Palisade Head
Palisade Head
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Palisade Head and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
139 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
19
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
jgroh415
Princeton, MN59 contributions
Oct 2019
This is a short drive to the top for some truly incredible views. A word of caution do not leave young children unattended it is a shear drop of hundreds of feet. on almost any day in the summer you will see rock climbers ascending the various routes on the cliff face. The view is so dramatic that several motion pictures have been filed at this location. Another plus is that this area of the Minnesota north shore of lake Superior has the highest concentration of waterfalls anywhere in the contiguous United States. We have visited many of them over a dozen times times and are still awestruck. I should make a separate review of the high fall of the Baptism river inside the state park in silver Bay a few miles away. You will run out of time before you run out of amazing scenery.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN7,609 contributions
Sep 2020
Spectacular views of the North Shore of Lake Superior including Shovel Point from this elevated point projecting into the lake. Look for the turn off of Hwy 61 for the 1 mile narrow winding road up to the observation point. Limited parking available. Favorite spot of rock climbers which is pretty cool to watch.
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy W
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Palisade Head offers a spectacular vista above Lake Superior on North Shore. It is a granite cliff, created in the Ice Age, and favored by rock climbers and tourists who would like to take some beautiful pictures, set up a picnic lunch, or just gaze at the lake and reflect. It is accessed from Highway 61, and there is parking at the bottom of the attraction, with a sign giving historic information, and more parking at the top. Parking is limited, and on a beautiful day, some cars reach the top, and must turn around and descend back to Highway 61, for lack of parking. Best times to go are earlier in the day, before crowds begin to appear there ... also, early evening. As you look out over the lake, Shovel Point can be seen to the left. As with any natural cliff formation, extreme care must be taken with children, and those whose curiosity would lead them to walk or sit close to the edge. Rocks or boulders can shift or collapse in the blink of an eye. Assume that farther away from the edge is better, and safer. Shoes with good traction are recommended, such as sneakers, athletic shoes, or sandals with sturdy rubber soles that enclose feet well and cannot slide off your feet. Walking on boulders is best done slowly and deliberately, as ground is very uneven. (Wildlife is on this cliff area, and, indeed, when I was driving one summer day back down to Highway 61, I encountered a black bear crossing the roadway. He was as startled to see me, as I was to see him, and he bolted into the woods!)
Be aware that part of the roadway leading up and down is shared by vehicles going in both directions. If you have a difficult vehicle to manage, such as a large camper, I would park down at the bottom and then go by foot up to the top. The climb may take you between 10 and 15 minutes on foot. The only way up and down by foot is on the same road used by vehicles, so be very careful.
Be aware that part of the roadway leading up and down is shared by vehicles going in both directions. If you have a difficult vehicle to manage, such as a large camper, I would park down at the bottom and then go by foot up to the top. The climb may take you between 10 and 15 minutes on foot. The only way up and down by foot is on the same road used by vehicles, so be very careful.
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cenzt
Ohio22,005 contributions
Sep 2022
Good trip. We arrived at approximately 11:30 am and made our ways towards the entrance of Palisade Head. There was an informational plaque located at the entrance of the trail that provided a brief history of Palisade Head. We drove up the long windy road to the top of the overlook point, and were met with stunning views at the top. There were views of the water all around us, and various rocks that one could climb on to get a better view. The view of Palisade Head was slightly obstructed by some trees, and I felt like I got a much better view of the cliff when hiking shovel point in Tettegouche State Park. Parking at the top of the trail was limited, so I recommend getting there early for the best opportunity to get a good spot. We spent several minutes soaking in the views and snapping some pictures, before getting back into our car and heading off to our next destination.
Tip: I recommend spending 15 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Tip: I recommend spending 15 minutes here if you truly want to see everything.
Written September 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amandak616
Erie, PA131 contributions
Sep 2022
We added this stop a bit last minute while seeing some other sights in the area over Labor Day weekend and I'm so glad we did. Parking was a little tricky once we got up the steep, narrow road, but the views of Lake Superior were truly spectacular. It made for some beautiful pictures! Highly recommend taking the time to stop here and enjoy the views!
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David and Josie
Shoreview, MN1,123 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
The view from the place is awesome.We heard the place gets pretty crowded and the drive up is on a very small road which is just wide enough for a single vehicle in most areas.We decided to go on a Thursday morning early and we were the only ones there.The drive up the road was fine , just drive slow and watch your turns.There is parking up on top for about twenty cars .We recommend.
Written April 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F4981JCmichaels
Vancouver, WA2,924 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
Used to visit this place back in the 1970's and 1980's. Nothing much has changed in all of those years. There are green signs along the highway on either side, pointing it out. At the base of the place is a tiny parking lot. From there, is a narrow, steep road , almost, but not quite, a one lane. A short ways up it becomes a one way loop. There is an adequate parking lot at the top. Campers, RV's, and the like are not allowed up the hill.
At the top, it is self guided. You are at the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Superior. There are trails wandering off along the cliff as well as in the "woods." If you have kids, keep them *next to you!* This place is a sheer cliff drop off and there are no fences or rails, or any barriers by the cliff edge, other than one small wall near a cliff edge close to the parking lot. It is dangerous if you are close to the edge and are not paying attention.
If you visit at the right time of year, there are lots of wild blueberry plants along the trails.
Again, I cannot stress enough, do not let your kids wander around away from you at this location.
At the top, it is self guided. You are at the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Superior. There are trails wandering off along the cliff as well as in the "woods." If you have kids, keep them *next to you!* This place is a sheer cliff drop off and there are no fences or rails, or any barriers by the cliff edge, other than one small wall near a cliff edge close to the parking lot. It is dangerous if you are close to the edge and are not paying attention.
If you visit at the right time of year, there are lots of wild blueberry plants along the trails.
Again, I cannot stress enough, do not let your kids wander around away from you at this location.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moondoggie3
17 contributions
May 2023
While there is no shortage of pictures of the area, they pale in comparison to the view in real life! This is definitely not the place for strollers, unattended children, or dogs. The only real downside is that there is very limited parking at the top, and sometimes people will try to have a wedding up there on the most beautiful Saturday of the year. Plus if you're really adventurous you can be one of those people who rappel down and climb back up.
Written May 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jan
Ashland, WI9 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We are in our early 70's and hike our parks in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota often. We live in the Southshore of Lake Superior. We visit the Northshore often.
Palisade Park is a beautiful park. We visited it twice this fall. There is a roadsign on the highway it is located past Splitrock, North of SilverBay on just off Hwy 61. You can put it in your Map app.
It is important to know, the road up to the "lookout" from the highway is open to the top. Very narrow, steep one lane road With a parking lot at the top to park approximely 10 or so cars.
The road up is closed in the winter. You can park in a small lot next the highway, and hike up. It is a steep road that's not plowed. Depending on conditions, snowshoes, cleats and walking sticks should be considered.
At the top, it is beautiful, but inorder to see the cliffs. You must traverse a steep rocky access to the next lower level. There aren't signs or railings to that level. But there is a stacked wall to protect viewers. From there, you can see the steep beautifull cliffs.
Be careful! You will see other hikers hike along the edge. You are on your own. People have died.
We feel very sure-footed but on our last visit, I fell for the first time trying to negotiate the lower viewing platform. I wasn't hurt only bruised.
Truly, one of the best views from the North Shore.
Palisade Park is a beautiful park. We visited it twice this fall. There is a roadsign on the highway it is located past Splitrock, North of SilverBay on just off Hwy 61. You can put it in your Map app.
It is important to know, the road up to the "lookout" from the highway is open to the top. Very narrow, steep one lane road With a parking lot at the top to park approximely 10 or so cars.
The road up is closed in the winter. You can park in a small lot next the highway, and hike up. It is a steep road that's not plowed. Depending on conditions, snowshoes, cleats and walking sticks should be considered.
At the top, it is beautiful, but inorder to see the cliffs. You must traverse a steep rocky access to the next lower level. There aren't signs or railings to that level. But there is a stacked wall to protect viewers. From there, you can see the steep beautifull cliffs.
Be careful! You will see other hikers hike along the edge. You are on your own. People have died.
We feel very sure-footed but on our last visit, I fell for the first time trying to negotiate the lower viewing platform. I wasn't hurt only bruised.
Truly, one of the best views from the North Shore.
Written November 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NANCY B
Champlin, MN3,021 contributions
Sep 2020
First visit ever hear to Palisade Head. Beautiful views of Lake Superior. Parking is challenging at the top of the park including no handicap parking. But if you can find parking it is well worth the drive up!
Written September 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
When does Palisade Head Open after season for the top viewpoint? And how high is the highest viewpoint one can access by walking, for picnicing, viewing, and pictures?
Written January 16, 2018
Is the road closure based on when the first snowflakes fly? Or does it close by a specific date?
Written September 25, 2017
efc923
Shoreview, Minnesota
Does anyone know the grade percentage of the road leading to the top of Palisade Head along the North Shore of Lake Superior in MN?
Written February 7, 2017
Hi efc923, I think it's a 15 to 20 degree angle.
Written February 7, 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing