For years, visitors to Tettegouche State Park had to detour around the High Falls. This was due to record storms over the past few years that destroyed the bridge over the Baptism River. After several years of closure, a new, higher, and stronger bridge now carries foot traffic across the river.
The bridge offers access to more visitors
Tettegouche State Park attracts a diverse range of visitors, including campers, hikers, and photographers. They come for the rugged overlooks along Lake Superior, and for one of the park’s main features, the 63-foot High Falls on the Baptism River. Among the river’s four waterfalls, High Falls ranks as the highest located entirely within Minnesota’s borders.
Visitors and hikers on the Superior Hiking Trail once crossed a suspension bridge above the falls. The original steel bridge, known as the “Swinging Bridge,” was built in 1988. Then, flooding in June 2022 destroyed the bridge over the river. Another storm in 2024 eventually caused it to detach. Park authorities closed access and worked to determine a more permanent solution. This year, crews began constructing the $1.07 million bridge, and it is now open to visitors.
The new bridge spans the Baptism River upstream of Lake Superior. It is constructed of fiberglass polymer and was raised five feet above the original to better withstand flooding. While it accommodates pedestrians more easily, it does not provide wheelchair access.
“The High Falls Bridge has always been a high-traffic, popular spot in the park, so we’re thrilled to have a safe new bridge that visitors can enjoy,” said Katie Foshay, park supervisor at Tettegouche State Park. Key features along the North Shore, bridges connect visitors to the numerous waterfalls scattered throughout the region.
Positive responses to new bridge
Foshay told MPR News that they have had a positive response to the new bridge. She noted that some miss the previous swinging bridge’s character.
“So I understand that it is not that same jovial experience — or maybe terrifying experience, depending on your comfort with the previous bridge,” Foshay said. “But this new one is much more robust and safe for users to use.” The park collaborated with hydrology experts to design a bridge that can withstand another record storm.
The new bridge now gives section and thru-hikers on the Superior Hiking Trail a more efficient way to cross the Baptism River. For years, hikers had to take a 2-mile detour around the falls.
Park officials have also reopened the areas closed during construction. This includes the High Falls trailhead parking lot, the Group campsite, the nature play area, and the hiking trails on the west side leading to the bridge. Established in 1979, Tettegouche State Park spans 9,346 acres and includes six inland lakes, four waterfalls, and a beach along Lake Superior. Its rugged, semi-mountainous terrain defines the North Shore landscape. Visitors to the park can see wildlife such as white-tailed deer, gray wolves, moose, black bears, and various small mammals and birds.
When you plan your visit, keep in mind that one side of the bridge has stairs. Trails to the bridge are unpaved. Tettegouche’s trails are rated moderate to challenging due to the terrain.
More info:
- New High Falls pedestrian bridge opens to the public at Tettegouche State Park – Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- New, more flood-resilient bridge opens above High Falls in Tettegouche State Park – MPR News