Temperance River State Park
(FYI June 8, 2024, is Free Minnesota State Park Day. And June 7-9, 2024, is Take a Kid Fishing weekend, no license needed.)
The 5,000 acres near Temperance River became a state park in 1957.
Prior to this, the land belonged to the Ojibwe and French until 1763. American Fur Companies settled the area in the 1830s. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began building overlooks along the riverside.
The river ran into water which was so deep that no sand bar formed at the mouth. Because there was no “bar” the river was named Temperance. (The time of Prohibition in the 1920’s-1930’s, aimed to heal an ill society hampered by alcohol-related problems such as alcoholism, family violence, and saloon-based political corruption. Temperance meant no alcohol/no bars.)
Temperance River State Park is one of four Minnesota state parks to allow rock climbing.
This is one of my most favorite state parks … so far…
Highway 61 goes right through the middle of this state park. Parking is available for visitors on both sides of the highway, near the bridge overlooking the Temperance River.
On the North-West side of Highway 61 Temperance River Bridge is the river gorge, hidden falls, and hiking trails.
On the South-East side of Highway 61 nearer to Lake Superior, are amazing footbridges, and camping areas. All so fun to explore!
More parking is available near the Park Office, a short distance from the Temperance River Bridge. The park office is papered with signs and notices. Visitors can find area information inside.
Temperance River has two campgrounds, one on each side of the river. Both campgrounds are close to Lake Superior. There are 52 total sites. (Plus two pull through sites for RVs up to 60 feet.)
The Upper Campground is more developed than the lower campground. This area has 18 electric sites, along with hot shower facilities and flush toilets.
However, some of the campsites on the Lower Campground have superb views of Lake Superior.
The Superior Hiking Trail passes through the park, following the river gorge before climbing to the top of Carlton Peak, nearly 1,000 feet (300 m) above Lake Superior.
Start at the Highway 61 roadside parking lot. Go upstream or north-west to see the gorge, potholes, and falls.
Follow the boardwalk to see…
A beautiful view of the gorge…
Inside you can see a hidden waterfall.
Near these falls, you will see a fascinating natural rock staircase.
Follow the staircase up until …
You’re standing on top of an Old Falls area.
The rocky stairs and short trek over the Old Falls area eventually lead to a picturesque pedestrian footbridge, which has become the most recognizable landmark of Temperance River State Park.
Upper Bridge is set high over the river as it rushes through the gorge.
My husband walked a little further past the bridge and up a trail until he found this sign scratched in the ground, “Hi, BEAR”!
Then we turned around, going back the way we came, crossing Highway 61, and exploring the other side of the Park.
This side of the road, nearest Lake Superior has a fantastic,
wonderful, winding path of footbridges,
following the Temperance River.
Temperance River joins Lake Superior.
Going downstairs leads to a lovely bench overlooking Lake Superior.
The sun lends a soft hue as it sets over the lake.
Temperance River State Park is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty and majesty of this Great Lake.
Of All The Things I've Ever Dreamed 
Oh my, Rose, your parks are a source of wonderful. I love the combination of nature and history. And I love the story behind how Temperance River got its name!!
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The story of how Temperance River got its name is a unique one. It certainly has been fun to visit the parks and learn their fascinating history and see their beauty.
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I can see why this is one of your favourite parks – from your photos and descriptions I think it’s the one I feel I would enjoy the most of all! The gorge looks lovely as do the lake views 🙂
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This park had it all: the lake, river, falls, bridges, and boardwalks. It’s a lovely place on a cool sunny day.
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The campsites on the Lower Campground with the views of Lake Superior sound lovely. The hiking here looks fantastic. I especially like that there’s a hidden waterfall. How neat.
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Yes, can you just imagine camping near the beautiful lake in the evening sun? It was neat to hike up to the footbridge and watch the river below, on its way to creating the hidden waterfall.
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Wonderful photos! I love the view of the footbridge over the rocky gorge and can imagine the sound of the rushing river adds to the exhilaration!
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Thank-you, JoAnna. I sometimes wonder if photos and descriptions accurately represent these amazing park experiences. As with most landscapes, the area is far more gorgeous in person.
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Oh, so lovely, although I’m not sure about those rock steps. I would need a railing.
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Yes, a railing might be a great addition, the stairs are narrow and there isn’t much of anything to hang onto.
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