Reviews

Angela King-Jones

The perfect location for a state park that isn’t on the North shore. Nestles right before you head into Duluth, with the Saint Louis ripping right through it. I’ve been here many times on my way to/ from Duluth but this visit was special. On a weekday, low visitors and peak fall colors. It was stunning. Plenty of places to pull over and park to view the views

Tom McGuire

We only had a short time to spend in the park. Took the road into the park and stopped at the Old River Inn. Walked over the suspension bridge and took some pics. For those with little ones, some of the rocks are slippery and sharp. Would love to go back and explore more.

Rachel Pietruszewski (TheRachelPie)

Simply beautiful area, really amazing rock formations and river views. Thomas graveyard is a blast from the past, I really enjoy visiting the century old Graves and walking the less crowded trail. I also drove up to a few outlooks and enjoyed the drive from south to north.

Rob Pachan

Love this park. Great unique rock structures, plenty of rapids to see. Short gentle hike to get upriver. Less able hikers can take the well manicured path. More able hikers can take the roots and rocks path. Cool bridge over the river does bounce a bit.

Douglas Moen

Beautiful state park. Hiking is awesome and the river rapids area is stunning. Our dogs loved swimming in the shallow pools that form. Campground areas were great. Bathrooms are updated and super clean. Staff was very friendly. Will visit again for sure!

Tori Evans

First time here! Gorgeous scenery, cool suspension bridge & trails well maintained. Grand babies had so much fun climbing rocks! Will absolutely visit again.

Zachary Hausladen

Jay Cooke is probably overall one of the best state parks that Minnesota has to offer. The bridge is unique and unlike other parks. Natural systems are amazing.Always packed, but definitely worth the time!

Priyanka Kumari

Jay Cooke State Park has a grand entrance, marked by its impressive bridge, which sets the tone for the park’s beauty. Even in winter, with partially frozen waters flowing among the rocks, the views were stunning—both from the bridge and throughout the hike. The start of the trail was a bit tricky, with icy and slushy patches that made it easy to slip if you weren’t careful. The trail conditions weren’t the best, as the melting ice created water puddles and mud slush, slowing down my pace. However, despite the challenging footing, the varied terrain and scenic views made the hike worthwhile. I’d highly recommend visiting in all seasons, as the landscape offers something unique year-round. If visiting during ice-melting season, wearing cleats would be a smart choice to navigate the slippery spots safely!

Amy Steiner

Great campground that is open all year long! The CCC trail is a great, easy trail that my pup loves to do. It's such an amazing area and their is a naturalist who is on location ready to help guide your visit and answer your questions.

John and Jody Vossen

This was very cool on the beginning but a lot less adventurous as we hiked. It's a great park and the trails were well maintained. The sounds were few besides the swishing of our jackets and the snow being squished by our boots. I hope we go back in the early part of spring or late fall.

Shana “QueenDDT” Allen

Every part of Jay Cooke is beautiful. My daughter's n I absolutely love it

Bing Liu

Camping here, great state park. Here’s the best restroom and shower room I have camped.

Rachel Iverson

This park was wonderful. The staff was very helpful in both finding our camping spot and explaining all the ins and outs of the falls. We did the Carlton hike which took about 3.5 hours and 6 miles. The campsites themselves didn’t have water, but there is a fill station by the dump site. We stayed in the first loop, and they sites were slightly unlevel, but there was plenty of room and the trees offered a lot of privacy. The bathrooms were the best I have used at a campground, exceptionally clean and well cared for.

Eric Nistler

Another classic MN State park. Has all amenities of any other park you may want to visit with the exception of a swimming beach/area, and fishing as well as it isn't located on/near a lake. The attractions here are the river, the swinging bridge and the rock formations within the Thompson formation. Campsites are well laid out with more than average space between sites.

Elizabeth Drantch

Great campground! Very quiet, good security. Park Rangers make rounds often to check in. Lots of birds and squirrels, but no other critters. Awesome fire pits with swing in grates. Look out for poison ivy!