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Jay Cooke State Park

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Trailblazers: this park is a must! Park trails link up to the Willard Munger State Trail at the north edge of the park; perfect for backpackers, bikers (both mountain and tour), hikers, horseback riders, and skiers.

Check out the wildflowers in the spring, and the vivid colors in the fall. Walk on the swinging suspension bridge high above the raging St. Louis River. Visit the historic cemetery and the gorge at Thomson Dam.

Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.

Visitor Alert!

Park Updates:

For our safety and yours, please respect closures and stay clear of construction activity!

5/10/13 Update - The waterline has finally thawed out. We now have all facilities open to the public including the campground shower building.
The Highway 210 bridge between Carlton and Thomson has reopened, allowing access into the park. The road currently ends at the park office.
The swinging bridge still needs extensive repairs, and is anticipated to reopen in the late summer of 2013.
The Oldenburg Point area and the Jay Cooke Road area of the park is closed due to the construction work going on between the Forbay Canal, the Highway 210 bridge, and the Minnesota Power construction. Please refrain from using this area.
Access to the trail system on the south side of the park is limited, due to the bridge's closure. Most other trails are open.
Map of open trails

• Timeline and photo history of the Swinging Bridge
• Map of the park showing flood damage locations
• Photos of the flooding at Jay Cooke and other state parks

Park Notes

Learn More about the Park:

Who is Jay Cooke? (5:05 MP3 narrated by Kris Hiller, Park Naturalist)

Virtual Tour:

Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Panoramic tour | Snapshot tour

Gift Cards:

Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card.

Firewood Restrictions Information:

Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists.

Birders:

Bird Checklist at Jay Cooke State Park.

Park Highlights

Camping	Hiking
Swinging Bridge	Pioneer Cemetery
Thomson Dam	Oldenburg Point

Events

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

06/07/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Minnesota State Symbols
06/08/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Outdoor Adventures Day
06/09/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Birdsong Hike
06/13/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Let's Discover Frogs & Toads
06/16/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Kayaking Adventures
06/16/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Birdsong Hike
06/20/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Up Close with Fish
06/23/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Birdsong Hike
06/27/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play
06/30/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Birdsong Hike
07/04/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Forest Explorers
07/06/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Wildlife Adventures Day
07/07/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Birdsong Hike
07/11/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Through the Looking Glass
07/12/13	Jay Cooke State Park	The Flood at Jay Cooke State Park
07/14/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Archery in the Park - Open Shoot
07/18/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Incredible Insects
07/24/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Kayaking Adventures
07/25/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Sneaking up on Snakes
08/01/13	Jay Cooke State Park	Nature Play - Tracking the Wild Animal

Hours

Best time to contact the park:

Office Open Daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Contact

780 Highway 210
Carlton, MN 55718

tel: 218-384-4610

email: jaycooke.statepark@state.mn.us

Getting There

From the town of Carlton go 3 miles east on State Highway 210.