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It is approximately 50 mi (80 km) long. Its upper course forms part of the Grand Portage State Park in Cook County, Minnesota and the Pigeon River Provincial Park (949 hectares) in Thunder Bay District, Ontario. Its lower course forms the northern boundary of the Grand Portage Indian Reservation. The river features a spectacular gorge with two notable waterfalls: High Falls (120 feet), the highest waterfall in Minnesota, and Middle Falls.
In the 18th century, this was an important water route for fur traders leading to Lake of the Woods and thence to western Canada. The Montreal-based North West Company had a post at Grand Portage until 1801 when difficulties with the U.S. government obliged it to relocate to the Kaministiquia River in British territory. It was extensively logged for white and red pine in the early part of the 20th century. An "outlaw" bridge was built by residents of Thunder Bay, Ontario in 1917 to permit access to Minnesota. The Canadian road leading to the customs and immigration facilities at the bridge was initially known as the "Scott Highway" after lumberman William Scott, and was designated as King's Highway 61 in 1937.
This river was named after the Passenger Pigeons which were common in this region at one time.
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