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Minnesota
12

Minnesota State Parks

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USA Parks
Minnesota
Arrowhead Region
Temperance River State Park
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Temperance River State Park Temperance River © Wes Gerber
Beautiful Temperance River
Temperance River State Park Temperance River St. Pk © Jeff Beck
Temperance River State Park © Jeff Beck
Temperance River State Park © Jeff Beck
Temperance River State Park © Jeff Beck
Temperance River State Park 3D © Dona Nelson
Fall color to rock to Lake Superior
Temperance River State Park Point to bubbles below © Dona Nelson
Looking straight down at eddy in the Temperance R
Temperance River State Park All in a row © Dona Nelson
Little pinecones just lined up in a nice row
Temperance River State Park Around the bend © Dona Nelson
Beautiful Temperance River
Temperance River State Park Red rocks © Dona Nelson
Enjoying sunset and the dramatic colors
Temperance River State Park Sunset © Dona Nelson
Enjoying sunset
Temperance River State Park Tunnel vision © Dona Nelson
View of rushing river under the tunnel.
Temperance River State Park Blue waters © Dona Nelson
Incredible colors
Temperance River State Park Rushing Temperance © Dona Nelson
Cant you feel the energy
Temperance River State Park Superior moonrise © Dona Nelson
Beautiful fall moonrise over Lake Superior
Temperance River State Park © Kim Lyons
Temperance River State Park Superior moonrise © Dona Nelson
Moonrise over Lake Superior
Temperance River State Park © Kim Lyons
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TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK
TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK
5702 Highway 61
Silver Bay, Minnesota   55614

Phone: 218-663-7476
Toll Free: 888-646-6367
Reservations: 866-857-2757
Email: park email button icon
Take the trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside. Visitors come to camp and picnic along the shore of Lake Superior. Winter brings cross-country skiers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. Carlton Peak, a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even more recreational opportunities to park visitors.
Nature of the Area
The vegetation in the park today is very similar to that of presettlement time. Common forest trees include white and yellow birch, white pine, spruce, fir, and cedar. Topography in the park varies from wet lowland areas to dry upland sites and is reflected in the variety of vegetation.

One of the most interesting geologic features in the park is the narrow Temperance River gorge with its many waterfalls. The rapidly falling river cut through the soft lava of the river bed. Swirling water carried sand and gravel which wore away the soft lava and created potholes. Over thousands of years, these potholes were dug deeper and wider, eventually connecting and creating the deep, narrow gorge. Nearby, more potholes were left high and dry as the river found its new and present channel.

The variety of plant communities in the park provides habitat for many different types of wildlife species. Wildlife sightings are common in the park. Both the Temperance and Cross rivers are designated trout streams. Brook, brown and rainbow trout have been stocked in the Temperance River over the years. Both the brook and brown trout have now established natural populations. Chinook salmon and steelhead have also been introduced in the vicinity of the Temperance River.
History of the Area
Pierre Esprit Radisson and Medard Chouart, Sier des Groselliers, were probably the first white visitors to the North Shore when they traveled up the shore of Lake Superior during 1660. Along with the Ojibwe Indians, the French controlled the North Shore area until 1763. The first white settlers in the area were probably clerks at American Fur Company posts located along the shore in the 1830s. It is said the park got its name because, unlike other North Shore streams, the river had no bar at its mouth. At one time, the waters of this particular river flowed so deep and so strong into Lake Superior that there was no build-up of debris. This meant that there was no "bar." What could you call a river without a bar? For an appropriate, if slightly tongue-in-cheek selection, "temperance" fits perfectly. The area became a state park in 1957. Campsites on both sides of the river, plus the park's hiking trails and picnic areas, draw a steady stream of visitors to this North Shore park.
Swimming
1. Temperance River State Park offers several swimming options in Minnesota.
2. The park's main attraction is the Temperance River with its clear, cool waters for refreshing swims.
3. Visitors can swim near the river mouth where it meets Lake Superior; this area has calmer currents and warmer water.
4. For more adventurous swimmers, there are deeper pools upstream surrounded by rocky cliffs and forested areas.
5. Hidden Falls also provides a unique spot to take a dip beneath cascading waterfalls after hiking trails nearby.

6. The lake shore of Superior Lake within the park allows open-water swimming but may be colder due to size.

7. Safety measures should always be taken as rivers have strong undercurrents and rocks could potentially pose hazards.

8. Lifeguards aren't present at any of these locations so visitors must ensure they're confident swimmers before entering deep or fast-moving waters.


Fishing
Anglers can enjoy shore and river fishing, with opportunities to catch brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout and salmon. The park's waters are also home to northern pike. Fishing from a canoe or kayak is another option for visitors looking for an adventurous experience.


Location
Temperance River State Park is

Picnicking
1. Temperance River State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views of the river and surrounding forest.
2. Picnic tables are available throughout the park for visitors' convenience.
3. Many choose to have a riverside picnic, enjoying nature's beauty while eating their meal.
4. There is also an option to grill as barbecue grills are provided in some areas within the park.
5. For larger groups or family gatherings, there's a group campsite that can be reserved ahead of time.

Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species, including warblers and hawks. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as forests, river valleys, and Lake Superior shoreline. The park's trails provide excellent vantage points for observing migratory birds in spring or fall seasons.

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Directions
Entrance to the park is mile north of the town of Schroeder on State Highway 61.

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Minnesota
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Minnesota State Parks

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