There are eight state parks along Minnesota's North shore and my now husband, Jacob, and I visited three of them in our five-day honeymoon trek to our final destination of Grand Marias, Minnesota. Though our hiking adventures were roughly only an hour long, we witnessed the recommended aspect of each park – their magnificent waterfalls.
Gooseberry Falls State Park:
The most famous as well the iciest of the three stops. Though not our friend on the stairs to and from the waterfalls, the ice allowed us a winter advantage of various viewing angles of the well-known falls. Accessing what would be a marooned rock island in the summer, became our favorite viewing spot; witnessing up and down the river almost as if we were in a kayak or canoe floating down ourselves. We envisioned each other as climbing adventurers on the search for the best view. (However, I wouldn’t recommend following in our footsteps as river ice is always unpredictable, plus the rocks too were icy).
Standing safely on top of the river’s center was a unique experience: the loud crashing water in-between ice and rocks, the flow – or beat – under our feet, the slight breeze from the water’s power even during the winter. But then, of course, we had to get back down.
Tettegouche State Park:
I enjoyed this state park not necessarily because of the waterfall itself, but the hike to it. Here, Jacob and I experienced the winter river valley more so than at any other park as well as the surrounding wildlife. Throughout the numerous snow-covered stairs, we encountered as we walked along the Baptism River, we spooked two grouse feeding amongst Cedar trees and witnessed a watchful Eagle hunting for food overheard. The waterfall, in comparison to Gooseberry, appeared and sounded calmer; however, the holes in the surrounding ice suggested otherwise.
Visitors of the park can also access the land surrounding the mouth of the river, seeing the water empty into Lake Superior itself. We gazed at it from a bridge a few hundred yards away – the water we witnessed falling from the falls, now slowing and appearing rusty before entering the huge lake ahead.
Information I regretfully learned as we left the park was its size and numerous other trails and overviews, we just didn’t have time to experience, but would encourage others to explore. All we have to do, I guess, is come back another time.
Grand Portage State Park:
The history and waterfalls here reiterate the park’s (and town’s) overall name – Grand. Known as the highest waterfall in all of Minnesota, High Falls is definitely a view to gaze and listen to. And one can from a distance too as the roar of the water echoes hundreds of yards away. The rocky river valley is interesting too as the Pigeon River itself carved out the slick, hardly textured, overlooking cliffs. I imagined what it was like for the first fur traders to scale the high rocks with their baggage and canoes after discovering the impassable waterfall.
It was this waterfall that encouraged the Grand Portage Trail to be made – a route dodging the park’s two massive waterfalls – and ending in present-day Canada. The Pigeon River below is also the decided border to Canada, meaning visitors can view a small aspect of a different country from the waterfall’s overlook decks. A distance that is only a stone's throw away; however, a trail that is impossible to complete.
Overall, the honeymoon hikes in three different state parks grounded me, reminded me about the basics of life as well as the simplicity of it. I believe God brought upon this feeling in me, another beacon to draw us closer to Him, especially during this strange time in the world.
Plus, with low crowds due to the threatening winter cold, my husband and I experienced the quiet peacefulness of nature the winter season provides. The glistening, still, ice contrasts with the loud, moving water underneath while the green of the coniferous trees contrasts nearby barren hardwoods. A reminder of life – of Spring. Each contrast paints one beautiful, inviting landscape, one that will continuously encourage its visitors to relax as well as recall the One who created it all.
