Quiet Time at Tettegouche

Nov 28, 2022State Parks

A man and two women enjoy a view of a river valley from an observation deck

It’s no surprise that nearly half a Million people visit Tettegouche State Park each year. The deep gorge carved by the Baptism River with its steep cliffs, dark forests and roaring falls casts a spell that’s hard to resist. But when the fall season draws to a close and the shady valleys begin to freeze, the crowds retreat and it’s quiet time on Minnesota’s North Shore.

Since 1991 the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has saved 300 acres of land, to be added to Tettegouche State Park. 
Find out more at parksandtrails.org

Two cyclists ride mountain bikes on a narrow dirt trail through lush green woods. The bottom of the image reads, Explore Alexandria Minnesota.

Click Image for Slideshow

A scenic view of a river valley from a high overlook
A man hikes on a dirt path along a partially frozen river
a closeup of frozen water drips coming off an ice shelf
A scenic view of a river flowing into Lake Superior from a high overlook
A man and woman walk along a paved path holding hands
A closeup look at exposed volcanic rock oriented at an an angle
A woman hikes along a boardwalk through a forest
A man and two women enjoy a view of Lake Superior from an observation deck
A man and a woman walk on a dirt trail along the shores of Lake Superior
A woman hikes on a path along the rocky shore of Lake Superior
A view of Lake Superior from the observation platform at Tettegouche State Park's Shovel Point
A man and two women descend a set of stairs along Lake Superior
A woman descends a steep set of wooden stairs high above a lake
A woman ascends a steep set of wooden stairs from a river
A view of Two Step Falls at Tettegouche State Park in the winter
A closeup look at exposed volcanic rock oriented at an an angle
A view of a partially frozen waterfall with churning brown waters
A closeup of exposed tree roots on a hiking trail
A closeup of ice crystals forming on a frozen river
A man and two women hike on a dirt path through a pine and birch forest
A view of a partially frozen waterfall with churning brown waters
A man and two women look at a partially frozen river from a metal suspension bridge
A scenic view of a river valley from a high overlook
A man and two women enjoy a view of a river valley from an observation deck
A set of wooden stairs wind up a hill in a pine forest
Exposed tree roots along a river are polished from heavy foot traffic
Hikers line up along a river to take photos of a partially frozen waterfall
A sign for the Superior Hiking Trail nailed to the trunk of a birch tree
Detailed look at red, fractured volcanic rock with some moss growing on it
A man and two women have a bonfire at dusk in front of a log cabin
A sign that reads "Two Step Falls, 200 stairs, No Outlet"
A man walks along a wooden boardwalk through a pine forest
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Two people stand on a leaf-covered path in a forest with fall foliage. Text promotes Minnesota state parks, fall colors, and the Department of Natural Resources.
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Person riding a bicycle on a paved path through a sunlit forest, with the text “Visit Brainerd Baxter, MN. Minnesota’s Playground” and a website link at the bottom.
The Parks and Trails Council's mission is to acquire, protect and enhance critical land for the public's use and benefit.

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About me

A person wearing a yellow helmet, sunglasses, and warm winter clothing smiles while outside in a snowy Minnesota landscape. They are pointing at something, perhaps one of the scenic mountain bike trails nearby, as the sun shines brightly overhead.

I’m Jan, the publisher of Minnesota Trails Magazine. I’m looking for that one trail, the next ride, a new discovery and other reasons to never sit still in Minnesota.

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