Grand Portage State Park

Grand Portage State Park

You literally couldn't get any closer to Canada. That was my thought as we drove up the north shore to Grand Portage State Park. It was our first stop of four parks we planned on visiting on our first day. I'll say this about Grand Portage State Park, "what a way to start". In researching our trip, I knew the views I was about to see were going to be spectacular. That turned out to be the understatement of the century. The drive from Duluth was an easy one. It took about 2.5 hours maybe a little longer with the fog. Once we got to the park, we began navigating up to the High Falls, a 1/2 mile hike to one of the most breathtaking sights I have ever seen.

High Falls at Grand Portage State Park

There are three observation deck to view the falls and each has their own advantages. The closest is the west deck which after a stairway leads you to the viewing platform. The Main Deck and East Deck also provide amazing views.

Pigeon River

One of the connection points for me here was the fact that this is the start. You can't go any further without going into Canada. I think beginnings have a powerful impact on me. Watching 3,200 gallons of water fall over the states largest waterfall each second. That's a lot of water! It was the perfect way to start our day on the North Shore!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhtoV0SGAJU