Springtime on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior is all about getting away to the waterfalls!
When the weather warms up and melts the snow in the forest, the water from spring snowmelt funnels into the North Shore’s rivers and waterfalls that flow into Lake Superior.
This creates incredible waterfalls and rushing rivers in April and May. It’s the most exciting time for a North Shore waterfall getaway!
But let’s be real… It’s also mud season.
The good news? You don’t have to trek through muddy trails to experience the magic!
This itinerary is designed to help you see some of the North Shore’s most spectacular waterfalls via easy walkways, overlooks, and short paths—so you can easily feel the pulse of the roaring rivers.
Pair this North Shore waterfall tour with a cozy hotel stay and a memorable dining experience, and you’ve got the perfect spring getaway.
Itineary to see rushing waterfalls on the North Shore (without the mud)
This waterfall getaway itinerary follows the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61) from Duluth to Grand Portage.
See six spectacular waterfalls with walkways, overlooks, and short paths, making them them the accessible waterfalls along the Lake Superior North Shore.
Complete your getaway with a stay at the conveniently located Black Beach Inn by GrandStay in Silver Bay. Plan to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Cascade Restaurant and Pub near Cascade River State Park.
Follow the itinerary below and getaway to the Waterfalls on the North Shore MN!
Stop 1: Gooseberry Falls
Known as one of the most iconic sites on the North Shore, Gooseberry Falls is a must-see—and one of the easiest to explore.
Witness two enormous waterfalls – Upper Falls and Middle Falls (the “main falls”) – from the paved walkways. Upper Falls is wheelchair accessible, and there are excellent views from the walkbridge – both below the bridge and on the bridge.
Stairs and walkways lead to the main falls (Middle Falls), and you will definitely feel the rumble!
Start at the Gooseberry Park Visitor Center and follow the accessible walkways to feel the rush of the waterfalls!
Continue on dirt trails for a loop around both sides of the river. You’ll see 3 waterfalls in total! Here’s a dramatic video of this loop during the high water event in Spring 2022.
Stop 2: Beaver River Falls
Take a quick and easy stop in Beaver Bay to see Beaver Falls, no hiking required! Park at the Beaver Bay Wayside and see the falls from the bridge.
The Beaver Bay wayside has a pavilion, picnic tables, interpretive panels, a bike tuning station, and seasonal restrooms.
Beaver River Falls is about 15 minutes northeast of Gooseberry Falls, on Highway 61.
Stop 3: Check in at the Black Beach Inn by GrandStay
The Black Beach Inn by GrandStay is the perfect hotel for a North Shore waterfall getaway. It is centrally located on the North Shore (in Silver Bay, MN), and is close to wateralls and things to.
The waterslide and pool area at the Black Beach Inn are one of it’s most popular features! In addition to the twisty slide, there is a hot tub, steam room, kiddie pool, air hockey table, games, and a party room. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone exploring the North Shore!
Rooms range from a standard double-queen or king, to one- and two-befroom suites with a fireplace, whirlpool, or bunk beds. Some rooms have a patio or balcony. Hot breakfast is included with every stay!
It is conveniently located off Highway 61, close to Lake Superior, the popular Black Beach Park, downtown Silver Bay, and several state parks and waterfalls. In the summer and fall, walk to Black Beach Mini Golf.
Check out our video of a Black Beach Inn Waterfall Getaway!
Stop 4: Cross River Falls
Cross River Falls in Schroeder is another quick-see waterfall on the Lake Superior North Shore. From Beaver Falls, Cross River is about 30 minutes away.
Stop at the Schroeder Wayside (across from the Schroeder Heritage Center) and walk to the bridge over Cross River Falls. The waterfall rushes right past you at eye-level. It is an incredible sight to see!
As a bonus, drive across the street to Father Baraga’s Cross, at the mouth of the Cross River on Lake Superior.
Stop 5: Temperance River
The Temperance River at Temperance River State Park on the North Shore, MN has a lot to explore! It’s just a couple of minutes (1.5 miles) from Cross River Falls.
Park at the Highway 61 wayside and explore the interesting river formations up and down the Temperance River.
Walk downstream towards Lake Superior using the walkways and stairs. Traverse over the river’s narrow and deep canyon before it empties into Lake Superior. The water rushes under the walkway!
Walk upstream on the dirt trail and stair-step up some rocks to see Hidden Falls and the fierce Drill Bits.
The Drill Bits are a natural phenomenon where the rushing water has cut holes into the narrow canyon, and the water swirling around them reminds you of drilling. It’s a pretty fierce sight, especially during peak waterfall season in May.
Stop 6: Cascade Restaurant and Pub
Cascade Restaurant and Pub is an excellent place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on your North Shore Waterfall Tour. It’s located between Lutsen and Grand Marais, Minnesota, adjacent to Cascade River State Park.
The lodge-like setting is rustic and charming. Enjoy creative menu options with craft burgers, vegan options, craft cocktails and beers, and live music. You will love the cozy and inviting atmosphere and amazing view of Lake Superior!
They also have a pet-friendly patio for outdoor dining by Lake Superior, when the weather warms up.
Cascade Restaurant and Pub is associated with Cascade Lodge, which has a historic lodge and cabins adjacent to the restaurant. It has and hiking trail access to Cascade River State Park and Lookout Mountain.
Check out our video of a North Shore waterfall getaway at Cascade Lodge.
Stop 7: Cascade River
Since you were at Cascade Restaurant and Pub, take a moment to explore the nearby Cascade River Falls. Park at the wayside to take a short hike to a series of cascading waterfalls.
These trails are not paved; they are dirt trails. Take a short hike to explore a short loop or a long loop around both sides of the river. It is amazing how close you can get to the edge of the canyon! It makes for a thrilling adventure. When the river is really raging, you can feel the pounding water in your body!
Then, cross Highway 61 to explore the mouth of the Cascade River as it meets Lake Superior. It’s an incredible sight when the river is rushing, as shown in the photo above!
Stop 8: Fall River on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail
How about a waterfall that you can bike to? Get a unique view of Fall River Falls from the Gitchi-Gami State Trail! The paved trail, which runs between Lake Superior and Highway 61, is open to all non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians.
Park at the Cut Face Creek Wayside (open seasonally), and hike or bike the Gitchi-Gami State Trail 2.5 miles one-way to see the Fall River Falls. Ride or walk over the bridge, which gives you an eye-level, up-close view of the falls. On the other side is a view of Lake Superior.
Check out this video of biking the Cut Face Creek – Fall River section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail.
Stop 9: High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
The tallest waterfall in Minnesota is High Falls at Grand Portage State Park. It’s at the end of Highway 61 on the Canadian border.
High Falls is massive and powerful, and is an icon for beauty on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
Grand Portage State Park has a paved walkway to see High Falls on the Pigeon River. It’s about 1 mile one-way, and it’s an easy stroll.
There are two viewing points to see the tallest waterfall in Minnesota (one of them is wheelchair accessible).
When the water roars over the falls, it is a spectacular sight, and you can often see a rainbow in the spray for that magical touch!
Grand Portage State Park has a visitor center with restrooms and an interpretive center for the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, who reside on the surrounding lands. Outside, there is a picnic pavilion with tables.
Make it a longer-distance hiking adventure by heading 6 miles one-way to Middle Falls. The magical feeling there is worth the long hike to this remote waterfall on the Pigeon River.
Plan your spring waterfall getaway on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior
Spring on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior is wild, powerful, and completely unforgettable—and this is your chance to experience it at its peak.
From roaring waterfalls and dramatic river canyons to scenic overlooks and easy-access walkways, this itinerary makes it simple to soak it all in without the hassle of muddy trails.
Add in a comfortable stay at the Black Beach Inn by GrandStay in Silver Bay, and a memorable meal at Cascade Restaurant & Pub in Lutsen, and you have a full North Shore experience.
So make your hotel reservation, take the drive, follow the falls, and discover why waterfall season is one of the most magical times to explore Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
More things to do in spring:
Historic Green Door Smelt Fry
The Historic Green Door Smelt Fry takes place in Beaver Bay on the 3rd Saturday in May.
Spring Waterfall Getaway on the Lake Superior North Shore
2-Day itineary to see 7 rushing waterfalls that have walkways or short trails to avoid the mud. Includes lodging and dining recommendations.
Mud Season Hiking Trails that will keep your boots dry
Mud season on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior is when the spring thaw has the trails wet and muddy! Mud season is in April and May, but the exact time frame varies depending on where you go, and the current weather conditions. It is a good idea to stay off natural hiking trails during mud season for a couple of reasons. First, because who wants to hike in the mud? But more importantly, as the trails thaw and become saturated on top, they can still be frozen underneath the top layer. Walking on the soft, top layer can
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