Minnesota DNR Closes Popular Parts Of Gooseberry Falls State Park Due To Flooding

It's waterfall season on Minnesota's North Shore, but one of the most popular waterfall destinations in the state is being closed to visitors temporarily due to extremely high water levels.

The Minnesota DNR announced on Friday afternoon that the combination of snow melt and recent heavy rain have forced the park staff at Gooseberry Falls State Park to close some areas along the river, popular to visitors of the park.

High water levels have made areas near the river below the main falls inaccessible, with water covering the riverside boardwalk in places.

Here's another look at the area below the main falls toward the stone bridge over the river, which you can see behind the tree branches. Water levels appear to be near the level of the bridge deck.

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Park staff have put up closure signs for trails and other spaces that are currently closed off due to the flooding in the park. They ask that visitors obey these trail closures. They also remind the public not to attempt crossing a flooded trail, should you encounter one.

READ MORE: Gooseberry Falls State Park In the Running To Be Named Among Best State Parks In The Country

While the particularly high water levels can make for a powerful showing of water roaring over the falls, these high water levels also mean strong currents that can quickly sweep a person away. so using caution and obeying closures is very important.

In addition to the riverside trail closures, the Minnesota DNR is alerting individuals interested in camping to a separate, less severe issue, that is still worth being aware of.

While temperatures have turned warmer in much of the state and there isn't much snow left across Minnesota, many campsites in the campground at Gooseberry Falls State Park still have snow covering them. They advise visitors interested in camping to call the park to get the latest conditions.

On the note of camping in the park, officials at Gooseberry are letting campers know that the shower building at the Lower Campground will be closed for rehabilitation during the 2026 camping season, expected to last beyond when the last snow melts.

Shower facilities are still available at the Upper Campground for campers.