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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!

  • The park is without water until spring because of a frozen line. Please bring water for camping or cabin use.
  • 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.
  • 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 This is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it.

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?This link leads to an podcast. (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 ChecklistThis is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it. at Jay Cooke State Park.

Park Highlights

tree Camping

tree Hiking

tree Swinging Bridge

tree Pioneer Cemetery

tree Thomson Dam

tree Oldenburg Point


Events

view a printable version

Find more State Park events on the DNR Events Calendar!

05/18/13

Jay Cooke State Park

Flood Hike

05/25/13

Jay Cooke State Park

The Flood at Jay Cooke State Park

05/26/13

Jay Cooke State Park

Birdsong Hike

06/02/13

Jay Cooke State Park

Birdsong Hike

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


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.