How to Explore to George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with Kids

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

I hope we never forget exploring George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with our daughter! This is a place that feels like true North Shore wilderness from the very first step. It quickly became one of our favorite Minnesota state parks. The trails are steep, rugged, and wonderfully wild. All of our favorite things when hiking on the North Shore!

There's so much to love when planning things to do in Manitou State Park, from cascading waterfalls to quiet stretches of forest along boardwalk trails. Even the most challenging hikes felt worth it for the views. One of the least-visited state parks in Minnesota, we had some of the best trails in Manitou State Park to ourselves when we recently visited. This is a good time to remind you that cell reception is also very limited here. Make sure you have offline maps and notify someone about your plans.

This guide to George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with kids is meant to help other families experience that same sense of discovery we shared. We hope you love the park as much as we do!

Know Before You Go

Here's everything you need to know before visiting George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with your kids:

• Nearest City: Finland
• Address: 7616 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603
• Vehicles require a Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit (annual or day-pass)
• Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm
• This park does not have office hours at the Ranger Station
• This park is not continuously staffed (make sure someone knows your hiking/camping plans)
• Best seasons to hike here: summer, fall, and winter
• George H. Crosby Manitou State Park Maps
• Nearby family-friendly places to eat: Our Place Inc. (located toward Finland)
• Cell reception here is hit or miss. Download maps and let someone know your plans.
• At this facility, all garbage is pack-in, pack-out. Bring your trash with you!

Nearby state parks also include Cascade River State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and Grand Portage State Park.

Unique Park Highlights

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

• George H. Crosby Manitou State Park has been a park since 1955
• Rustic camping
• Backcountry hiking (this is a great spot to practice upcoming backcountry trips in other parts of the US!)
• Beautiful waterfalls
• The chance to see rare native wildlife and plant life (we even saw lady slippers here!)
• This is one of the most remote state parks in Minnesota

READ NEXT: A Family Guide to the 8 State Parks on the North Shore of Minnesota

Best Hiking Trails in Manitou State Park for Families

There are 24 miles of trails within the park. Trails in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park are rated from easy to difficult. Here are a few of my top picks for the best trails in Manitou State Park for families:

• Benson Lake Loop – easy, 1.3-mile loop trail
• Cascades Waterfall – moderate (but steep in places), 2-mile out-and-back trail
• Humpback Loop – moderate, 2.5-mile loop trail 
• About 5 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail also run through Manitou State Park

Seasonal Things to Do in Manitou State Park

There are plenty of seasonal things to do in George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with your kids. Each visit feels a little different depending on the time of year. 

In the fall, the park really comes alive with color. I recommend hiking the Yellow Birch Trail in the fall. It's your best option for maximum autumn foliage. As you trek along, golden leaves light up the forest (and, of course, make even a challenging hike feel magical!). 

When winter comes, bring snowshoes. They will help you better explore the ungroomed Benson Lake Trail or Middle Trail. Winter parking is available at the registration kiosk (access is pretty straightforward even in the snow).

This is a true wilderness park, and that's part of its charm. The remote, hike-in campsites offer a rare chance to disconnect completely. Then, Benson Lake provides a non-motorized paddling experience that feels surprisingly similar to the Boundary Waters. If you are preparing kids for more remote wilderness experiences, this is a good place to do it!

Tips for Visiting Manitou State Park with Kids

Here are a few tips for visiting George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with kids:

• Hiking shoes with good ankle support are a must 
• I highly recommend wearing ice cleats in the winter
• Hiking poles may be helpful for some hikers, as the terrain is uneven and steep in some places
• 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)
• Cell reception here is hit or miss. Download maps and let someone know your plans.
• Bring a garbage bag to keep in the car-this facility is fully pack-in, pack-out
• Pack snacks and plenty of water, follow Leave No Trace principles, and have fun!

READ NEXT: Family Guide to 14+ Exciting Summer Things to Do in Grand Marais with Kids

Family Itinerary for Manitou State Park

Let's plan your family visit to George H. Crosby Manitou 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 an hour in Manitou State Park, I recommend hiking the Benson Lake Loop. This boardwalk hike goes around the lake. Along the way, you'll enjoy beautiful lake views, catch glimpses of the camping area, and see tons of birds and plant life. We even saw Minnesota's iconic lady slippers along the trail! End your visit with a picnic. There are tables available near the lake.

If You Have More Time

If you have more time, hike the Cascades Waterfall Trail. It is a moderate hike, but steep in places. Don't let the 2-mile out-and-back trail length fool you. This one could take a while with kids (especially if you want to linger by the waterfall). If you are visiting in the summer, expect loads of mosquitoes. I recommend wearing head netting, long sleeves, and pants.

Afterward, hike the Benson Lake Loop (or at least part of it). The boardwalk surrounded by plant life and massive trees is so lovely! You can also enjoy a picnic nearby.

If you have a canoe or kayak, I recommend bringing one to enjoy time on the water. Or, even a picnic on the water!

Where to Stay near Manitou State Park

If you are planning a family trip to visit George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, here's where to stay on the North Shore with kids:

• Camp at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
• Black Beach Inn by GrandStay, Silver Bay
• Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, Tofte
• Cove Point Lodge, Beaver Bay
• Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen
• Cascade Lodge, Lutsen
• Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior, Grand Marais
• Basecamp Bungalows, Grand Marais
• Timber & Tide Cabins, Grand Marais
• East Bay Suites, Grand Marais
• Best Western Plus Superior Inn, Grand Marais

READ NEXT: Best Hotels in Grand Marais for Families (Hand-Picked by a Minnesota Travel Mom)

Have Fun Exploring George H. Crosby Manitou State Park with Your Kids! 

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is perfect for families who love a genuine wilderness experience with their kids. Between the rushing Manitou River, old-growth forest, and quiet lake views, it's easy to understand why this hidden North Shore gem leaves such a lasting impression (at least, that's how it was for us!). 

While the trails are steep and rugged, you'll still find moments that work beautifully for family adventure. The best trails in Manitou State Park for families include boardwalk sections and water views. And, of course, stretches of trail where kids can explore at their own pace.

I hope this guide to George H. Crosby Manitou State Park helps you and your kids have fun exploring together. This state park really is about embracing the wild beauty, slowing down, and enjoying nature together (despite those pesky mosquitoes!).

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.