Grand Portage State Park, near the Canadian border

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In the interest of public safety, Grand Portage State Park, near the Canadian border, will be closed this weekend. The closure will allow for the grading and paving of a new entrance road and other work related to the construction of a new visitor’s center, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The park will reopen as soon as paving is complete.

 While paving is in progress, there is no place to park off the highway. All trails leading to high falls, the state’s highest waterfall and the main attraction at the park, also will be closed. Truck and paving equipment traffic post a danger to visitors. There is an alternate trail to the falls in Canada, but visitors will need a passport to cross the border.

The new 5,800-square-foot visitor center, which will double as a Minnesota Department of Transportation highway rest area, will open later this year. 

 While construction is underway, occasional park closures may continue to be necessary to ensure visitor safety. Those planning a trip to Grand Portage State Park, should go to mndnr.gov/parksandtrails and check the Grand Portage State Park Web page (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/grand_portage/index.html) to confirm when the park will be open, or call the DNR Information Center, 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.