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A local’s guide to the best Minnesota waterfalls
A beautiful rainbow below the majestic High Falls at Grand Portage State Park – a waterfall that calls three nations home – Grand Portage Tribal Lands, the U.S., and Canada.It’s sometimes called Minnesota’s Niagara.
Minnesota – land of 11,842 lakes – is also home to many spectacular waterfalls. How many? Well, that depends on the day and the weather. It’s not uncommon to see pop-up waterfalls in Minnesota – especially along theNorth Shore of Minnesota. Here is a local’s guide and FAQs on the best and prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota.
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The popular Gooseberry Falls State Park is home to four different waterfalls – located on the North Shore of Minnesota.
Do you love chasing waterfalls? Then you’ll love this guide to some of the best and prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota.
Frequently asked questions about Minnesota waterfalls
One of the prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota: Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, MN
How many waterfalls are there in Minnesota?
A lot. Minnesota features many waterways, rivers, streams, creeks, gorges. When the ice and snow melt in late spring, it’s not uncommon for waterfalls and cascades to pop-up temporarily. The Visit Cook County tourism office calls them phantom falls. So this guide focuses on the best and most popular waterfalls in Minnesota that you can typically see year-round.
What are the best falls in Minnesota?
Gooseberry Falls State Park is the most popular state park in Minnesota. And the falls are easy access.
All of them. That’s because every Minnesota waterfall and cascade sparkles with its own special something. The most popular state park in Minnesota is Gooseberry Falls State Park. One of the biggest draws is not because of a waterfall. But maybe because there are four waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Local’s tip: To avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting Gooseberry Falls in February. Yes, February. The waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park are frozen into a magical winter wonderland. And you will have the park nearly to yourself. Great parking! But make sure to wear snow hiking boots with crampons. It is icy!
This capture of the frozen waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls State Park is near the same spot as where the image above was taken during early summer.
We also stopped by Gooseberry State Park at the end of August last year around 4 p.m. And we only saw a few other cars in the parking lot. Typically, the lots and overflow parking lots are full. And people are parking along the drive. Granted, we were experiencing a drought so that may have been why we nearly had the park to ourselves.
What’s the prettiest waterfall in Minnesota?
Ramsey Falls at Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls, Minnesota is known as Little Yellowstone.It’s one of the prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota – and is worth the drive from the Twin Cities.
I think every waterfall in Minnesota is pretty. Here is a list of a few of my favorites.
Caribou Falls; Caribou Falls State Wayside; Silver Bay, Minn.
St. Anthony Falls; downtown Minneapolis, Minn. on the Mississippi River
What’s the tallest waterfall in Minnesota?How tall is the highest waterfall in Minnesota?
Dropping from 120 feet,High Falls in Grand Portage State Park is the tallest waterfall in Minnesota.
The claim for the tallest waterfall in Minnesota goes to two different waterfalls by the same name.
High Falls at Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage, Minn. plunges 120 feet into Pigeon River. However, this unique state park in Minnesota is also located on Grand Portage tribal lands and High Falls also falls across the international border of Canada.
The other High Falls, located at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minn. is 100 feet tall – and is the tallest waterfall that falls completely within the state of Minnesota.
What’s the best month to see waterfalls in Minnesota? When is the best time to see waterfalls in Minnesota? What’s the best season for waterfalls in Minnesota?
At the top of High Falls at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minnesota – one of the best waterfalls in the fall.
The best time to see the most beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota is any month, any season. Yes. Even in the winter. See my related post: Epic guide to frozen waterfalls in Minnesota.
In the spring, you’ll experience some of the most powerful cascades as all that snow and ice melts.
Beat the summer heat with the spray of Minnesota’s waterfalls. Although late last summer, Minnesota experienced a drought. It was so odd to see dry beds where powerful cascades typically rush by.
Willow Falls; Willow River State Park; Hudson, Wisc. (It’s just across the Mississippi – only 30 minutes from the Twin Cities)
See my related post: Best hiking trails within 50 miles of the Twin Cities.
What waterfalls are located on the North Shore in Minnesota?
Kettle Falls – a unique waterfall where the Brule River splits between volcanic rock – one half plunges 50 feet into a pool while the other half of the cascade disappears into a pothole.
Tischer Creek Waterfall; Congdon Park Trail; Duluth, Minn.
Cascades Waterfall, High Falls, Two-Step Falls; Tettegouche State Park; Two Harbors, Minn.
Lower, Middle, Upper, and Fifth Falls (yes…four waterfalls!); Gooseberry Falls State Park; Two Harbors, Minn.
Caribou River Waterfall; Caribou State Wayside Park; Silver Bay, Minn.
Cascades of the Manitou River; George Crosby Manitou State Park; Silver Bay, Minn. (note: this park and waterfall is pretty remote and the park is not directly off from the North Shore/Highway 61; however, it is worth the drive and hike)
Upper Falls and Devil’s Kettle; Judge C.R. Magney State Park; Grand Marais, Minn. [Tip: If you love cardio, you’ll love this trail as it features 175 stairs to reach both waterfalls – don’t underestimate the one-mile trail there and one-mile back; plan a couple of hours).
Which waterfalls are easy to get to in Minnesota? Shortest trails to waterfalls in Minnesota?Where are the best family-friendly, kid-friendly, short hikes to waterfalls in Minnesota?
St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. This waterfall, part of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, is easy to walk to and offers great views from the historic Stone Arch Bridge. You can access this bridge from Father Hennepin Bluff Park or Mill Ruins Park.
To get up close and personal to St. Anthony Falls, you can take a trail off from the historic St. Anthony Main Street.
Here is a list of some of the easiest waterfalls to access (e.g., short walk or hike) in Minnesota. These are perfect for family hikes with children who want to see waterfalls. See my related post: Easy waterfall hiking trails in Minnesota.
Cannon Falls; Cannon Falls, Minn.
Caron Falls; Caron Park; Northfield, Minn.
Hidden Falls; Hidden Falls Regional Park; St. Paul, Minn.
Hidden Falls; Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; Nerstrand, Minn.
Winnewissa Falls; Pipestone National Monument; Pipestone, Minn.
Wolf Creek Falls and Big Spring Falls; Banning State Park; Sandstone, Minn.
Why are some of Minnesota’s waterfalls brown (i.e., look like root beer)?
Many of Minnesota’s waterfalls feature a brownish hue – and what many call root beer. It’s all natural – the brown comes from tannins – natural compounds found in trees and especially if the river flows through a swampy area.
Pin it for later – best Minnesota waterfalls tour guide
A local’s guide to the best waterfalls in MinnesotaChasing waterfalls in Minnesota
Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese.
Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller
65 comments
I must admit that I love to chase waterfalls. In all seasons and flow conditions they will mesmerize me. I am definitely going to have to plan a visit to Minnesota to enjoy some of these gems! A great reason to wander around the state for a few weeks.
Wow! I never realized how many waterfalls are in Minnesota! They all look so beautiful especially Ramsey Falls. I would never have thought to visit in the winter but that would be so cool to see them frozen! Can’t wait to visit Minnesota one day!
We do have quite a few beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. I especially love Ramsey Falls – a recent discovery for me. And you would love the frozen waterfalls in winter…so magical!
These waterfalls in Minnesota are spectacular! There are so many huge and dramatic waterfalls to admire! I’d especially love to visit High Falls and Minnehaha Falls – they look incredible! Thanks for the great guide!
So many Waterfalls to chase in Minnesota! I love to visit Minnesota in Autumn but winter I can see also holds beauty. What a great resource and a Waterfall or 2 I have not visited yet.
These are some epic waterfalls. Where I live is also somewhere you end up with “pop up” waterfalls depending on the weather, but I never really see frozen waterfalls. They look so pretty, would definitely like to see some of these in the winter
Thank you! I only discovered frozen waterfalls for myself two seasons ago. I was really missing out. We have so many beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota in every season.
Not surprised to hear that Gooseberry Falls State Park is the most popular state park in Minnesota with its easily accessible waterfalls. I’d certainly make sure to visit when in the area.
Wow! I never would have guessed these were all in Minnesota! I’m trying to make my way to all 50 states, so I will definitely be sure to check out at least one of these beauties when I check off Minnesota.
I have enjoyed travelling to places with waterfalls for years. Hawaii and Costa Rica have some stunning waterfalls but I had no idea Minnesota had so many. Fabulous post and great information. Th photos make me want to get there soon.
Thank you so much! I hope you get the opportunity to check out all the beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. I’ve been to Hawaii and admired the waterfalls there.
I think the Minnehaha falls and the Kettle Falls are spectacular. I would love to spend a week or two hiking around looking for the best waterfalls in Minnesota.
I know you would love taking a waterfall tour around Minnesota. Minnehaha Falls is super accessible and I love Devil’s Kettle because it has a rigorous trail with 175 steps.
I LOVE chasing waterfalls. Thank you for breaking these down into lists too by area and state parks – so helpful for planning! I’d love to see both High Falls locations, stunning.
Ramsey Falls is so beautiful! I also loved the picture of the frozen waterfall. That was so neat! I’d love to visit some of these gorgeous waterfalls. Thank you for sharing!
It’s interesting seeing the Gooseberry Falls State Park in different seasons. The waterfall is so different in the summer and winter. It looks like it is worth visiting in both seasons.
Thank you! I love seeing the waterfalls in Minnesota in different seasons. Gooseberry Falls also looked quite different late last summer during a drought where it was a trickle.
I must admit to not usually chasing waterfalls, but these beauties in Minnesota are stunning. I particularly like the wiggling path of Kettle Falls – there’s something wild about them.
I love waterfalls! These look super scenic! The best waterfalls I’ve seen were in Iceland but also these ones are impressive! I would love to visit in the future!
These are so pretty! I’ve only been to Minneapolis, but now I’m inspired to return to Minnesota and check out the nature side of things. Beautiful pictures!
Water falls are my weakness i love them so much. I can watch falling water for hours and hours. I feel so relax and like all my troubles and worries are flowing with it
I must admit that I love to chase waterfalls. In all seasons and flow conditions they will mesmerize me. I am definitely going to have to plan a visit to Minnesota to enjoy some of these gems! A great reason to wander around the state for a few weeks.
I love chasing waterfalls also. And so many beautiful falls in Minnesota.
I love waterfalls too. I think High Falls is my favorite on your list of best Minnesota Waterfalls.
High Falls at Grand Portage State Park is one of the best waterfalls in Minnesota. It’s so majestic and also the state’s tallest waterfall.
These are all gorgeous! I had no idea that Minnesota had so many amazing waterfalls. I totally agree with you that Ramsey Falls is especially pretty!
Thank you! We do have some beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. I especially love Ramsey Falls.
Wow! I never realized how many waterfalls are in Minnesota! They all look so beautiful especially Ramsey Falls. I would never have thought to visit in the winter but that would be so cool to see them frozen! Can’t wait to visit Minnesota one day!
We do have quite a few beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. I especially love Ramsey Falls – a recent discovery for me. And you would love the frozen waterfalls in winter…so magical!
These waterfalls in Minnesota are spectacular! There are so many huge and dramatic waterfalls to admire! I’d especially love to visit High Falls and Minnehaha Falls – they look incredible! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you and my pleasure. I love both of those waterfalls – two of the best falls in Minnesota.
Absolutely checking these out this Spring/Summer!!
Awesome! Love chasing waterfalls in Minnesota in the spring and summer.
I love waterfalls! I’m heading to Minneapolis and Duluth in June, I’ll have to try and check out some of these waterfalls while I’m there.
Awesome! Lots of waterfalls to enjoy in Minnesota!
So many Waterfalls to chase in Minnesota! I love to visit Minnesota in Autumn but winter I can see also holds beauty. What a great resource and a Waterfall or 2 I have not visited yet.
So many beautiful waterfalls to chase in Minnesota. I love them in all seasons.
These are some epic waterfalls. Where I live is also somewhere you end up with “pop up” waterfalls depending on the weather, but I never really see frozen waterfalls. They look so pretty, would definitely like to see some of these in the winter
Thank you! I only discovered frozen waterfalls for myself two seasons ago. I was really missing out. We have so many beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota in every season.
Fabulous!! There are soooo many good waterfalls in Minnesota! I can see why you love hiking there so much Karen!
I feel like once you have seen all these good’uns, you’ll be in danger of being unimpressed by waterfalls in other states!!
Thank you! We do have some beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota…and looking forward to hiking to more this year.
I always love hiking trails that have waterfalls on them. Thanks for sharing this great guide – it’ll be helpful when I head to Minnesota!
I love hiking to scenic waterfalls in Minnesota also. Hope you get the opportunity to visit our beautiful state.
Not surprised to hear that Gooseberry Falls State Park is the most popular state park in Minnesota with its easily accessible waterfalls. I’d certainly make sure to visit when in the area.
That’s awesome! I know you would love Gooseberry Falls and all the other beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota.
Wow! I never would have guessed these were all in Minnesota! I’m trying to make my way to all 50 states, so I will definitely be sure to check out at least one of these beauties when I check off Minnesota.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy your visit to Minnesota and all our beautiful waterfalls.
I have enjoyed travelling to places with waterfalls for years. Hawaii and Costa Rica have some stunning waterfalls but I had no idea Minnesota had so many. Fabulous post and great information. Th photos make me want to get there soon.
Thank you so much! I hope you get the opportunity to check out all the beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. I’ve been to Hawaii and admired the waterfalls there.
Definitely on my list this summer/fall. Have friends I really want to visit.
Awesome! I hope you enjoy chasing waterfalls when visiting Minnesota.
Will definitely be doing a little waterfall chasing when we make it out to Minnesota! They look incredible!
Thank you! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota and all our beautiful waterfalls.
I think the Minnehaha falls and the Kettle Falls are spectacular. I would love to spend a week or two hiking around looking for the best waterfalls in Minnesota.
I know you would love taking a waterfall tour around Minnesota. Minnehaha Falls is super accessible and I love Devil’s Kettle because it has a rigorous trail with 175 steps.
There are so many beautiful Waterfalls in Minnesota! This would be a fun trip visiting all of them!
It’s so fun! You would love all of these beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota.
I LOVE chasing waterfalls. Thank you for breaking these down into lists too by area and state parks – so helpful for planning! I’d love to see both High Falls locations, stunning.
Thank you! So happy to hear you enjoyed this post on the best waterfalls in Minnesota.
Wow! So many beautiful waterfalls have me wanting to plan a trip to Minnesota soon! I love High Falls in Grand Portage State Park. It looks so pretty!
Awesome! I hope you get the opportunity to visit Minnesota and check out the all the beautiful waterfalls. The two High Falls are pretty spectacular.
Ramsey Falls is so beautiful! I also loved the picture of the frozen waterfall. That was so neat! I’d love to visit some of these gorgeous waterfalls. Thank you for sharing!
I thought Ramsey Falls was a hidden gem. One of the prettiest and best waterfalls in Minnesota. I love the frozen waterfalls also.
It’s interesting seeing the Gooseberry Falls State Park in different seasons. The waterfall is so different in the summer and winter. It looks like it is worth visiting in both seasons.
Thank you! I love seeing the waterfalls in Minnesota in different seasons. Gooseberry Falls also looked quite different late last summer during a drought where it was a trickle.
I must admit to not usually chasing waterfalls, but these beauties in Minnesota are stunning. I particularly like the wiggling path of Kettle Falls – there’s something wild about them.
Thank you! I really like that one also. So many beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota.
I love waterfalls! These look super scenic! The best waterfalls I’ve seen were in Iceland but also these ones are impressive! I would love to visit in the future!
I can’t wait to visit Iceland and explore their waterfalls. I do love ours here in Minnesota.
I love a good waterfall hike! If I see one on the trail map, that is always where we will head!
Same! Love trails that lead to waterfalls.
I love reading guides about waterfalls because when we travel to an area, we type in the internet the name of the area and waterfalls to go see them.
I love discovering new waterfalls. We have a lot of beautiful ones in Minnesota.
Wow! I didn’t realize Minnesota had this many waterfalls! Adding High Falls in Grand Portage State Park to my list.
So good to hear! You will love High Falls at Grand Portage State Park. It is magical.
These are so pretty! I’ve only been to Minneapolis, but now I’m inspired to return to Minnesota and check out the nature side of things. Beautiful pictures!
Awesome! I hope you get the opportunity to see the beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota.
I love being near waterfalls! This is a great list of waterfalls in Minnesota.
Me too! And thank you. Love sharing the beautiful waterfalls of Minnesota.
Water falls are my weakness i love them so much. I can watch falling water for hours and hours. I feel so relax and like all my troubles and worries are flowing with it
Waterfalls are so good for the soul. So relaxing.
I love the variety of waterfalls in Minnesota. So many to see! Great guide.
Thank you so much! So many beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota.
Oh my, I will be referencing this a bunch! I had no idea the number of waterfalls in Minnesota!
Awesome! We do have a lot of waterfalls in Minnesota!