There are signs of spring on the North Shore of Lake Superior. The Winter Meltdown has arrived.
This is a great time to plan your visit with Odyssey Resorts. Outdoor winter activities are still in full swing. The Lutsen Mountain is still open, the cross-country and snowmobile trails are groomed, and the ice is frozen on the area’s lakes and rivers. The warmer temperatures make it a little more inviting to be outside.
One of our favorite past times this time of year is a hike to explore some of the frozen waterfalls and bodies of water along the North Shore. Our family of six resorts are conveniently located near some of the Upper Midwest’s best state parks, making it easy to plan your trip to visit several parks during your stay.
Here are a few of our favorite places to see unique frozen waterfalls, rivers, and streams. Make sure to wear good shoes and be mindful of icy trail conditions.
At the Temperance River State Park, there is a trail that leads to the Temperance River Gorge. The walk winds through forests of trees and is perfect for spotting wildlife and many rushing waterfalls. The river has carved deep potholes in the bedrock. The trail also leads to Hidden Falls and into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside.
The Cascade River State Park is named for the Cascade River that flows downhill nearly 1,000 feet before emptying into Lake Superior. This is an amazing place to see waterfalls, rushing rapids, and forests of trees of many different varieties. A popular spot for visitors to take photos, or just take in the scenery, is on the footbridge that spans the river.
Stop by Judge C.R. Magney State Park and experience the very interesting Devil's Kettle, Upper Falls, and Brule River Rapids. The Brule River winds throughout the park creating several fabulous vantage points to see waterfalls and frozen water. The park is also a good spot to see a moose, black bear, deer, and many species of colorful birds.
On the Minnesota and Canada border sits Grand Portage State Park home to High Falls, the largest waterfall in all of Minnesota. It is worth the drive to see the rugged beauty of the falls and walk along the shoreline of the Pigeon River. The adventurous can make the 4.5-mile hike to Middle Falls for spectacular views of Lake Superior.
