Waterfalls in Minnesota
Minnesota has some of the greatest waterfall surprises out there, including massive waterfalls in the southern plains, urban Minneapolis, and the beautiful North Shore. There are waterfalls all over the state, save for the northwest, but the majority are along the North Shore.
Southern Minnesota
Hidden Falls
Description: The first (and superior) of two "Hidden Falls" I've been to in Minnesota, this one is in Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. Really rolls off the tounge doesn't it? Anyways, I really like this park. The trail to the falls is easy, and the creek below the falls is great for wading (just look at the photos below).
Hiking Description: From the parking spot here (44.342512, -93.105251), head out on the trail headed north. It is easy walking through the Big Woods from which the park got its name. After about .3 miles you will appoach the stream on your left, and by .4 you should be above the falls. A few stairs bring you to the base. You can safely get very close to the falls. You can even reach out and touch it.
Total Mileage: 0.8 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 18, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 18, 2022
Rank: A
Minneopa State Park
Description: There are two waterfalls in Minneopa State Park, and they are right next to each other. The main falls is one of the best in the whole state, and looks great in a photo. Easy access to the main overlooks and still mostly easy access to the base.
Hiking Description: From the main parking lot at Minneopa State Park, head east on the concrete trail past the bathrooms. A few minutes of flat walking later, you will come to a very nice bridge over the creek, and see Upper Minneopa Falls to your left, and the brink of the main falls on your right. Continue on to the right and you will be able to see the large and picturesque Minneopa Falls. There is a great view once you get around some trees. If continue on the trail a short distance, it will lead down about 100 concrete stairs, and then a bridge will take you over the creek. Once across, go right, following the rough and sometimes rugged trail to the base of the falls. It's not too hard.
Total Mileage: ~0.3 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) for overlooks, 4/10 (Moderate) to base of main falls
Date First Visited: May 17, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 17, 2022
Rank: A+
Upper Falls
Minneopa Falls from above
Minneopa Falls from below
Ramsey Falls
Description: Ramsey Falls ia a nice waterfall that is far from any other waterfalls, but just might be worth the extra effort to get to. Once you actually get there, the falls is roadside.
Hiking Description: Roadside access. Coordinates for parking lot: (44.545537, -95.125615).
Total Mileage: N/A (Roadside)
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: May 17, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 17, 2022
Rank: A
Vermillion Falls
Description: Head to Hastings, and right in the middle of town is Vermillion Falls Park. Easy access to this large fall. It is in an industrila area, and the surrounding is not so pretty, but the waterfall itself is nice, and will flow well most of the year.
Hiking Description: From the parking area here (44.724390, -92.849270), head north on the sidewalk. Very quickly, you will come to the river, and there aer overlooks for the falls. Getting down to the area above the falls is pretty easy, and access to the base is pretty hard (I did not attempt).
Total Mileage: 0.1 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 1, 2021
Date Last Visited: May 1, 2021
Rank: A-
Winnewissa Falls
Description: Winnewissa Falls is closer to Sioux Falls than any other waterfalls in Minnesota, but it is a great place to visit. The park is rich in history, and is scenic if you can appriciate the little things. The trail to the falls is a loop, and it's about the same distance and difficulty regardless of which way you go, so I'd reccomend just doing the loop.
Hiking Description: The entire trail is paved, I will describe the trail in a clockwise direction. You will go through a grove of trees, and then cross the creek on the first bridge. From here, you follow along the rushing creek, past a nice rapid, and then you will be next to Lake Hiawatha. Continuing down the open trail, the creek will reemerge and you will be approaching the falls. Once you arrive at the falls, you can either keep straight on the trail to the top of the falls, which is worth a look, or go right and cross the second bridge over the creek. Continuing the loop, you will be amidst some impressive red rock bluffs. The trail will turn sharp right and leave the bluffs, and the final quarter mile back to the visitor center is pretty uninteresting. Parking coordinates: (44.012888, -96.325558).
Total Mileage: 0.8 mile loop
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 17, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 17, 2022
Rank: A
Twin Cities Area
Hidden Falls
Description: The second Hidden Falls in Minnesota is a small falls in Minneapolis. Easy access in a scenic locale, but don't expect much water. Be sure to visit the more impressive Minnehaha Falls very close by, and if you just love low-flow waterfalls, Shadow Falls is also close (not documented on here however).
Hiking Description: Park at this lot here (44.908726, -93.193546). Walk north following the road on the paved hike and bike path. Shortly, you will see some rock stairs going down on your right. Follow these stairs, keeping right at an immediate split. Continue down a solid hundred stairs, and you will end at the very small creek at a T intersection. Go left and the falls are just up the hill. Note that the photo taken was after a lot of rain, and even still it wasn't flowing much. In fact, I waded across the stream, and the deepest spot was ONE inch deep only.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: October 14, 2023
Date Last Visited: October 14, 2023
Rank: B+
Minnehaha Falls
Description: Minnehaha Falls is one of the greatest waterfalls in Minnesota, and it's right in the middle of the biggest city: Minneapolis. Minnehaha Falls Park is always crowded, but most people don't go far from the parking lot. It is an easy sidewalk trail to the overlook, and about a hundred concrete stairs take you to the base and the Lower Glen. There is an electronic pay system here, and you pay for the amount of hours you plan to spend there. When I was here most recently in October, it was $1.50 an hour, so very reasonable. I think it's higher in the summer. There are self-pay stations that take coins or card. No bills. You will need to know your license plate number to register (just take a photo when you leave your car). Note that the photo taken "from below" is from an area that is technically restricted, and is considered trespassing, but lots of people (including myself) cross through on this bootpath. If you're not for that, good views can still be had from the official trails!
Hiking Description: The closest parking lot is here (44.916993, -93.211623), but you may want to pick one of the many other ones since they won't be as busy. In any case, head towards the large building (that's the Sea Salt Restaurant), and go around it, and the falls overlook is just beyond. There will likely be a cluster of people there to confirm you're in the right place. Once you've had your fill here, head left just a bit, and you should see a cut in the rock wall where the stairs to the base begin. 100 or so stairs later and you're at the base! There is a bridge across the creek there, and many great views to be had. If you want to get out as soon as possible, head back out the way you came, but if you have the time, I would reccomend hiking some or all of the Lower Glen Trail. There's no more waterfalls, but the creek is still rough and scenic, and I found it very nice.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 1/10 (Easy) to top, 3/10 (Easy) to base
Date First Visited: May 3, 2021
Date Last Visited: October 14, 2023
Rank: A+
View from above; October, 2023
View from below; May, 2022
Wolf Creek Falls
Description: Wolf Creek Falls in Banning State Park is a gorgeous waterfall that is tricky to time just right. It will flow good most of April during the snowmelt, and even into May in a good thaw. However, the scenery here is very drab until the new greens come out and the snowmelt is long gone. I had all but given up on a rain storm powerful enough to get this falls flowing in late May, but then as I was losing hope I got my wish. Two inches of rain fell in the area, after it had already been pretty sturated by consistent rain in the weeks prior, and the falls were fantastic. The disclaimer here is that this falls will not look like this for much of the leaf-out season, so plan accordingly. Also, because of all the rain, the trail was actually flooded in spots where you would have to enter stagnent pools of water to continue on. There was no way to avoid this as either side of the trail was engulfed in swamp. I decided to just push through because I didn't drive all the way from Kansas City to be driven back by some pools of still water. Yet another point of mention is that if you hike this trail the "right way", it is upwards of 4 miles round-trip. It's all easy hiking, but there is a shorter way, that you could do that is technically prohibited, but you're unlikely to get caught. You can park at these coordinates here (46.157281, -92.853729). This is in the campground, and is reserved for campers only, but when I visited, not a single person was using this lot, and save for one guy I saw camping, the place was deserted, so I just parked here. This cuts the round-trip distance down by about half. And the final thing I should mention is that if you know anything about geography, you'll know that Banning State Park is not in southern Minnesota. I bunched it in this catagory because it's the only major waterfall north of the twin cities, but south of Duluth. It's right next to I-35 though, so it's not an inconvenient place to visit.
Hiking Description: The official trailhead is located here (46.164217, -92.839489), but an easier and shorter way of getting there starts at the campground lot here (46.157281, -92.853729). From the latter lot, head onto the short connector trail which leaves from the north side of the small lot. This will head into the forest, and immediately come to the main trail, which is the Wolf Creek Trail; go right here. After just 0.1 miles, you will junction with the Deadman Trail. Keep right, staying on the Wolf Creek Trail. From here it is very flat walking through prisine forest until 0.7, when you'll meet the High Bluff Trail. Again, continue straight on the Wolf Creek Trail. The trail starts getting rockier here, and you'll begin descending, and at 0.85, youll pass the split for the Lower Hell's Gate Trail, which you might not even see. The trail becomes less obvious here, as there are many ways to get down the small bluffs. It's actually kind of fun just picking your way down the hill any way you can. It's not hard, and you're quite close to the creek, and can hear the falls, so you shouldn't get lost. Around 0.9, you'll reach the falls, and if you continue just a bit further you can wrap around to see some other perspectives, and reach the sandy bank of the Kettle River. Very nice area!
Total Mileage: 1.8+ total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 22, 2024
Date Last Visited: May 22, 2024
Rank: A
North Shore
Nearly every subsection of this website lists waterfalls alphabetically, but since virtually everyone visiting the North Shore will be coming from Duluth (and the south in general), I've decided to list these in the order you would come across them from Duluth. Essentially, it's a list of falls from south to north, from Duluth to the Canadian border. Every waterfall listed here except for Illgen Falls is located right on Highway 61 (and even it is only a mile off on Highway 1), so if you drive all of Highway 61, you will pass every one of these, in this order.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (4+)
Description: If traveling from Duluth, Gooseberry Falls is the first significant waterfall you will come to, and it will leave an impression. If you walk the short loop to the upper, middle, and lower falls, you can see four falls in half an hour (the lower falls is seperated by an island-that's how there are four). If you're up for extra hiking, you can even head up to Fifth Falls, but I have not done that. Easy access to the "Concourse" area (where the upper, middle, and lower falls are) and free access make this a must-visit.
Hiking Description: Start at the massive parking lot here (47.139673, -91.469803). There will probably be some people here with you as this place gets busy. Head north on the paved trail, passing the large visitor center. Just past the visitor center, you'll come to a Y intersection; keep right. There are lots of trail splits coming up, but it's all well signed and easy to follow. At the next Y, go left, and then left/straight just beyond. You are now next to the river heading in a more westerly direction. You will go under the massive Highway 61 bridge over the Gooseberry River, and just beyond this you will come to a perfect view of Upper Falls. There's even a bench right there. Once you're done here, head back to the last split, and turn left, continuing to follow the river. Shortly, you will go down some stairs, and be greeted with a fantastic view of Middle Falls, the greatest falls here. You can get really close to it if you so choose, and it's pretty incredible. continuing down the trail, now directly beside the river, you will go down some more stairs to get to the left side of Lower Falls. It may be flowing weakly because the majority of the flow goes to the right side. If you want to see the lower falls on the right side, you'll want to continue down the trail about 0.2 miles, and you will see a long footbridge over the river on your left. Cross here, and then turn left, heading back upstream. After a short distance, you will cross another footbridge over a small part of the river that diverges, and once across this, you will go up a few stairs, and then come to a split in the trail. The trail to the left goes to an awesome overlook of the right side of Lower Falls, with Middle Falls behind it (photo below), and the right trail goes up about 100 stairs and continues along the river on the north side. Not many views to be had from that side, but it's worth doing if you've got the time. Once you get to the Highway 61 bridge, you can cross back over there. Lots of turns here, but you don't have to do all of this, and it's well signed, plus Google Maps has most of these trails listed.
Total Mileage: Varies, 1.1 total if you go to Upper Falls, Middle Falls, Lower Falls, and overlook of Lower and Middle Falls (reccomended)
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 2, 2021
Date Last Visited: April 30, 2024
Rank: A++
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Upper Falls
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Middle Falls
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Lower (left) Falls
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Lower (right) falls (with Middle falls in background)
West Split Rock River Falls
Description: West Split Rock River Falls is a scenic waterfall that is significantly off the radar for how close it is to Duluth on the North Shore. It is part of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, but is found in a different part of the park then where the lighthouse is located. A state park pass or paid fee is required to visit. The trail to the falls is somewhat short and easy, and you can get very close to the falls if you wish. Plan to visit early in the spring melt or after rain because this falls will dry up before many of the others on the North Shore.
Hiking Description: Start at this lot right on Highway 61 (47.182179, -91.409325). There is a paved trail heading down to the river and lake, but you want to hop on the dirt (or mud) Superior Hiking Trail Spur, which starts up a pretty steep hill. The first quarter mile or so is pretty consistent up and down walking, but then it flattens out. You will stay pretty high above the river, which is to your right. After 0.5 miles, you will come to a trail split at the Superior Hiking Trail proper. The falls is pretty much directly in front of you, but it is hidden by trees. If you go a few feet to the left, you can get to the brink of the falls, and if you go to the right, you will be led down a solid 50 wooden stairs to a large bridge over the river below. This is the West Split Rock River, and the falls is to your left, about 100 feet away. Bootpaths lead up closer to the falls for a perfect view. More falls can be found further up the trail on the main branch of the Split Rock River, but I have not visited these.
Total Mileage: 1.1 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: April 30, 2024
Date Last Visited: April 30, 2024
Rank: A-
Beaver River Falls
Description: Located at the Beaver Bay State Wayside, Beaver River Falls is a roadside waterfall that isn't terribly photogenic, but is worth a quick stop when heading up Highway 61.
Hiking Description: From the parking area here (47.259784, -91.296876), head to the sidewalk on Highway 61, and go on to the bridge for a good view.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: B+
High Falls of the Baptism River
Description: The first High Falls you'll come to from Duluth, this is a real giant that is not to be missed. At the time I visited, there were various trail closures, so I hiked in from the parking lot near the visitor center. There are a total of three ways to get there: visitor center, campground, or from Highway 1. From the visitor center is the longest, but perhaps the easiest, and that is the route I will describe. 2024 UPDATE: I recently revisted, this time during the spring thaw, and now have a photo to show the falls flowing heavily.
Hiking Description: Start at this lot just down the road from the visitor center, here (47.337618, -91.198744). The trail starts by going up a staircase, and very quickly, you will go under the Highway 61 bridge. You can see the river far below you on your left. After some stairs, the trail flattens considerably, and about a tenth of a mile past the bridge, you will come to a confusing trail split, where a sign indicated river access-go right here (away from the river). Eventually the stairs will return, but only in small amounts. The hiking is pretty easy overall. After a while, you will pass by the spur to Two Step Falls, which I did not visit. Feel free to stop in here, but there's like 200 stairs on this dead end trail. Continuing down the main trail, it's more of the same: mostly flat with some occasional stairs. Just beyond the split for Two Step Falls, you will come to another junction. Keep left here, as the trail to the right goes to the Highway 1 Trailhead. You're getting pretty close at this point, and when you reach a sign that says "High Falls Bottom 83 Steps" on your left, you've nearly made it. Head down the stairs, and it will be before you.
Total Mileage: 3.0 from visitor center
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: September 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: September 23, 2023
Rank: A
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Illgen Falls
Description: Illgen Falls is on the same river as High Falls, but upstream a few miles. Access is much quicker than for High Falls, as this is a quick tenth of a mile walk from the trailhead. This is also the only waterfall listed here for the North Shore that isn't on Highway 61. Illgen Falls is off of Highway 1.
Hiking Description: Start at the unassuming gravel pulloff here (47.358869, -91.212550), and head west on the dirt trail. You will go down some stairs, and then cross a road. This is a private driveway for the Illgen Falls Cabin. Continue across the road on the trail, going down some more stairs. Shortly, you will come to an overlook of this massive falls.
Total Mileage: 0.2 total
Difficulty: 3/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A-
Caribou Falls
#8
Description: Caribou Falls is my favorite waterfall along the North Shore, and I'm not really sure why. It's not the widest, tallest, or most powerful, but the hike to get to it is so nice, and the viewing area is so cool, and it just looks so good in a photo. The hike is easy up until the roughly 200 stairs at the end.
Hiking Description: The parking area is located here (47.464418, -91.030808). Head north on the trail, which follows the river. You will grow more distant with the river as you go, but you will still be near. After an easy 0.7 miles of hiking, begin down the long metal staircase to the viewing area. It's quite a sight from down there.
Total Mileage: 1.5 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A+
Cross RIver Falls
Description: Cross River Falls is a large waterfall directly visible from Highway 61. It is best appriciated during the snowmelt season of May to June (picture was taken in late May)
Hiking Description: Roadside access.
Total Mileage: N/A
Difficulty: 0/10 (Roadside)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A-
Temperance River Waterfalls
Description: There are many small waterfalls along this short stretch of the Temperance River. The trail is quite rocky, but it's not too bad. None of these waterfalls are very big, and they don't look all that great in a photo, but it's still a great place to explore.
Hiking Description: Park at the roadside lots here (47.554812, -90.873615). First, head down to the lowermost falls which is down a short boardwalk to the south of the highway. Interesting views to be had here. Every other waterfall is in the other direction, north across the road, so cross in the crosswalk and start up the rocky trail. Small waterfalls are bountiful four about a half a mile. Continue as far as you'd like. You can hike up either side of the river (or make a loop).
Total Mileage: Varies, up to 1.0 total
Difficulty: 4/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A
Cascade River Waterfalls (2+)
Description: There are two great waterfalls on the Cascade River, both just a short walk from the road. Better still, you can make a short loop of it by walking a trail on either side of the river.
Hiking Description: Start at the Cascade River Parking Area here (47.706894, -90.523350)-great views of Lake Superior here. Head north along the west side of the river, and you will come to the first falls at .15 miles, called "Cascade Falls". Continuing on, you will come to a fantastic overlook of "The Cascades" at 0.25. There is a nice bridge over the river here, and you can cross over and walk back on the east side of the river for some alternate views.
Total Mileage: 0.5 loop
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A
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The Cascades (second falls)
Cascade Falls (first falls)
Fall River Falls
Description: Fall River Falls is a lov-volume, but nice looking falls that is totally obscure if you're passing by. There is no parking area, and you have to cut through some grass, but it's still easy access. Allow me to explain:
Hiking Description: You're going to have to park on the shoulder of Highway 61, near these coordinates: (47.741048, -90.393025). Just to your right (south) is the Gitche Gumee Trail, which is a paved hike and bike trail. Cut through the grass to this trail, and head east, following the road. After about .15 miles, you will come to an interesting looking bridge over the Fall River, and to your left is a perfect view of the falls. The access is so easy, but there are no signs, so just mark the point.
Total Mileage: 0.3 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: May 25, 2022
Date Last Visited: May 25, 2022
Rank: A-
Brule River Waterfalls (2)
Description: The Brule River is a mighty river that keeps good flow year long, and boasts one of the most famous waterfalls on the North Shore: the Devil's Kettle. It is famous for it's disappearing stream of water (the kettle). On the way, you'll also pass Upper Falls, which is actially the lower falls, so don't get confused by that. The hike to the Kettle is a tiring one though, probably the most exhausting trek I've done anywhere in Minnesota. It's not outrageous by any means, but it'll get your blood pumping at least. More details below:
Hiking Description: Start at the large gravel parking area located here (47.819833, -90.053268), and head out on the trail on the east side of the lot. It's a wide gravel trail that leads a short distance to the Brule River. Once at the river, you will cross a large footbridge over the river. Very nice area here. Continuing on, the trail starts climbing, which you will notice is a common trend on this hike. It is mostly uphill all the way to the falls, up until the last .1 miles. Up until this point, there have been no stairs, just inclines. That's all about to change however, as you arrive at what might possibly be the longest single staircase I've ever been on. From no one point can you see the whole thing. It had to be at least 200 stairs, probably more like 300 or maybe more, but it's pretty ridiculous. There are some benches carved into the wooden staircase as you descend. Once you finally reach the bottom, the stairs aren't over, but you've made it through the worst of it. Continue on the boardwalk a short distance to see Upper Falls. This is a small, but rather scenic waterfall in an open area of the river. The best views require some moderate scrambling off the main trail, so keep that in mind. Continuing on, you'll now have to go up about 50 or so stairs to get above Upper Falls. From here, it's not far to the Devil's Kettle, which will be on the left. There is a really nice overlook that provides perfect views of the wonder. If you go just a bit further, there is another view of the Kettle. This is around where you'll want to turn back and head back. What makes this hike so strenuous is that almost none of it is flat. The vast majority of it a relentless uphill, then you go down more stairs than I can count, then you have to go UP some more stairs, AND THEN do it all in reverse to get back! It was also raining when I was here, so that wasn't helping. Overall, this is still an awesome place to see, but keep in mind that it's no cake walk.
Total Mileage: 2.0 total
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate)
Date First Visited: September 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: September 23, 2023
Rank: A+
Upper Falls
The Devil's Kettle
High Falls of the Pigeon River
Description: The second major High Falls on the North Shore, I think I like this one a bit more. I visited in September, when flow was about as weak as it gets, but it still looks amazing. I plan to visit here in the spring someday, as it looks vastly different. The hike is very easy, and is paved or boardwalks the entire half mile length. I should also mention that this waterfall is on the US/Canadian border, so half of it is actually in Ontario, but since I visited it only from the US side, I'm only documenting it here. You can hike to it from Ontario too.
Hiking Description: Start at the large and well signed parking area for Grand Portage State Park, Hop on the wide paved trail, go past the visitor center, and continue into the woods. The trail stays very flat. There are some spurs, but for the quickest route to the falls, just stay on the main paved trail. Eventually, the trail will turn to boardwalk, and start a slight incline. After a fair bit of walking on this boardwalk, you should see some stairs on your left. Head up these stairs for the first of three viewpoints. It's pretty awesome up there, let me tell you. Once you've had your fill there, head back to the boardwalk, and continue a verys hort distance to an open area at Overlook 2. This is the prime viewing area, and if you continue up the short staircase, it leads to Overlook 3. The view isn't much different up there, except you're a bit higher. No stairs are required to get to the main overlook: Overlook 2. The trail dead ends after Overlook 3, so head back the way you came.
Total Mileage: 1.0 total
Difficulty: 2/10 (Easy)
Date First Visited: September 23, 2023
Date Last Visited: September 23, 2023
Rank: A+
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