Tettegouche State Park

Established in 1979 to preserve an outstanding example of the North Shore Highlands Biocultural Region, the 9,346 acres of Tettegouche State Park contain a unique combination of natural features: rugged, semi-mountainous terrain, one mile of Lake Superior shoreline, six inland lakes, cascading rivers and waterfalls, and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest. Tettegouche offers a great sense of the North Shore: the spectacular overlooks at Shovel Point; rocky, steep cliffs and inland bluffs; the cascading 60 ft. High Falls of the Baptism River; and the historic Tettegouche Camp where visitors can stay the night. Tettegouche State Park is a hiker's paradise with miles of trails that overlook the Sawtooth Mountains and wind down to inland lakes accessible only by foot.

The park is also known for rock climbing opportunities and quality birdwatching in the spring, summer, and especially the fall.

The wide variety of plant communities in the park supports more than 40 species of mammals. Most commonly seen are white-tailed deer, snowshoe hare, red squirrel and beaver. Less commonly observed are moose, black bear, red fox, and river otter. Occasionally, coyote, fisher pine marten, northern flying squirrel, and even the timber wolf are seen.

Northeastern Minnesota is recognized as one of the better areas in the nation to find rare birds. Diversity of habitat, geography and proximity to Lake Superior combine to produce a variety of bird life at Tettegouche. In all, 140 species have been identified. Kinglets, spruce grouse, and many northern warblers nest in bogs and coniferous forests in the summer. In fall, hawk migration along the shore of Lake Superior numbers in the tens of thousands. Winter is an excellent time to see northern owls, woodpeckers, finches, and unusual water birds. The park is home to peregrine falcons.