Judge Magney State Park | Devil's Kettle Waterfalls| Grand Marais Outdoors Guide
Judge Magney State Park | Devil's Kettle Waterfalls| Grand Marais Outdoors Guide

Judge Magney State Park & Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

Judge Magney State Park & Devil’s Kettle Waterfall

In 1957, a 940-acre section of forest along the Brule River was set aside as Brule River State Park. The park became Judge C. R. Magney State Park in 1963 when the Minnesota legislature selected this park as a memorial to the late Judge Magney, a lawyer, mayor, justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and a strong proponent of Minnesota State Parks, especially those along the North Shore. Judge Magney was instrumental in establishing 11 state parks and waysides along Lake Superior.

LOCATION: 4051 East Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
| (218) 387-6300 | Website • 14.2 Miles From Hotel
Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fall, Winter & Spring: Please contact Cascade River State Park at 218-387-6000

The scenic Brule River races through the park, forming whitewater rapids and waterfalls on its way to Lake Superior. Along the lower stretches of the river are a series of spectacular waterfalls. Birdwatchers will find a bonanza of warblers during the nesting months of May, June, and July. Early fall is a good time to observe migrating hawks as they congregate along the shore of Lake Superior. Large white spruce grace the campground and other upland areas. The forested areas are dominated by birch and aspen stands. Wildflowers begin to show in early spring with the marsh marigold, wood anemone, and violet. In summer, look for the rose, thimbleberry, moccasin flower, coral root, clintonia, wild sarsaparilla, and fireweed. Asters and goldenrod add to the fiery colors of autumn.

Judge Magney State Park | Devil's Kettle Waterfalls| Grand Marais Outdoors Guide

Come for the quiet, the solitude, and the famous Devil’s Kettle waterfall. The most popular hike leads from the trailhead upstream along the Brule River to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Half of the river plunges 50 feet into a pool, while the rest pours into a huge pothole. Anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout in the Brule River or its tributary, Gauthier Creek. The park offers camping, picnicking and hiking.

Highlights: Scenic Waterfalls, Camping, Trout Fishing, Hiking, Picnicking, Superior Hiking, Hiking Trails

Hiking Trails
Summer – Hiking – 9 Miles
Winter – No Groomed Snowshoe Trails

Facilites: Showers – Wheelchair accessible, Flush Toilets- Wheelchair accessible, Vault Toilets – Throughout Park

History of Judge Magney State Park
Concrete foundations in the campground and picnic areas of the park are remnants of a transient work camp built there in 1934 by the State. The camp provided work and lodging for men displaced during the Depression years. In addition to building trails, logging, and completing public service projects, these men helped fight a fire in 1935 that burned more than 10,000 acres in the area. Later the men set up a sawmill and began to salvage fire-damaged wood. In 1957, a 940-acre parcel of forest along the Brule River was set aside as Brule River State Park. The park became Judge C. R. Magney State Park in 1963 when the Minnesota legislature selected this park as a memorial to the late Judge Magney, a lawyer, mayor of Duluth, justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and a strong advocate of Minnesota State Parks, especially those along the North Shore. With his influence, he was instrumental in establishing 11 state parks and waysides along Lake Superior. Over the years, parcels of land have been added to the park which today totals 4,642 acres.

Seasonal Use
This park is open year-round for day use. However, the campground closes and no services are available in winter. This park is minimally staffed during the winter months so the parking area and entrance road may not be plowed immediately following a snow event. Get additional seasonal information. here or contact Cascade River State Park for more information.

Judge Magney State Park | Devil's Kettle Waterfalls| Grand Marais Outdoors Guide

Tags: Judge Magney State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Marais Waterfalls, Cook County Waterfalls, North Shore Waterfalls, Grand Marais Summer Activities, Grand Marais Outdoor Activities, North Shore Outdoor Activities

Grand Marais Outdoor Activities Guide

In Grand Marais and Cook County, Minnesota you can enjoy Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake, visit Minnesota’s tallest mountain peak at Eagle Mountain, view the state’s highest waterfall in Grand Portage, ski the largest ski resort in the Midwest at Lutsen Mountains and enjoy Minnesota’s longest and most scenic biking trails. Stay awhie and find your adventure in Cook County!

Experience the spectacular chain of state parks, waterfalls, and seemingly endless list of year-round outdoor activities that are located on Highway 61 on the North Shore. From Gooseberry State Park (69 miles southwest) to Grand Portage State Park (40 mile northeast), eight State Parks provide a wide array of summer and winter outdoor fun. Grand Marais and the Superior Inn are a great place to stay for your outdoor adventure and easy access to these Highway 61 parks and all the other activities to be found north in Cook County, Minnesota.

Grand Marais and the Lake Superior North Shore offer hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing trails (hiking and biking trails in summer). In fact, Cook County, Minnesota has the largest network of cross-country trails in North America. You can stay close to Grand Marais, or head up from the lake shore area to the other cross country skiing trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required on all trails unless otherwise noted.

HOTELS IN GRAND MARAIS MINNESOTA

About Superior Inn and Suites
At the Best Western Plus Superior Inn you’re sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Superior Inn will stand out among other hotels in Grand Marais,MN. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don’t miss a beat while you’re away from the office.

For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you’re on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus Superior Inn will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at any Best Western hotel.

Best Western Plus Superior Inn Grand Marais MN
Best Western Plus Superior Inn Grand Marais MN

We will definitely be back!

We LOVED the town of Grand Marais. This hotel was the perfect location to walk anywhere in the town. It was so convenient to just walk to restaurants, shopping and the beach. The view from the room was fantastic and unexpected. The room had a little patio that overlooked the lake. It was very clean and had a nice tile shower with a double shower head. So much nicer than what I expected. They also had a very nice fitness room, which I didn’t use since the weather was great and we got lots of exercise outdoors. But this would be great in the winter or inclement weather. There was a free breakfast which was nice. They kept it clean and well maintained, which I noticed and appreciated. Can’t wait for our next trip! We will definitely stay here again!

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Your Guide to Year-Round Grand Marais Recreation & Fun!

With over 400 lakes within a 25-mile radius, Grand Marais lives up to its reputation as a great place for year-round outdoor activities. Whether your activity choice is in, on or below the water (or even on land) Grand Marais offers a great variety of things to do for your entire family.

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2024-03-28T12:46:46+00:00
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