegouche State Park is located just 22 miles south. Both feature scenic views and waterfall hikes.
- Here’s a list of all my favorite stops on Minnesota’s scenic North Shore.
When was Temperance River State Park in Minnesota established?
Temperance River State Park was established in 1957.
How did Temperance River State Park get its name?
It’s believed that Temperance River State Park got its name because the river that runs through it has no bar.
No bar. Temperance. Clever and witty.
There’s no bar (debris/sediment built up near the mouth of the river) on the Temperance River because the cascading water is so powerful.
Does Temperance River State Park host deer hunts? Is Temperance River State Park closed during deer season?
While Temperance River State Park does not host deer hunts, hunting is allowed in the Superior National Forest. So if you’re hiking in the fall/early winter, use caution and review this map that outlines where hunting is permitted in the Superior National Forest within Temperance River State Park.
For a complete list of which Minnesota state parks are closed or limited to the public during deer season, see this related 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 Temperance River State Park in Minnesota
Please share and pin this guide for when you visit Temperance River State Park in MN – one of the best Minnesota state parks for scenic hikes, waterfalls, SUV camping, Lake Superior picnics, and rock climbing.
I would like to visit Temperance River State Park in both seasons. When the waterfalls are flowing and when they are frozen. And, I would like to go down by the lake.
We loved visiting Temperance River State Park in every season. Such a lovely place in Minnesota.
I always love your photos of the state parks in Minnesota. Your pictures of Temperance River State Park make me want to visit your state!
I know you would love Temperance River State Park! So many beautiful spaces in Minnesota.
Temperance State Park is beautiful! The pictures are breathtaking and make it look serene. I love learning about new places to visit someday!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Temperance River State Park! It’s a beautiful place to explore in Minnesota.
What a beautiful park – has everything you want – waterfalls, hiking trails, great views and it looks so beautiful with the snow.
I agree! So beautiful with all the stunning waterfalls, views, and scenic trails.
Great overview of Temperance River State Park, capturing its beauty and diverse activities succinctly. Your guide is a valuable tool for both first-time and returning visitors.
Thank you so much! Love sharing what I discovered at Temperance River State Park.
Wow! This park looks absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to go snowshoeing there someday! Thanks for the great article!
You’re welcome and my pleasure! Temperance River State Park is a perfect winter destination.
This looks like a fun place to explore in both summer and winter!
Temperance River State Park is perfect in every season! One of my favorite MN state parks.
Ooooh fabulous Karen!! Temperance River State Park looks like an incredible area to camp, hike and swim!
Those canyons are amaaaazing both in the summer with rushing water and in the winter when they are frozen. Wowza!
Temperance River State Park is a fabulous place to camp, hike, and swim. So beautiful!
Wow this looks like an amazing place! Your guide covers everything we need to know before taking off, thanks!
You’re welcome and my pleasure. Love sharing what I discovered at the stunning Temperance River State Park.
This looks like a gorgeous state park to check out! I love that there are so many trees (I like hammock camping! 😀 ) and that you can also go climbing here too! :] I’m glad you liked your first camping experience here — it definitely looks like a great choice for that!
Temperance River State Park is a gorgeous place to hike and camp. And lots of rock climbing!
Temperance River State Park looks ruggedly gorgeous! That gorge is amazing, with the river moving through it. I’d love to camp here.
Temperance River State Park is a beautiful place to camp and hike in Minnesota. One of my favorites!
Temperance River State Park looks like an amazing spot to visit. Lots of great sights along the hiking paths. And we would definitely love to check out the cascades over the lava bedrock. We would certainly check out the resorts close by to let us stay for a few days.
Temperance River State Park is one of my favorites in Minnesota. Such beautiful scenery.
Temperance River State Park looks like a slice of wilderness paradise! Love it.
Awesome…I love Temperance River State Park also. It’s so beautiful!
I visited this stunning park a couple of years ago and had a great time. It was a mesmerizing moment exploring the beauty of this park. The dramatic gorges, and waterfalls are something I will never forget.
That’s so awesome! We love Jay Cooke State Park. Such beautiful and scenic hiking trails!