Evening Campfire
Take a Hike
Learn to snowshoe
Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke
Archery in the Park
Scenic overlook along the hiking trail at Jay Cooke State Park
Whitewater paddling at Jay Cooke State Park
Camper cabins at Jay Cooke State Park
Tent campsites with tent pad
RV campsites at Jay Cooke State Park
Contact Information
Jay Cooke State Park
780 East Highway 210Carlton, MN 55718
About
Hike the historic Grand Portage of the St Louis River. Peer over the swinging bridge at the dramatic rocky river gorge below or pause for a moment in the pioneer cemetery. The forests and vistas make this park a hikers' and skiers' delight. 50 mi of hiking, 8 mi biking, 6 mi horse trails; 34 mi of mostly intermediate cross-country ski and 8 mi snowmobile trails that connect with the Willard Munger State Trail.
The park offers a variety of camping options including tent campsites with tent pads, RV campsites and five camper cabins. Camper cabins have bunk beds, electricity and heat, table with benches, screened porch and outdoor picnic table and campfire ring.
The park offers a variety of naturalist activities and programming year round including guided hikes, phenology and historical presentations.
Geocaching units are available for use. Snowshoes are available for rent. Firewood and ice are sold on-site.
In addition to the Swinging Bridge, other historic sites include the pioneer's cemetery, grand portage trail and several stone structures from the CCC era.
Dates
Book an online reservation 24 hours a day.Phone reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008)
Rates
Park permits: $35 annual, $26 second vehicle, $12 handicapped, or $7 daily. Camping fees are separate.
More Information
Seasonality
- Open in fall
- Open in winter
- Open in summer
On-Site Facilities & Services
- Children's programs (scheduled, supervised)
- Evening entertainment (regularly scheduled)
- Located on a lake or river
On-Site Recreation
- Bike trail
- Cross-country ski trail (groomed)
- Hiking trail
- Snowmobile trail (groomed)
- Snowshoes available
Green Practices
- Energy efficiency/conservation
- Waste reduction/reuse/recycling
Attraction Attributes
- Can accommodate groups of 45 or more
Number/Type of Campsites
- Number of camping cabins: 5
- Number of camping cabins available in winter: 5
- Total number of campsites: 113
- Total number of campsites available in winter: 12
Campground Features
- Camping accessible to people with disabilities
- Electric
- Flush toilets in campground
- Group camp facilities
- Hookups available in winter
- Hot showers in campground
- Lodge/central building
- Pets allowed in campsite
- Pull-through sites
- Sanitary dump station
- Secluded campsites
Campground Type
- State Parks Campgrounds
Accessibility Accommodations
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms
- Wheelchair-friendly inside walkways
Length of Stay
- Daily site rental
What's Nearby
Mentioned In
Fall colors at Mic Mac Lake in Tettegouche State Park / Wayne Moran
Duluth's mountain biking trails offer bird's-eye views of the city and Lake Superior below / Hansi Johnson
Get your boots dirty on a fall hike at Gooseberry Falls State Park / Micah Kvidt
Hike to the scenic overlook at Honeymoon Bluff, deep in the Superior National Forest / Roy Son
A family on fat bikes at Hidden Valley Recreation Area / Credit: Ely Area Tourism Bureau
A stop along the Superior Hiking Trail to see Bean Bear Lake / Alyssa Hei
Lake Winona summer paddlers and kayakers / Visit Winona
Magical forests and incredible hiking trails await just off the beaten path at Itasca State Park
Head down the limestone staircase to view Minneopa Falls / Jim Henderson
A couple canoeing in the BWCA / Paul Vincent
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park / Kurt Barclay, GearJunkie
A packed Bar Lurcat patio in the summer / Krivit Photography, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis