Palisade Head
Dramatic 330-foot volcanic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique geological experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Palisade Head
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic 330-foot volcanic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a unique geological experience.
"The view is incredible and definitely worth getting some pictures."
⚠️ Prioritize Safety
No railings on cliffs! Stay back from the edge, especially with kids. ⚠️
🚗 Park Smart
Summit parking is limited. Park at the bottom and walk up to avoid traffic jams. 🚗
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 180 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Superior Views
Summit of Palisade Head
Breathtaking 330-foot high cliffs offer unparalleled vistas of Lake Superior's vast expanse.
Dramatic Volcanic Formations
Cliff faces
Witness ancient lava flows that sculpted these impressive geological formations, a testament to Earth's power.
Rock Climbing Opportunities
Western cliff faces
Observe or even participate in rock climbing on the sheer cliffs, adding an adventurous element to the visit.
Bird of Prey Nesting Site
Cliff ledges
Keep an eye out for nesting birds of prey, adding a touch of wildlife to the dramatic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First on the Cliffs
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Prioritize Safety
No railings on cliffs! Stay back from the edge, especially with kids. ⚠️
🚗 Park Smart
Summit parking is limited. Park at the bottom and walk up to avoid traffic jams. +1 🚗
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic scenery is perfect for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rocky paths require comfortable, closed-toe footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Prioritize Safety
No railings on cliffs! Stay back from the edge, especially with kids. ⚠️
🚗 Park Smart
Summit parking is limited. Park at the bottom and walk up to avoid traffic jams. +1 🚗
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic scenery is perfect for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Uneven terrain and rocky paths require comfortable, closed-toe footwear. :athletic_shoe:
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with an incredible backdrop; there are no food services on-site. :knifeforkplate:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely incredible and dramatic views from Palisade Head, calling it a must-see on the North Shore. The sheer cliffs and vast expanse of Lake Superior are consistently highlighted as breathtaking. However, many caution about the lack of safety railings and the limited, often congested, parking at the summit, advising extreme care, especially with children.
"Driving up to the top isn’t hard unless it’s busy. If you’re scared of narrow roads/steep hills definitely park at the bottom and walk. Very pretty at the top, i would not bring kids here due to no rails/just straight cliffs!"
Kimmie Settles
"A word of advice, park down by the road and walk up. There is a small parking lot at the top, but it is small and so many people drove up there it was a real traffic jam. Walk out onto the rocks to enjoy the view and maybe see some rock climbers."
Sharon Miller
"The view is incredible and definitely worth getting some pictures. I would say there isn’t a lot of parking at the top. I would also say if you have kids be very careful there is nothing stopping you from going over the edge."
Jeremy Eberle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Palisade Head is located on Highway 61, about 2-3 hours north of Minneapolis. Take I-35W North to US-10 E, then merge onto US-61 N. Continue on US-61 N for approximately 140 miles. The turnoff for Palisade Head is well-marked.
Yes, Palisade Head is located within Tettegouche State Park, offering access to its natural beauty and geological wonders.
Yes, there is a road that leads to the summit. However, the parking lot is small and can get congested, so arriving early or parking at the bottom is often recommended. +1
Highway 61 is the scenic route along Minnesota's North Shore. Driving north from Duluth, you'll pass through several charming towns before reaching Palisade Head.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Palisade Head. It is best accessed by private vehicle, making it a popular stop on North Shore road trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Palisade Head is part of Tettegouche State Park, which requires a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit. You can purchase a daily or annual permit.
Palisade Head is accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, road conditions can be hazardous in winter, and it may be closed during severe weather.
No, tickets or reservations are not required for Palisade Head itself. You only need a valid Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit to enter the park area.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer fewer crowds and beautiful lighting for photography. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly spectacular.
The primary restriction is the need for extreme caution due to the lack of safety railings. Visitors are also asked to respect the natural environment and wildlife.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Superior, explore the volcanic cliff formations, watch for nesting birds of prey, and observe rock climbers. +1
While there isn't a dedicated 'Palisade Head trail' for hiking in the traditional sense, you can walk around the summit area and explore the cliff edges cautiously. The main attraction is the view from the top.
Due to the sheer cliffs and lack of safety railings, Palisade Head is not recommended for young children. Extreme supervision is required if you bring them. +1
Palisade Head is known as a nesting site for birds of prey, so you might spot eagles or other raptors. You'll also likely see gulls and other waterfowl near the lake.
Yes, Palisade Head is a popular spot for experienced rock climbers. You can often see climbers on the western cliff faces.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no dining facilities directly at Palisade Head. It's recommended to pack a picnic or dine in nearby towns like Silver Bay or Grand Marais.
The closest dining options are in Silver Bay, which is a few miles south, or further north in Grand Marais. Many visitors opt for a picnic lunch to enjoy the views.
Absolutely! Packing a picnic is a great way to enjoy the stunning scenery. Just be sure to pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Golden hour provides beautiful warm tones, while foggy mornings can create a mystical atmosphere.
You can capture sweeping panoramas of Lake Superior, dramatic cliffside shots, unique geological formations, and potentially wildlife like birds of prey.
Drone usage is subject to Minnesota State Park regulations. It's essential to check the latest rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the park.
Experiment with different vantage points along the cliff edge (safely!) and consider capturing the vastness of the lake from the summit. Shots looking down the cliff face are also dramatic.
With minimal light pollution away from urban centers, Palisade Head can offer good conditions for astrophotography, especially on clear nights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit