Complete Guide to Temperance River State Park with Kids
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If you're looking for a North Shore spot where your family can slow down and soak it all in, Temperance River State Park is hard to beat! We love hiking here with our daughter. It's not a big or flashy state park. But, it is wonderful for simple joys and scenic riverside trails on the North Shore. This guide to Temperance River State Park with kids is rooted in those simple moments.
Summer is especially magical at this park. The river calms down just after the spring melt enough to invite lingering afternoons, toes dipped in cool water, and plenty of unhurried exploring. I highly recommend packing a picnic! (Swimming is not recommended here due to the unpredictable currents.)
While there are plenty of things to do in Temperance River State Park with kids, the real highlight is the river itself. It winds through dramatic gorges and features spring waterfalls. And, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it!
My guide also includes some of the best family-friendly trails in Temperance River State Park. There are plenty to choose from (the park features 22 miles of trails). I've selected easy paths that keep you close to the action (without requiring big effort from little legs).
Whether you're visiting during the spring melt or the hot days of summer, Temperance River State Park is truly special with kids. Just remember that some of the best memories come from simply staying a little longer than planned!
Know Before You Go
Here's everything you need to know before visiting and hiking in Temperance River State Park with your kids:
- Nearest City: Schroeder and Tofte (it's between the two cities)
- Address: 7620 West MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613
- Vehicles require a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit (annual or day-pass)
- Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm (ranger station hours vary by season)
- Best seasons to hike here: Spring, summer, early fall
- Tettegouche State Park Maps
- Nearby family-friendly places to eat: Waves of Superior Cafe and Coho Cafe & Bakery (both toward Tofte)
- Parking is available along Hwy 61 and near the ranger station (at the park's official entrance).
- There is a lovely Nature Store located in the ranger station, too.
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
This state park also features a few unique characteristics. They include:
- This state park was established in 1957
- Rock climbing opportunities (Carlton Peak offers particularly good climbing)
- Beautiful river views
- Trails at Temperance River State Park connect with the Superior Hiking Trail
- Charming foot bridge below Highway 61, where you and your kids can enjoy great views of the Temperance River lagoon
Best Hiking Trails in Temperance River State Park for Families
There are 22 miles of trails within the park. Most of the trails in Temperance River State Park are rated as easy to moderate. Here are a couple of my top picks for the best trails in Temperance River State Park for families:
- Temperance River Hiking Club Trail (moderate), a 2.2-mile loop trail
- Temperance River Falls Loop (moderate), a 3.3-mile loop trail
- Carlton Peak Trail (moderate), a 6-mile out-and-back trail-best if you want something a little longer and more challenging
Seasonal Things to Do in Temperance River State Park
There are plenty of fun seasonal things to do in Temperance River State Park with your kids. Here are a few good ones to know about while you plan your visit!
Summer is our favorite time to visit. This is when the park feels the most relaxed and inviting. Spend your day wandering the riverside trails along the Temperance River Gorge. You should easily be able to find a great picnic spot or two with river views.
There is also a dedicated picnic area near the campground with tables and fire rings. If you picnic here, don't miss going down to the rock shoreline below the upper campground. This spot is ideal for dipping toes or splashing hands on a warm day.
Winter brings a new kind of beauty to the park. Snowshoeing is allowed almost anywhere (just avoid groomed snowmobile trails). There are also about 7 miles of snowmobile trails that connect to the nearby C. J. Ramstad/North Shore State Trail.
Tips for Visiting Temperance River State Park with Kids
Here are a few tips for visiting Temperance River State Park with kids:
- Do NOT swim in the Temperance River (there are dangerous, unpredictable currents)
- Hiking shoes with good ankle support are recommended
- 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 for everyone
- Cell reception is spotty in some areas. I recommend downloading maps and letting someone know your plans.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and have fun!
Family Itinerary for Temperance River State Park
Let's plan your family visit to Temperance River 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
Short on time? You can still experience some of the very best parts of Temperance River State Park with your kids in just an hour.
Start with a quick hike along the riverside trails through the Temperance River Gorge. The Temperance River Gorge Trail is a 0.5-mile out-and-back (with some stairs). The views come fast, so you don't need to go far. Just keep a close eye on little ones and watch your footing.
Afterward, head over to Temperance River Beach to skip rocks and enjoy the Lake Superior views. It's a great place to pause for a quick snack or picnic.
If you have a few extra minutes, walk down to the footbridge. Located just below Highway 61, you can get some spectacular views here. And, it's a great spot for family photos!
If You Have More Time
If you can stretch your visit a bit longer, there are a couple of standout hikes that make a visit to Temperance River State Park even more memorable with kids.
The Temperance River Falls Loop (3.3 miles, moderate) is one of the best trails in the park for families. This scenic loop winds past waterfalls, rapids, and overlooks of the river. The trail is well-maintained but does include rocks, roots, and stairs. You may be able to cross this hike off in about an hour with seasoned hikers, but I recommend extra time with younger hikers (or those who like to stop frequently!).
For a bigger, longer adventure, try the Carlton Peak Trail (6 miles out-and-back). This hike is steeper and more challenging, but it is worth the climb. This hike offers sweeping views from the rock dome high above the forest. It's best suited for families with older kids or tweens who are up for a hike with a bit of a climb.
Where to Stay near Temperance River State Park
If you are planning a family trip to visit Temperance River State Park with your kids, here's where to stay near Shroader and Tofte, Minnesota, with kids:
- Camp at Temperance River State Park
- Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, Tofte
- AmericInn by Wyndham Tofte Near Lake Superior, Tofte
- Lamb’s Resort & Campground, Schroeder
- Cascade Lodge, Lutsen
- Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior, Grand Marais
- Basecamp Bungalows, Grand Marais
Have Fun Exploring Temperance River State Park with Your Kids!
At the end of the day, Temperance River State Park isn't about checking off a long list of sights, it's about slowing down and enjoying time with your kids. Some of our favorite moments here have been the simplest ones. Think sitting on warm rocks by the river, watching the water rush past, and letting our daughter explore at her own pace.
There are so many fun trails and things to do in Temperance River State Park with kids, but what makes it special is how easy it is to make the day your own. Whether you're stopping for a quick picnic or tackling some of the best trails in Temperance River State Park, the park is approachable and rewarding for families.
If you're looking for a North Shore state park with rugged beauty, flexibility, and family-friendly adventure, this guide to Temperance River State Park with kids is your reminder that sometimes the best days are the ones when you simply stay a while, follow the river, and see where it takes you. Have fun exploring Temperance River State Park with your kids!
