Temperance River State Park
Temperance River State Park is a unique park with a trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River which flows between the towns of Schroeder and Tofte. Sprawling over 5,000 acres in size, the park has plenty of hiking trails and beautiful scenery including a river gorge and several waterfalls. One waterfall is located directly below the Highway 61 bridge crossing over the river, making it a quick and easy hike from the Highway 61 parking area.
While beautiful and inviting, the Temperance River has also proven to be the most dangerous on the North Shore. A handful of deaths have occurred in and around the river in the past several decades, primarily swimmers who were unaware of the river’s strong undercurrent. The undercurrent flows all the way to the mouth of the river and out to Lake Superior, where water temperatures drop dramatically. Swimming in the Temperance River is not advised, especially in the spring and after heavy rainfall. This is one river that is best enjoyed by land. Luckily, the park offers plenty to see and do that doesn’t require going into the river.
Hike to the Hidden Falls:
With trails winding along both sides of the beautiful Temperance River, taking this hike is a no-brainer. Hike the trail to the Hidden Falls or the Superior National Forest and be ready for some beautiful scenery along the way.
Go Rock Climbing on Carlton Peak:
Conquer your fear of heights by climbing Carlton Peak which offers over two dozen climbs in the 60-80 foot range. Pick up a required free climbing permit at the visitor center and enjoy the adventure.
View the Waterfall South of Highway 61:
Visit the waterfall that cut a gorge just south of Highway 61. This beautiful waterfall is one of the park’s most significant attractions.
Grab Some Binoculars and Go Birding:
Don’t forget the bird checklist as you try to spot different kinds of warblers and sparrows. Temperance River State Park has been known for its wide variety of birds that live in the area and that fly through during spring and fall migration.
Go Fishing:
Fishing on Temperance river is best in the spring when the Steelhead are near the mouth of the river, or in the fall when Salmon start moving inland from Lake Superior. Head upstream to find some decently sized brook trout and rainbow trout in the river’s many tributaries.
Enjoy Cross-Country Skiing or Snowshoeing:
During the winter, enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park offers a variety of groomed and un-groomed trails that are perfect for a day filled with winter fun.
Go Birding
Grab your binoculars, and check out the many birds that call the park their home. Don’t forget the bird checklist as you to try spot different kinds of warblers and sparrows. Temperance River State Park has been known for its wide variety of birds that live in the area and that fly through during spring and fall migration.
Getting There:
Temperance River State Park’s entrance is one mile northeast of Schroeder on MN Highway 61 (7620 West Hwy 61, Schroeder, MN 55613). The park is located between Schroeder and Tofte. There is also parking along both sides of Highway 61.
Cost:
Parking is free alongside Highway 61 which gives you access to the hiking trails. Normal camping rates apply for those staying in the campground.
Hours and Seasonality:
The park, including the Visitor’s Center and campground, is open year-round. The park is open from 8 AM-10 PM. The Visitor’s Center staffing hours vary with the season, but you can usually find it staffed between 9 AM-4 PM. The Visitor’s Center restrooms are available 24/7. At the campground, the showers and flush toilet facilities are open year-round.
Accessibility:
Some of the drive-in sites at the Temperance River State Park campground may be accessible. The shower and flush toilet facilities are accessible. The trails around the Temperance River are not paved and require climbing stairs.
Camping and Lodging:
The Temperance River State Park campground sits between Highway 61 and Lake Superior- giving guests great access to the mouth of the river and the lake. This campground is not open year-round. The lower campground is typically open from April through November while the upper campground is open March through December. There are 52 drive-in sites, 2 pull-through sites, 18 electric sites, and 6 cart-in sites.
Wheelchair-accessible showers and flush toilets are available seasonally, usually May-October with a new shower building in the summer of 2020. Vault toilets are available around the park, some open year-round.
Mobile Usage:
Most cell phone users report that their phones receive some service in the campground and near the mouth of the river. Cell phone service will not be reliable as you move further up the river. Depending on the carrier, mobile service may not be available at all.
Electric Vehicles:
There are no charging stations at Temperance River State Park. The nearest charging stations are located at Surfside on Lake Superior about a mile northeast. The Clipper Creek charger is available for guests of Surfside only. You can also find Clipper Creek charging stations at Bluefin Grille and CoHo Cafe in Tofte (again, you need to be a guest of the restaurants to use the charging stations). A Tesla charging station is located at Lutsen Resort in Lutsen for their guests and patrons at the restaurant. A public charging station can be found in downtown Lutsen at Clearview General Store.
More Info:
Information on this page is subject to change. For current information, including contact information, current hours of operation, and camping information please visit the official Temperance River State Park DNR website.
