Minnesota in the midwestern US shares boundaries with Canada in the north and Lake Superior in the south. About 10,000 lakes and water bodies constitute major landscapes in the state. There are many waterfalls in Minnesota surrounding urban and rural areas. Interestingly, some waterfalls have contributed majorly as a power source to mills and trade. These waterfalls range from St Anthony to Great Portage Park, and the journey through these paths is a real adventure and treat to the eyes.
How many waterfalls are in Minnesota?
Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 lakes; however, it also has hundreds of waterfalls. There is no specific number of waterfalls, but at least 100 awesome waterfalls offer different avenues of adventure and views. Gooseberry State Falls Waterpark offers spectacular views, whereas St Anthony Falls, Minnehaha Falls, Ramsey falls, and Hidden Falls are some of the best and most popular waterfalls in Minnesota.
What is the highest waterfall in Minnesota?
High Falls on Pigeon River is the highest waterfall in Minnesota and is close to the Canadian borders. The river gushes through its spectacular gorges and adds to the drama of the landscape. High Falls has a height of 120 feet and is the highest in the US. The trails leading to the waterfall provide relevant information about the geography, flora, and fauna around the falls.
Most people want to know how many waterfalls in Minnesota are available for public access. The answer is many.
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12 Amazing Waterfalls in Minnesota
Waterfalls in Minnesota emit beautiful and charming vibes, and there are hundreds of such waterfalls here. Listed below are 12 amazing waterfalls in Minnesota with detailed reviews. Read on to learn more about Minnesota’s natural attractions.
1. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls is about 53 feet in height and is close to the city. Winters are harsh in Minnesota, and formations of icicles are common. The views from these falls are spectacular and gorgeous. The smaller and more secluded Falls are at a riverside park in St Paul. Moreover, Minnehaha Falls are known as Little Falls or Brown Falls. Besides this, Waterfalls in northern Minnesota are more attractive and flow at high intensities.
The best season to visit Minnehaha Falls is during winter when the water freezes over.
Hiking, biking, and renting a bike are popular activities near the falls. There is a famous patio Sea Salt Eatery for quick bites and lunches.
The Falls is near 4825 Minnehaha Ave S, Minneapolis, MN55417.
Do you have to pay to get into Minnehaha Falls?
Yes, one needs to pay to enter Minnehaha Falls. State Park’s daily entrance fees are $7 and $35 for an annual pass.
How much does it cost to get into Minnehaha Falls?
Most of the sites in Minnehaha Falls are free, but daily charges of $7 are required to enter the Park. The annual pass charge is $35.
2. Hidden Falls, St Paul
Hidden Falls is a smaller and secluded waterfall set in a riverside park at St Paul near Minnehaha falls. With a height of 100 feet, the waterfall is situated in Hidden Falls Regional Park. It is perfect for individuals who prefer serenity and tranquility over crowds and bustle. There are seven miles of trails, and the falls can be dry during times of the year. This is one of the hidden waterfalls in Minnesota.
The best time to visit Hidden Falls is after the rains and in spring.
Hiking, swimming, and camping are the primary activities. Restrooms, changing rooms, and eateries are available for tourists visiting the Falls.
The location is near Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls, Dr. Saint Paul, MN 55116.
How do you find Hidden Falls, St.Paul?
The Hidden falls is a popular waterfall along the shores of the Mississippi River in St Paul. The trails leading to the waterfall are of moderate difficulty.
How long is Hidden Falls hike?
The Hidden Falls is a 100 feet long cascading waterfall located in a remote area near Minnehaha Falls.
3. Ramsey Falls
Ramsey Falls of Little Yellowstone has many vital attractions to check out. The waterfalls fall over rock, dropping from a height of 100 feet. The 8-mile round trip is strenuous and challenging. The Park attracts a lot of families as it is a two-hour drive from the city.
Spring or Fall is the best time to visit Ramsey Falls. The campground is open from May to September, and Ramsey falls is one of the best hikes in Minnesota.
Campground, zoo, and museum are other attractions near Ramsey falls. Parking facilities are available for tourists and hikers.
Ramsey Falls is near 99 E Oak Street, Redwood Falls, MN 56283. It is 100 miles to the southwest of Minneapolis.
Is Ramsey Falls good for kids?
The hike to Ramsey Falls is strenuous and challenging but not recommended for kids. However, Alexander Ramsey Park is a popular destination for families.
What restaurants are near Alexander Ramsey Park?
Dari King, Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant and Cosseta’s Italian market, and Pizzeria are popular restaurants near Alexander Ramsey Park.
4. Wolf Creek Falls, MN
Wolf Creek Falls is situated near Sandstone in Banning State Park. The waterfall is very impressive and is just half a mile from the Park. The falls are picturesque and worth visiting, popular by different names like “Blueberry’s Slide”, “Dragon’s Tooth”, and Hell’s Gate. There is a more adventurous route from Robinson Park.
Minnesota’s cost of living is affordable. To know more about other lifestyle costs, read Minnesota’s cost of living.
Spring and summer is the best time to visit Wolf Creek Falls in Umpqua National Forest, as the trails become wet and slippery during other months.
Hiking, nature viewing, and picnicking are things to do in Red Wing, Minnesota. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead and accommodations along the Little River Road.
How long is Wolf Creek Falls trail?
Wolf Creek Falls Trail is about 1.2 miles long and picturesque with diverse flora and fauna.
Can you swim in Wolf Creek?
Yes, one can swim in Wolf Creek Lake. The lake is popular amongst boaters, anglers, and swimmers. Wolf Creek Lake is connected to Tennessee Lake.
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5. Gooseberry Falls, Gooseberry State Park
Gooseberry Falls is located north of Lake Superior and in the State Park. There are about five waterfalls in Gooseberry State Park, heaven for all waterfall lovers. Other than this, the Park covers 1600 acres and has over 20 different trails of varying difficulties. Swimming and camping are primary activities in Gooseberry State Park. Moreover, during weekends, the fall receives the most crowd.
The best time to visit Gooseberry Falls is spring, as the forests are high in habituation and in full bloom.
There are restroom facilities, restaurants, and parking spaces from Beaver Bay to Gooseberry State Park.
Gooseberry Falls is located 13 miles northeast of Two Harbours in Gooseberry State Park in Minnesota’s Lake County.
How much does it cost to get into Gooseberry Falls?
Annual permits of Gooseberry Falls cost around $35. The entry fee is $7 throughout the week, and camping charges are separate.
How long of a hike is gooseberry Falls?
The hike to Gooseberry Falls is about 2 miles long, taking about 30-40 minutes to cover the trail.
6. High Falls, Tettegouche State Park
The High Falls is on the Baptism River and is situated in Tettegouche State Park. There are two trails to reach the waterfall; the shorter trail is just a mile and a half long. The falls are 100 feet in height and are among the highest waterfalls in the state. Ideal for a visit in summers as the trails get flooded during other times. Two-Step falls is very near To High Falls in the State Park.
The best time to visit High Falls is after heavy rains and spring.
Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior and Silver bay, the falls are a popular tourist destination for activities like hiking, picnicking, swimming, and camping. There are basic facilities available for the tourists.
The exact location of this park is situated near Silver Bay in Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota.
How do you get to High Falls, Tettegouche State Park?
High Falls is located along the Baptism River in Minnesota’s Lake County near Silver Bay. One can reach the park in private or public transportation via roads.
How long is the trail at High Falls State Park?
The High Falls State Park trail is 1.4 miles in length for a round-trip excursion and takes about 50 minutes to complete.
7. High Falls, Pigeon River, Grand Portage State Park
High Falls is situated on the Pigeon River and Grand Portage State Park. The waterfall is 120 feet in height and is the highest waterfall in the US. The waterfall shares boundaries with Canada. It is located near the entrance of the Park. There are many observation points to choose from. The land of the State Park has been leased by Chippewa Indians on the condition that it will always remain a State Park.
These waterfalls can be visited throughout the year. The trails are ideal for hiking in summers and snowboarding or skiing in winters.
Restrooms, restaurants, and changing facilities are in place along the falls. There are observation and visitor decks too.
The exact location of High Falls is in MN-61, Grand Portage State Park, MN 66601.
How long is the hike to High Falls Grand Portage?
The trail to High Falls Grand Portage in Minnesota is about 1.1 miles long for a roundtrip, and it takes about 25 minutes to complete the trek.
8. Minneopa Falls
Minneopa Falls is a 40 feet high waterfall in Minneopa State Park with around 4 miles of trail to hike and surpass. The falls are at the southern end of the Park, and admission fees require for entry. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and nature lover, Minneopa Falls is your place. To know more about Minnesota and other attractions, read articles on the move to Minnesota.
Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit the Minneopa Falls, as summers can dry the water up.
A bison reserve is an additional attraction in the Park. However, only basic facilities and services are available for tourists. But the good news is parking grounds are available.
Minneopa Falls is near 54497 gadwall Road, Mankato, MN 56001.
Can you swim in Minneopa Falls?
Yes, one can swim around in the waters of Minneopa Falls. The waterfall’s flow is not intense and perfect for an ideal swim or dip. Try swimming in Minneopa Falls to experience leisure and fun.
How much does it cost to get into Minneopa State Park?
Annual permits cost around $35, an entry fee of about $7 per person, and camping fees are separate.
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9. Minnemishinona Falls, North Mankota
These falls in North Mankota were privately owned before the County authorities took over its administration. The waterfall has a height of 42 feet ad falls over gorges to converge into the Minnesota River. Plans are on to improve the infrastructure of the falls. If one prefers tranquility and serenity, Minnemishinona Falls is the place one must surely visit.
The months from May to October are ideal for visiting this waterfall in North Mankota.
No other facilities are available near these Falls. The park is free and open to the public.
The exact location of these Falls is near 40923 Judson Bottom Road, Mankota, MN 56003.
What restaurants are near Minnemishinona Falls?
Mom & Pop’s, Pub 500, The Boulder Taphouse, and Ally’s Bistropops are popular restaurants near Minnemishinona Falls.
10. Cascade Falls, MN
Cascade Falls in Cascade River State Park is a 22-acre park situated in the volcanic region formed billions of years ago. There is a descent of 900 feet on a three-mile-long river flowing into Lake Superior. Cascade Falls is about 30 feet in height, and there are trails on both sides forming a loop. Therefore, it comes under the category of a popular swimming hub.
The best time to visit Cascade Falls is after rains and in spring.
Campsite facilities are available. Children’s playground, tennis courts, Olympic pools, restrooms, and restaurants are other facilities available in the State Park. Above all, the parking is open to the public.
The exact location of these falls is near Manitou River, George Crosby Manitou State Park, MN.
What is there to do in Cascade Falls?
There are plenty of amenities for outdoor activities, as Cascade Falls is a great destination for swimming and hiking.
Can you swim at Cascade Falls?
Yes, one can swim at Cascade Falls. Swimming is the most popular activity at Cascade Falls. People across all age groups swim in the waters of Cascade Falls for leisure and fun.
11. Vermillion Falls, Hastings
Vermillion Falls is situated in modern downtown Hastings, having a height of 35 feet. It is one of the most popular attractions in Minnesota. Vermillion River is a 59.6-mile-long river flowing through the countries of Scott and Dakota into the Mississippi River.
Vermilion falls once provided power to local factories. The views are spectacular and attract bikers, walkers, and cyclists to explore the surrounding region and trails. Besides this, you can also visit Ardent Mill’s Facility as it is closest to Vermilion Falls.
Summer is the best time to visit Vermillion Falls in Hastings.
There are parks and other basic facilities near Vermillion Falls in Hastings.
The location of Vermillion Falls is near Highway 61 off 21st Street East, Minnesota. It is approximate 30 miles to the northeast of Orr, MN.
Is Vermillion Falls Park good for kids?
Yes, Vermillion Falls Park is good for kids with paved trails for dog walking and biking. The lush green playgrounds and lawns attract families for picnics on weekends.
12. Devil’s Kettle, Judge C.R. Magney State Park
As the name suggests, Devil Kettle is a mysterious waterfall on the Brule River, situated in Judge C.R. Magney State Park. The water flows into a pool that does not fill up, and there are no signs of water escaping. This mysterious phenomenon has given the name of “Devil’s Kettle” to the Fall.
The mystery was solved by the Department of Natural resources. Actually, the geological phenomenon was due to optical illusion. Plus, the trails are scenic with many exploration points.
The best time to visit Devil’s kettle is during Minnesota’s hiking season.
Located on the Northshore of Lake Superior, there are several places to hike in Magney State Park. However, there are no other facilities available.
The location of Devil’s Kettle is near Judge Magney State Park on Brule River, MN. The hike is about a mile long.
Can you swim in the Devil’s Kettle?
Yes, one can swim in the Devil’s Kettle waterfalls. The waterfall flows into a small pool; the flow is not intense and is ideal for a casual swim. Also, Devil’s Kettle is known for its optical illusion and mysterious geological phenomena.
What is the mystery of the Devil’s Kettle?
The geological phenomenon of the water flowing into the pool and not filing it up with no means of water escape is the mystery of Devil’s Kettle; it is due to optical illusion.
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Conclusion
Minnesota is home to around 10,000 lakes and innumerable waterfalls. Now that you have learned about these waterfalls in detail, what are your views on them? Every waterfall has a unique characteristic attached to it. Because of Minnesota’s access to outdoor spaces, waterfalls, and other landscapes, the quality of life in Minnesota is of a high standard.
Explore the waterfalls of Minnesota to cherish the region’s natural landscapes and experience the real beauty of Minnesota.
When you visit the mentioned places, check their opening hours online or call on the respective number to avoid further confusion.
That’s it for all! Happy touring!
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