Grand Portage State Park with Kids: A Local Mom's Family Guide

This post featuring my guide to Grand Portage State Park with kids may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).

A young girl looks at the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, found in Grand Portage State Park.

Grand Portage State Park is one of our favorite stops on the North Shore with kids. We've visited multiple times with our young daughter. It was even one of her very first hikes as a baby! And, it truly never disappoints.

Located on the Minnesota-Canada border, Grand Portage State Park sits about 45 minutes north of Grand Marais. In fact, the park is the last place you can stop before you reach border control. The river forms part of the U.S.-Canada border, which adds a fun "two countries at once" feeling. You can even wave at Canadian hikers across the river!

A young girl hikes on a boardwalk trail.

Grand Portage State Park is also one of the most accessible state parks in Minnesota. The short, mostly paved boardwalk trail works well for strollers and many wheelchair users (though winter conditions can limit access). While the trail is accessible, there are several stairs up to the viewing platforms.

High Falls Trail is one of the best things to do in Grand Portage State Park. This short, easy walk leads to the stunning Pigeon Falls on the Pigeon River. It's the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. And, it's truly a WOW moment for kids and adults alike.

Before or after the hike, stop in the visitor center for exhibits on Ojibwe culture and Voyageur history. They provide a fantastic way to learn about this part of local history. Plus, there are indoor bathrooms here.

Finally, Grand Portage State Park also does not require a vehicle permit, making it one of the only free state parks along Minnesota's North Shore. I hope this guide to Grand Portage State Park helps you and your kids enjoy one of the best waterfall hikes on the North Shore!

Know Before You Go

The tallest waterfall in Minnesota, High Falls.

Here's everything you need to know before visiting Grand Portage State Park with your kids:

Nearest City: Grand Portage, Minnesota
Address: 9393 E MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Vehicles DO NOT require a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit for this park
Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm
Visitor center + ranger station open daily from 10 am – 4 pm
Best seasons to hike here: All seasons
Grand Portage State Park Maps
Nearby family-friendly places to eat: Supply stops between Grand Marias and Grand Portage are limited. Pack enough water and snacks for the hike. I recommend planning to eat back in Grand Marais.
Cell reception here can be spotty. Download maps and let someone know your plans. Cell phones may also pick up a signal from Ontario, which is on Eastern Standard Time (just be aware of this).

Nearby state parks also include Cascade River State Park, George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, and Judge C.R. Magney State Park.

Unique Park Highlights

A young girl and her mom look out onto Pigeon Falls in Grand Portage State Park.

This state park features unique characteristics that are hard to find elsewhere in Minnesota. They include:

Established as a state park in 1989
Minnesota’s tallest waterfall (120 feet!)
This is an always-free Minnesota State Park
This park is a U.S.-Canada border landmark, and you can see Canadian hikers across the river
There is a small, free museum dedicated to Ojibwe and Voyageur history

Best Hiking Trails in Grand Portage State Park for Families

A young girl and her nana hike in Grand Portage State Park, one of the best state parks on the North Shore with kids.

There are about 6 miles of trails within the park. Most of the trails in Grand Portage State Park are rated as easy or moderate. Here are a few of my top picks for the best trails in Grand Portage State Park for families:

High Falls Trail – easy, 1.1-mile out-and-back trail (stroller and wheelchair accessible)
Middle Falls – moderate, 4.5-mile loop trail

Seasonal Things to Do in Grand Portage State Park

A summer view of the Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park.

There are plenty of fun seasonal things to do in Grand Portage State Park with your kids.

In warmer months, the main highlight is the High Falls Trail. Families love this one-mile round-trip paved boardwalk leading to Minnesota's tallest waterfall. It's an easy, family-friendly walk that works well for kids and most strollers. Of course, there are a few other trails to choose from, depending on your time and interest.

In winter, the park offers easy snowshoe routes to the falls. The High Falls and Picnic trails are the easiest routes. Meanwhile, Middle Falls is more advanced (and may be a difficult snowshoe trek for little legs). Snowshoe rentals are often available at the ranger station when it's open. Winter hiking here is also an option, depending on recent snowfall and trail conditions.

Tips for Visiting Grand Portage State Park with Kids

A young girl hikes in the woods at Grand Portage State Park.

Here are a few tips for visiting Grand Portage State Park with kids:

Hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended for the trek to Middle Falls
Regular shoes, and even sandals, are doable if you are only planning to walk along the boardwalk to High Falls
Bring bug spray and mosquito nets. Visit on the wrong day, and they will eat you alive!
Have a refillable water bottle with you (and extra water in the car)
Make sure you have plenty of snacks (nearby supply stops and restaurants are very limited)
Cell reception can be spotty. Download maps and let someone know your plans.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and have fun!

Family Itinerary for Grand Portage State Park

A man and his elderly father hike together in Grand Portage State Park.

Let's plan your family visit to Grand Portage State Park. I've included two itinerary ideas-one for a short visit and one for a longer visit.

If You Only Have 1 Hour

If you only have a short time in Grand Portage State Park, head straight for the High Falls Trail. It's the park's must-do experience and very doable in an hour. The paved boardwalk makes it an easy walk for kids, leading you right to the overlook for Minnesota's tallest waterfall. The sound of the river builds as you go. And, of course, the payoff at the viewing platform is immediate and impressive (even on a quick stop!).

After the hike, swing into the visitor center. It's small but worth it. The visitor center offers engaging exhibits on Ojibwe culture and Voyageur history.

If You Have More Time

If you have more time or have already done the High Falls Trail, it's worth exploring further and trying the Middle Falls Trail.

Everything above still applies. I still recommend starting with the easy walk to the falls and ending with a stop in the visitor center. In between, however, add a trek along the Middle Falls Trail.

This more challenging hike leads to another beautiful waterfall. It feels much more rugged than the main boardwalk, so make sure you have proper hiking shoes or boots. The trail climbs over ridgetops, winds through dense forest, and follows the Pigeon River. Along the way, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the gorge. Plan for 3-4 hours and expect muddy conditions after rain or snow. It's a great option if you want to go beyond the main boardwalk trail when you have the time.

Where to Stay near Grand Portage State Park

If you are planning a family trip to visit Grand Portage State Park, there are limited lodging options in the immediate area. I recommend booking a kid-friendly hotel in Grand Marais. Here are my top picks for where to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with kids:

Camp at Grand Portage State Park
Basecamp Bungalows, Grand Marais
Timber & Tide Cabins, Grand Marais
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior, Grand Marais
East Bay Suites, Grand Marais
Best Western Plus Superior Inn, Grand Marais

Have Fun Exploring Grand Portage State Park with Your Kids!

A young girl walks along the Pigeon River.

Grand Portage State Park is one of our favorite North Shore experiences with kids-no matter the season! It's a state park that consistently delivers awe without requiring a difficult hike. And, who can really turn down the opportunity to see the tallest waterfall in the state?

For many families (including ours), High Falls Trail is the best trail in Grand Portage State Park. As I've shared, it's short, paved, and very rewarding. Of course, if you have extra time, the Middle Falls Trail offers a more rugged adventure. Beyond the hikes, don't miss popping into the visitor center.

No matter when you visit, Grand Portage State Park is a reminder that some of the best family adventures are also the simplest. I hope my guide to Grand Portage State Park helps you and your kids have the best experience together!

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.

A Complete Guide to Grand Portage State Park with Kids