. . . at least I can see Canada when I am standing at the entrance to Grand Portage State Park, at the most northeastern point of Minnesota.

Continuing on our geocaching adventures through Minnesota’s State Parks, we drove the beautiful entirety of Minnesota’s North Shore on about as perfect a fall day as fall days come in Minnesota.

Lake Superior was a vibrant blue in striking contrast to the golds and greens of the autumn landscape.  At this overlook just off of Highway 61, the vantage point is perfect for viewing the Susie Islands near Grand Portage.

Just as the border station looms, the visitor center for Grand Portage State Park comes into view.  Grand Portage State Park contains the highest falls in Minnesota – aptly named the “High Falls.”  The Falls usually have two or more large streams of water flowing into the Pigeon River.  With the dry spell Minnesota has seen in recent weeks, like so much of the rest of the country, the Falls were a relative trickle, exposing the interesting surrounding rock more than usual.

The Spanish moss provided a delicate overhang as we walked the path to the geocaching coordinates. (I am always reminded of the ents in Lord of the Rings when I see Spanish moss, which is not an overly common sight in Minnesota!)

As my son found our third “Avian Adventure” geocache, we checked Grand Portage State Park off the list (79 to go!), and enjoyed the view of the Pigeon River as we walked back to the main parking lot.

I am disappointed we did not get an earlier start (this was the same day trip where I selfishly left a car full of hungry people in a scenic overlook parking lot at the end of the day, so I could take some pictures of the moonrise over Split Rock Lighthouse, which you can see in this post). We did not have time to spend in the exhibit hall, with its murals depicting the culture and traditions of the Grand Portage Ojibwe people. The Park is uniquely situated within the Grand Portage Indian Reservation.  Grand Portage National Monument is nearby, as well, with interesting exhibits relating to the historical fur trade between the voyageurs and Ojibwe.  And, let’s not forget a day or overnight trip to nearby Isle Royale National Park, with its unique ecosytem.  Just more reasons for a return visit to this corner of the state.

Ciao! ~ Kat