Foreseeing the strong popularity of the Gooseberry River area and Minnesota's North Shore, government officials made a push to obtain the Gooseberry property in 1933. Again, the CCC moved in to shape the area with roads and trails, park buildings, and a very large granite retaining wall. Officially, in 1937, the park was named Gooseberry Falls State Park.
The area was first placed on a map in 1670 by French explorers, but geologically, its history dates back at least two billion years when a great riff split open, sending hot lava onto the surface land. Today, the dark basaltic rock is seen where the Gooseberry River has cut a deep swath into the thick bedrock.
The most popular feature of the park is without a doubt the three tier Gooseberry Falls. Located within a short walk, the mid and lower falls are easily reached, making this one of the most visited sites along the North Shore. Campsites are available throughout the year, and the 1,675 acre park supports 18 miles of hiking trails and eight miles of mountain bike track.