Nearby Minnesota State Parks

Cove Point Lodge is Just Minutes from Many State Parks on the North Shore.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – 5 miles South

During your stay one of the places you’ll surely want to visit is Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most visited and photographed lighthouses in the nation. It was in service up through 1969 now is maintained by the Minnesota Historial Society. This is a great scenic destination just minutes from Cove Point Lodge with so many things to do any see including great area hiking as well!

3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd.
Two Harbors, MN 55616

November 1–February 28
Visitor center and grounds only. The lighthouse and historic building interiors are closed in the winter.
Thu-Mon 11 am–4 pm

Admission is free

Parking in the lot requires a state parks pass or daily parking fee.

Goosberry Falls State Park – 12 Miles South

Gooseberry is located 12 minutes south of Cove Point Lodge, nestled comfortably right on the shore of Lake Superior. It’s easily accessed right off highway 61, with plenty of signs to let you know you’re almost there. As if it needed any signs! Gooseberry is Minnesota’s 2nd most visited State Park (it helps that it’s also a rest area), there is always a good crowd coming in and out of the park entrance, making it easy to spot while on the road.

Some of the highlights of Gooseberry include fantastic waterfalls where you can even take your time and wading through the river. You’ll also find several trails utilized for both hiking and biking and several historic structures throughout the park. Explore streams in this park that lead right up to Lake Superior and explore more nature and wildlife along the way as well.

3206 Highway 61 East
Two Harbors, MN 55616

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Tettegouche State Park – 9 Miles North

Finally just 9 miles north of Cove Point Lodge you can experience all that Tettegouche State Park has to offer during your staty. The park is comprised of over 9,300 acres and offers something to do and see for just about everyone. One of the defining features of the park is it’s mile stretch of Lake Superior coastline that encompasses the Baptism River, waterfalls and numerous forest areas as well. Stop by the visitor center open year-round to learn more and obtain maps and other park information, view exhibits, utilize the gift shop and small cafe, and also use the restrooms that are open 24×7.

5702 Highway 61
Silver Bay, MN 55614

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Park Highlights

Waterfalls
Wildlife/Peregrine Falcons
Hiking
Camping
Rock Climbing
Cross-Country Skiing
Camping is available year-round!

Judge Magney State Park

4051 East Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Grand Portage State Park

9393 East Highway 61
Grand Portage, MN 55605

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m

George Crosby Manitou State Park

7616 Co Hwy 7
Finland, MN 55603

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Temperance River State Park

7719 MN-61
Schroeder, MN 55613

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Cascade River State Park

3481 West Highway 61
Lutsen, MN 55612

Park Open: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Superior Hiking Trail – Just Outside!

Backpacker Magazine calls it one of the top ten trails in the United States-and it is located right outside our front door!!! The trail head is just a few steps up the Lodge road. We strongly encourage you to use a map. Maps can be purchased in the Great Hall lobby area. After you cross Highway 61, the trail will go through the woods for about 100 yards before coming to a narrow gravel road. The incline on the gravel road is steep and you will be on this road for about 700 yards, but don’t be discouraged. At the end of the road you will see a tower which is used for emergency communications systems and other governmental agencies. Just before you get to the tower the trail will cut into the woods.

The trail is now much more gentle and beautiful. You will come to a Y in the trail where you can go straight or right. The trail forms a loop and you will ultimately make a circle back to the same spot, or you can hike to Split Rock river or the entire hiking trail system. At the far end of our loop is a spectacular vista with steep cliffs, blueberries, views of the lake and wonderful views inland. Many people enjoy bringing a picnic and spending several hours hiking and photographing the area. Plan on at least three hours for our 10K spur trail.