Gooseberry Falls is a 65-foot tiered waterfall on the Gooseberry River in Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lake County, Minnesota, just inland from Lake Superior. Paved paths lead from the visitor center to overlooks within minutes.
The falls
The river drops over dark volcanic bedrock in three named sections: Upper, Middle and Lower Falls. Lidar data puts the combined drop of the Middle and Lower Falls at about 65 feet across two tiers, split roughly evenly, with the tallest tier about 30 feet. The Upper Falls, nearly 0.1 mile upstream, counts as a separate waterfall. At the Lower Falls an island splits the river into eastern and western channels.
Getting there
The park is at 3206 Highway 61 East, northeast of Two Harbors, and is managed by the Minnesota DNR. Parking in the main wayside-rest lot by the visitor center is free; Minnesota state parks otherwise require a vehicle permit, $7 a day or $35 a year. The Middle and Upper Falls walk takes 30 to 45 minutes, with a paved ADA segment, and the longer loop that adds the Lower Falls takes 45 to 90 minutes; that loop is not accessible. In April 2026 rain and snowmelt flooded the river and closed the riverside trails; obey closure signs and never cross a flooded trail. During the November 7–22 hunt the DNR limits access to the park.
When to go
The waterfall walks are recommended when the ground is snow-free. In winter only the path to the Upper Falls is maintained.
On site
The first overlook is about a block from the visitor center, and further overlooks follow along the river. The paved paths are level enough for wheelchairs and strollers, with a slight climb toward the Upper Falls. The route to the overlooks includes stairs along the river.
History and name
Two possible origins are given for the river's name: the Anishinaabe name Shab-on-im-i-kan-i-sibi, or the French explorer Sieur des Groseilliers.
Nearby
Glenn Avon Falls is about 10.3 miles away, Beaver River Falls about 11.6 miles, Pancake Falls about 15.2 miles and Illgen Falls about 19.1 miles.
Distances are straight-line.