Cascade River State Park
Key Information
Contact Info
218-387-6000
Location
West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, United States
Opening Hours
open year-round 9 am to 3 pm with extended hours in the summer.
Fee
$7
Introduction of Cascade River State Park
Come to Cascade for the flowing river and spectacular waterfalls that nestle within a valley, covered with moss and ferns that grow on black volcanic rocks. Hike the route through birch, spruce and white cedar; pause to observe the views of Lake Superior, the biggest freshwater lake in the world. Trails link with the Superior Hiking Trail and the North Shore State Trail and offer fantastic recreational options to hikers and cross-country skiers. Drive-in and backpack campsites are available.
Wildlife thrives in this steep terrain. Moose, wolves, pine martens, bears, and many more creatures have been observed in this area. Wintering deer converge from the interior to Lake Superior’s south facing slope. Here the temperatures are milder, the snow is not as thick, it is more protected from the wind, and the conifers give food and cover. During the summer months, the region along the North Shore abounds with a variety of birds and hawks. Visitors can enjoy being serenaded by the lovely chorus of warblers and chickadees.
Aptly named, the Cascade River runs down one cliff after another for a total drop of 900 feet in the last three miles of its trek to Lake Superior. The park setting is a boreal hardwood-conifer forest with aspen, birch, fir, spruce and cedar. Visitors may stand on the footbridge that crosses the river, or at any of the observation places above the river, and feel the vibration of the rushing torrent of water as it rushes down a volcanic canyon.
Camping at Cascade River State Park
You’ll probably be camping at Cascade River State Park once you’ve secured an RV rental in Lutsen. Only power hookups are available at the combination pull-through and back-in campsites, which can accommodate trailers and vehicles up to 35 feet in length. Nearby water and a trash facility are both accessible from the site. Despite being densely forested, it is nearly difficult to miss the campground because it is located just off Highway 61.
Picnic tables, fire pits, and primitive vault toilets are some of the added amenities. This is the location to go if you’re seeking for an authentic camping. Why not test your skills by trying out some boondocking because there is a section of the campsite with absolutely no connections. When hunger strikes, there is a restaurant nearby that you can quickly reach.
Cascade River State Park Activities
Hiking
Hikers can travel through a variety of terrain on the 18 miles of trails, and there are many beautiful places to stop along the way. The park is traversed by the Superior Hiking Trail.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the park’s streams, the Cascade River, and Lake Superior.
Picnicking
Seven picnic areas are located in the park along the shore of Lake Superior. Contacting the park will allow you to rent a year-round covered picnic shelter with tables and a wood stove.
RVing
The maximum RV length is 35 feet. A dump station is typically open between the months of May through October.
Winter Sports
17 km of cross-country ski trails are available. These link to other nearby trails outside the park and range in difficulty. There are two miles of groomed snowmobile tracks at the park, and visitors have access to other routes like the North Shore State Trail. Anywhere but maintained pathways are permitted for snowshoeing.
Transportation
Driving
The Twin Cities are roughly 265 miles away from Cascade River State Park, which is situated 10 miles southwest of Grand Marais. At milepost 101 of State Highway 61, the office is close by.
Parking
Parking is available.
Public Transport
Public Transport is available.
