State Park · Minnesota
Jay Cooke State Park
- Location
- Carlton County, Minnesota
- Nearest town
- 4.2 miles south of Esko
- Type
- State Park
About Jay Cooke State Park
A rocky, 13-mile gorge cuts through the western half of the park, formed by the lower reaches of the Saint Louis River. The river's rapids here forced Native American and early European canoe travelers onto the demanding Grand Portage rather than paddling through, since the waterway served as a connecting route between the Mississippi River system and the Great Lakes. The park ranks among the ten most visited state parks in Minnesota.
Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.
Getting there
Jay Cooke State Park is in Carlton County, Minnesota, 4.2 miles south of Esko. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.
State parks near Jay Cooke State Park
Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 73 in Minnesota →
Pattison State ParkState Park · Douglas County, WI13 miSE
Amnicon Falls State ParkState Park · Douglas County, WI21 miE
Moose Lake State ParkState Park · Carlton County, MN24 miSW- Moose Lake State Recreation AreaState Recreation Area · Carlton County, MN24 miSW
Savanna Portage State ParkState Park · Aitkin County, MN41 miW
Banning State ParkState Park · Pine County, MN42 miSW
St. Croix State ParkState Park · Pine County, MN48 miS- Gooseberry Falls State ParkState Park · Lake County, MN53 miNE
Split Rock Lighthouse State ParkState Park · Lake County, MN58 miNE
Towns near Jay Cooke State Park
Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.