Gooseberry Falls Nominated for Best State Park

Minnesota's popular North Shore destination vies for national recognition.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:25am

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A textured oil painting in the style of Vincent Van Gogh, depicting the dramatic waterfalls and rugged gorge of Gooseberry Falls State Park in Minnesota. Vibrant brushstrokes of green, blue, and gray capture the park's natural beauty and serene atmosphere.Gooseberry Falls, a natural wonder along Minnesota's North Shore, is nominated for a prestigious national award that could draw even more visitors to this stunning state park.Two Harbors Today

Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors, Minnesota has been nominated for the 2026 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park. The park features a series of five waterfalls cascading through a rugged volcanic gorge, as well as 18 miles of hiking trails and 8 miles of mountain bike trails that connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.

Why it matters

Gooseberry Falls is one of Minnesota's most iconic natural attractions, drawing visitors from around the country to experience its dramatic waterfalls and scenic trails. A national award would further boost the park's profile and cement its status as a must-see destination along the North Shore.

The details

The Gooseberry Falls State Park features a series of five waterfalls that flow through a rugged gorge of volcanic rock. In addition to the waterfalls, the park offers 18 miles of hiking trails through the forest, where visitors can spot wildlife like otters, black bears, and over 225 different bird species. There are also 8 miles of mountain bike trails that connect to the larger Superior Hiking Trail network.

  • Voting for the 2026 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards is open through May 11th.

The players

Gooseberry Falls State Park

A popular Minnesota state park located along the North Shore, known for its dramatic waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

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What’s next

If Gooseberry Falls wins the 2026 USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice Award for Best State Park, it would bring increased national attention and visitation to the park.

The takeaway

Gooseberry Falls' nomination for this prestigious national award highlights Minnesota's wealth of natural wonders and the continued appeal of the state's iconic North Shore region as a top travel destination.