Temperance River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Temperance River State Park |
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One of the park's waterfalls
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 Temperance River State Park
Location in Minnesota
Temperance River State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cook, Minnesota, United States |
| Area | 5,059 acres (20.47 km2) |
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Governing body | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources |
Temperance River State Park is a cool state park in Minnesota, USA. It sits between the towns of Schroeder and Tofte. You can find it right on Highway 61, along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The park offers places to camp, picnic spots, and hiking trails. These trails follow both sides of the beautiful Temperance River.
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Park History: How it Got its Name
People from Europe first settled in the Temperance River area in the 1830s. They had to give names to all the rivers and lakes. In 1864, surveyors came to map the area. They noticed something special about this river. It flowed into Lake Superior without forming a sand bar at its mouth.
Most rivers create a sand bar where they meet a larger body of water. Because this river had "no bar," it was named "Temperance." This name means avoiding alcohol, which was often served at bars. So, "no bar" meant "Temperance."
In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build parts of the park. They created several overlooks along the river. These overlooks offer amazing views. In 1957, the state officially made 539 acres (about 2.2 square kilometers) of land into Temperance River State Park.
Amazing Wildlife: Animals You Might See
Temperance River State Park is home to many different animals. If you visit, you might spot some cool mammals. These include white-tailed deer and snowshoe hares. You could also see red squirrels and beavers.
Other animals living here are red foxes and river otters. Keep an eye out for moose and fishers. You might even see coyotes, martens, and northern flying squirrels. Sometimes, black bears and timber wolves are seen too.
Birds of the Park
Many different birds live in or visit the park. You might see spruce grouse and small kinglets. Colorful warblers, powerful hawks, and majestic eagles fly through the skies. Many of these birds migrate along the Lake Superior shores each season.
In the winter, the park becomes a home for unique birds. Visitors often spot Northern spotted owls and various woodpeckers. You can also find finches and smart ravens. Sometimes, rare water birds appear. Even snowy, great gray, and boreal owls visit during the colder months.
Fun Things to Do at Temperance River
Temperance River State Park has lots of activities for visitors. There are two campgrounds, one on each side of the river. These campgrounds are closer to Lake Superior than most other state park campgrounds.
Besides the unique "bar-less" mouth of the river, there are three beautiful waterfalls. You can reach all of them by walking on easy footpaths. The park is also one of only four state parks in Minnesota where you can go rock climbing. Nearby Tettegouche State Park also allows climbing.
The famous Superior Hiking Trail goes right through the park. This trail follows the river gorge, offering stunning views. It then climbs up to the top of Carlton Peak. This peak is nearly 1,000 feet (about 305 meters) above Lake Superior. It's a great spot for amazing photos!
