Right now
Right now as of Nov 13, 2026
- Permit None needed.
Status note (Nov 13, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell (checked Nov 13, 2026). The DNR said on Nov 1, 2026 that all trails are open. Quetico Superior reported in June 2026 that trail and stair work is planned through fall 2027. What the status labels mean
High Falls is in Grand Portage State Park, next to the Canadian border. The DNR calls it "the tallest waterfall in Minnesota with a drop of 120 feet." The Pigeon River here is the border with Ontario. A paved 1.2-mile round trip trail with a boardwalk reaches three viewing platforms, and the DNR says no vehicle permit is required.
About High Falls
High Falls drops into the Pigeon River gorge inside Grand Portage State Park, in Cook County. The DNR park guide calls it "the tallest waterfall in Minnesota with a drop of 120 feet."
The guide also says the river is "the international boundary line." That means the falls is shared with Ontario, and the far bank is in Canada.
The DNR describes the park as "a partnership between the State of Minnesota and the Anishinabe people." Its guide says the park was "established in 1989."
Two High Falls in Minnesota
Minnesota has two well-known falls named High Falls. This one, on the Pigeon River, is the tallest in the state by the DNR's count, but it sits on the border.
The other is the 63-foot High Falls on the Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park, per a Nov 24, 2025 DNR news release. The DNR's 2025 Tettegouche map and guide calls it "the highest waterfall completely within the boundaries of Minnesota."
So both claims hold. Grand Portage has the tallest drop, and Tettegouche has the tallest falls fully inside the state. See our page on High Falls at Tettegouche.
About our map pin
The USGS place name database has no record called High Falls here. It lists the falls as Pigeon Falls (feature ID 649399), in Cook County.
We match Pigeon Falls to High Falls from its position on the DNR park map. That match is our reading, so our pin uses the USGS Pigeon Falls point.
For more North Shore falls, see Devil's Kettle, Gooseberry Falls and Hidden Falls on the Temperance River.
Getting there and parking
The DNR guide lists the park at 9393 East Highway 61, Grand Portage, MN 55605. It is 6 miles from the village of Grand Portage, next to the Canadian port of entry.
The guide says the park is also a highway rest area and a state travel information center. All parking is rest area parking.
The DNR says motorists may stop at the rest area for up to four hours. Overnight vehicle camping is not allowed in the lots.
Permits and fees
The DNR says: "Access to Grand Portage State Park is Free! State Park Vehicle Permits are not required at this park." The DNR guide likewise says permits are not required here.
Hours
The DNR guide lists park hours as 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The DNR says the visitor center lobby and rest area bathrooms are open 24 hours.
The information desk, gift shop and display hall are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. The DNR says all times are Central time.
The DNR warns that phones may pick up an Ontario signal on Eastern time. Your phone clock can jump ahead one hour, so check the time before you plan around closing.
Camping and contact
The DNR says this is "a day-use only park with no overnight camping or lodging." The park phone in the DNR guide is 218-877-8630.
Map and nearby falls
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High Falls Trail and Middle Falls Trail at Grand Portage State Park
The DNR guide says the park has six miles of trails. The High Falls Trail is the walk to the main falls.
The guide lists the High Falls Trail as 1.2 miles round trip: paved, boardwalk, accessible. A 700-foot boardwalk covers the last section.
The trail ends at three viewing platforms, and the guide says one is wheelchair accessible. On Nov 1, 2026, the DNR said "The paved High Falls Trail is wheelchair accessible."
The DNR gives no difficulty rating or time estimate for this walk.
Middle Falls Trail
The Middle Falls Trail is 4.5 miles round trip, per the DNR guide. It describes "steep and rugged terrain" leading to a 20-foot waterfall.
The guide warns this trail can be very muddy. On Nov 1, 2026, the DNR reported mud after recent rain and asked hikers to walk through mud, not around it.
Dogs
The DNR guide says dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended at all times. Pick up after them. Only service animals are allowed in buildings.
When to visit
No official source we read names a best month for High Falls. The DNR guide lists the park as open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Winter
The DNR guide says you can "rent snowshoes in the winter." We found no official winter conditions for the paved trail, so call ahead.
Trail and stair work
Quetico Superior reported on June 19, 2026 that a $1.1 million project will resurface the paved High Falls Trail. It will also replace the wooden stairs to the viewing platforms and repair the parking lot.
Staff aim to finish "by fall 2027," per that article. It mentioned no closures, but work may affect access. On Nov 1, 2026, the DNR said all trails were open.
Check the DNR alerts tab or call 218-877-8630 before you go.
| Height | 120 ftNote: The DNR park guide (© 2026) calls High Falls "the tallest waterfall in Minnesota with a drop of 120 feet." The falls is on the Pigeon River, the US and Canada border, so it is shared with Ontario. |
|---|---|
| Trail | High Falls Trail: 1.2 miles round trip, paved, with a 700-foot boardwalk and three viewing platforms, per the DNR guide. The DNR says the paved trail is wheelchair accessible. |
| Difficulty | No official rating. The DNR lists the High Falls Trail as paved, boardwalk and accessible. |
| Entry fee | The DNR says: "Access to Grand Portage State Park is Free! State Park Vehicle Permits are not required at this park." Its park guide adds that all parking is rest area parking. |
| Permit / reservation | Not required. The DNR says "State Park Vehicle Permits are not required at this park." |
| Parking | Rest area lots, up to 4 hours (MN DNR) |
| Hours / season | Park open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (DNR guide). Visitor center lobby and rest area bathrooms open 24 hours; information desk, gift shop and display hall 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Central time (MN DNR) |
| Dogs | Allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet, attended at all times; pick up after them. Only service animals are allowed in buildings (DNR guide) |
| Swimming | No official swimming rule found. The DNR guide warns that there are cliffs and asks you to keep children close. |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Yes, on the main trail. The DNR says "The paved High Falls Trail is wheelchair accessible." Its guide says one of the three viewing platforms is wheelchair accessible. |
| Restrooms | Rest area bathrooms at the visitor center, open 24 hours (MN DNR) |
| Best time to visit | No official best month. The DNR guide lists the park as open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with snowshoes to rent in winter. |
| Crowds | No official visitor figure found. |
| Managed by | Minnesota DNR (Parks and Trails), in partnership with the Grand Portage Band |
Safety and swimming
The DNR guide warns: "There are cliffs, keep children close." Stay on the trail and on the viewing platforms.
The guide also says there is no cell service in the park, though the DNR notes phones may roam onto an Ontario signal. In an emergency, use the courtesy phone in the visitor center lobby to call 911.
For non-emergencies, the guide lists the Cook County sheriff at 218-387-3030.
The DNR guide bans drones in the park. It also says birch bark and cultural items may not be collected.
Our waterfall safety guide has more on staying safe near falls and gorges.
Conditions change: confirm with the Minnesota DNR before you go.
Where to stay near High Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Grand Portage.
See places to stay nearbyAffiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Partners do not see or change our waterfall facts. Disclosure.
Photos
High Falls FAQ
Is High Falls at Grand Portage State Park open now?
As far as we can tell, yes (checked Nov 13, 2026). On Nov 1, 2026, the DNR said all trails are open. Quetico Superior reported in June 2026 that trail and stair work is planned through fall 2027.
How tall is High Falls at Grand Portage?
The DNR park guide says High Falls has "a drop of 120 feet" and calls it the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. The Pigeon River is the border, so the falls is shared with Ontario.
Do you need a state park permit at Grand Portage State Park?
No. The DNR says "Access to Grand Portage State Park is Free! State Park Vehicle Permits are not required at this park." All parking is rest area parking, with stops up to four hours.
How long is the walk to High Falls, and is it accessible?
The DNR guide lists the High Falls Trail as 1.2 miles round trip, paved, with a 700-foot boardwalk. The DNR says the paved trail is wheelchair accessible, and one of three viewing platforms is too.
Which High Falls is the tallest in Minnesota?
Grand Portage's 120-foot High Falls is the tallest by the DNR's count, but it is shared with Ontario. The DNR calls Tettegouche's 63-foot High Falls the highest completely within Minnesota.
Are dogs allowed at Grand Portage State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet and attended at all times, per the DNR guide. Pick up after your dog. Only service animals are allowed in buildings.
Nearby waterfalls
Devil's Kettle24 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen50FT
Hidden Falls67 mi straight-line, by our mathOpen
More waterfalls to explore
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Sources
- MN DNR: Grand Portage State Park alerts (trails, hours, permits; updated Nov 1, 2026; read Nov 13, 2026)
- MN DNR: Grand Portage State Park map and guide (PDF printed © 2026; read Nov 13, 2026)
- Quetico Superior: Grand Portage State Park upgrades (trail and stair work; dated June 19, 2026; read Nov 13, 2026)
- MN DNR news release: New High Falls pedestrian bridge opens to the public at Tettegouche State Park (63-foot height; dated Nov 24, 2025; read Nov 13, 2026)
- MN DNR: Tettegouche State Park map and guide (© 2025; highest falls completely within Minnesota; read Nov 13, 2026)
- USGS GNIS: Pigeon Falls, feature ID 649399 (coordinates, Cook County; read Nov 13, 2026)
Last verified Nov 13, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Minnesota DNR (Parks and Trails), in partnership with the Grand Portage Band before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.