{"id":19458,"date":"2023-04-20T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-20T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/?p=19458"},"modified":"2024-02-08T06:26:18","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T12:26:18","slug":"the-best-waterfalls-in-minnesota","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/daytripper28.com\/the-best-waterfalls-in-minnesota\/","title":{"rendered":"18 Best Waterfalls in Minnesota in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Minnesota is home to some of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls in the country. With its rugged wilderness and dramatic landscapes, Minnesota is the perfect place for waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the iconic attractions to hidden gems, we\u2019ve got you covered. Some of the most magnificent waterfalls in Minnesota are along Minnesota\u2019s North Shore. But there are plenty of others around the state too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Minnesota Waterfalls in MN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most magnificent waterfalls in Minnesota are along Minnesota’s North Shore. But there are plenty of others around the state too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Most Iconic Waterfalls in MN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are the waterfalls you’ll find most people talking about. They are a must see do to the sheer volume and beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gooseberry Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gooseberry Falls is a stunning three-tiered waterfall located on the North Shore of Lake Superior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are one of the most visited in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The unique feature of Gooseberry Falls<\/a> is that it is actually a series of waterfalls, with the main falls dropping 30 feet and the upper falls dropping an additional 20 feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get there, take Highway 61 northeast from Duluth and follow the signs to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Park at the main visitor’s entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then take the short, paved trail to the waterfall, just past the main building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are wheelchair accessible. You\u2019ll be able to see it from the top of the falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no cost to see the falls as Gooseberry Falls State Park is considered a welcome center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Gooseberry<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Minnehaha Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Minnehaha Falls<\/a> is a stunning waterfall located in Minneapolis. This 53-foot waterfall falls over a limestone cliff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and there a couple trails that lead to different viewing points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One unique feature of Minnehaha Falls is the limestone caves that have formed behind the waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get there, visitors can park at the nearby lot or take the light rail and follow the signs to the falls. Parking cost a couple dollars at the pay station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are wheelchair accessible. There is a small parking fee at the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Minnehaha<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

High Falls of the Pigeon River<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Located on the Canadian border in Grand Portage State Park<\/a>, High Falls of the Pigeon River is a stunning 120-foot waterfall that is a must-see.  It is the tallest in Minnesota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are known for their impressive height and powerful roar. Visitors can feel the mist on their face as they stand on the viewing platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One unique feature of High Falls is that it\u2019s actually two waterfalls side by side, which creates a dramatic and picturesque scene. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get there, take Highway 61 as far north as you can go, without crossing the border. There is a short hike to the viewing platform, but the breathtaking view is well worth the effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are accessible to those in wheelchairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no cost to see the falls as Grand Portage State Park is considered a welcome center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Grand<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tettegouche Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tettegouche Falls has a series of stunning waterfalls in Tettegouche State Par<\/a>k. The Baptism River drops multiple times, at High Falls, Two Step Falls and Illgen Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trail to the falls is a moderate hike through the hardwood forest. Along the way, you\u2019ll pass over rocky terrain. Eventually arriving at a viewing platform that provides a stunning vantage point of the falls. You’ll get access to two sets of waterfalls on this trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to park close to the falls, you\u2019ll need a MN State Park Pass to visit, which cost $7 a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an alternative, you can park at the Parks visitor’s entrance. Because it\u2019s a state highway rest stop, you can park up front for free. It\u2019s about 1 mile hike to the first fall, and another mile to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Two<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Devil’s Kettle Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Devil’s Kettle Falls, located in Judge C.R. Magney State Park<\/a> in northern Minnesota, is a mysterious and unique waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes it so intriguing is the fact that half of the Brule River disappears into a giant pothole known as Devil\u2019s Kettle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visitors can take a hike from the parking lot to the overlook to view the falls and Devil\u2019s Kettle, or for the more adventurous, there is a challenging 1.5-mile trail that leads to the bottom of the falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a MN State Parks pass to see this one. A permit is $7 a day.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Minneopa Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This stunning waterfall cascades over a limestone cliff, dropping 39 feet into a tranquil pool below. What makes Minneopa Falls unique is the scenic bridge that spans the top of the waterfall. It creates a picturesque scene that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get to Minneopa Falls<\/a>, can park in the picnic lot, across the highway from the Bison and Campground. There is a short paved trail to the waterfall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to see the falls from below, that the stone steps down, over Minneopa Creek, and follow the trail back to the falls. it\u2019s a short walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also picnic areas, campsites, and other recreational activities available at Minneopa State Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are accessible from above by wheelchair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a MN State Parks pass to visit this park.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Minneopa<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Cascade Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cascade Falls is located in Cascade Falls State Park<\/a>. This stunning waterfall is unique because it actually consists of multiple separate cascades. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The upper cascade drops about 15 feet into a small pool, while the lower cascade drops about 25 feet into a larger pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get to Cascade Falls, you\u2019ll need to hike a short but steep trail through the forest. The trail is well-maintained but can be slippery in wet conditions, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hike to the falls is accessible from both inside the state park or outside. If you park in the State Park, it requires a parking pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to avoid the cost, there is parking outside the park along Highway 62. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Hidden Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hidden Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall located in the heart of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park<\/a>. The falls cascade down a rock face into a clear pool below, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One unique feature of this waterfall is that it\u2019s hidden away in a narrow gorge, making it feel like a secret oasis in the woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get to the falls, visitors can take a short 1 mile hike through the park\u2019s trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a MN State Parks pass to visit this park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Refreshing<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Vermilion Falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vermilion Falls<\/a> in Hastings, MN is a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls flowing over rocks and boulders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The falls are located in Vermillion Falls Park, which can be reached by taking a short walk to on the paved trail to the pavilion overlooking the falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also get to the base of the falls, by walking the trail along the stone wall. You\u2019ll find a narrow trail down to the base of the hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the falls are not particularly tall, their sheer volume and mesmerizing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The park is open year-round, with no admission fee, making it a popular spot for hiking, picnicking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Vermillion<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Temperance River State Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Temperance River Gorge Falls is a stunning set of waterfalls located in Temperance River State Park<\/a> in Minnesota. These falls are nothing but spectacular to describe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Temperance River Gorge Falls unique is the way that the water cascades over a series of jagged rocks. Each waterfall in the series has its own distinct character before it flows into Lake Superior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get to Temperance River Gorge Falls, head to Temperance River State Park, which is located on MN-61, approximately 10 miles north of Tofte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the parking area, you\u2019ll need to hike down a trail to reach the falls. The trail can be a bit steep in places, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need a MN State Parks pass to visit this park. There is also parking on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Temperance<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hidden Gems Waterfalls in MN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows about the waterfalls above, regardless if you’ve visited them all yet. But there are some lesser-known waterfalls that don’t get the fanfare they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hoo Doo Falls <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This small waterfall is located near Grand Marais on the North Shore and can be reached by hiking a short trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes Hoo Doo Falls unique is the way that the water cascades over a series of rocks, creating a stunning display of cascading waterfalls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get to Hoo Doo Falls, head to the end of the Gunflint Trail in Grand Marais, Minnesota. From there, you’ll need to hike a short distance on a well-marked trail to reach the falls. The trail can be a bit steep in places, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and take your time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you reach the falls, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the water rushing over the rocks. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery, and you may even spot some wildlife, such as birds or squirrels, while you’re there.<\/p>\n\n\n