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Minnesota probably isn’t on your list of places to visit this year. It’s not a top destination. It doesn’t have many bucket list attractions. But today, we want to talk about the waterfalls in this beautiful state. Because Minnesota is rich in water due to past glaciers, it’s no surprise that you’ll find plenty of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls here. Let’s look at five of the best Minnesota waterfalls, and perhaps you’ll start planning a trip to the North Star State. Let’s dive in!
How Many Waterfalls Are In Minnesota?
Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” This phrase is even on the state’s license plates. In fact, Minnesota’s shoreline is actually more than any other state’s shoreline in the Lower 48, including Florida and California.
These thousands of lakes formed because of the glacial history of this area. When the glaciers disappeared, they left behind huge holes, which have been filled with snowmelt and rain for thousands of years.
So it’s not surprising that there are hundreds of Minnesota waterfalls, too. Over 100 waterfalls are open to the public. They vary from towering plunges of over 100 feet to tiered waterfalls that may only fall a few feet. Some waterfalls are in public parks while others are at the end of remote hiking trails.
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What’s the Tallest Waterfall In Minnesota?
Grand Portage State Park is home to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall: the High Falls of the Pigeon River. It plummets 120 feet into a narrow rocky gorge at the international border between the United States and Canada.
Anyone can have a stunning view of the falls at the Main Deck that’s wheelchair and stroller accessible. At the West Deck, visitors can often feel the spray from the thundering waterfall during spring.
Where Are the Best Minnesota Waterfalls?
Besides the High Falls, we have five suggestions of waterfalls to visit when you head north into Minnesota.
1. Devil’s Kettle
Devil’s Kettle is in northeastern Minnesota near the shoreline of Lake Superior along the Brule River. It’s inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park. This unique waterfall has puzzled residents for years as half of the water seems to disappear into a hole.
The water that flows to the east tumbles 50 feet down a cliff, while the water that flows to the west enters the hole. The trail to Devil’s Kettle is a 2-mile out-and-back hike. While it’s open year-round, we suggest wearing cleats during the winter months.
2. Gooseberry Falls State Park
Another state park with fantastic waterfalls is Gooseberry Falls State Park south of Judge C R Magney State Park along Lake Superior. It’s off Voyageur Highway. This state park is also popular for trout fishing.
There are 20 miles of hiking trails that lead to various waterfalls, meander through forests, and reach Lake Superior. The Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls, picnic tables, and lakeside camping draw visitors year-round. But we especially like the Middle Falls where the water plummets over dark basaltic rock, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
3. Niagara Cave
Niagara Cave is located near the Iowa-Minnesota border. It’s the most unique waterfall on our list because it’s underground. Not only can you view the 60-foot waterfall here, but you can also see beautiful rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Your underground adventure will also include viewing fossils and visiting a subterranean wedding chapel. If you’re looking for an otherworldly experience, we highly recommend Niagara Cave.
4. Winnewissa Falls
Located in the far southwestern corner of Minnesota is Pipestone National Monument. The sacred pipes used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years were once quarried here. This place holds huge cultural significance. Visitors can learn more about the art and sacred practice of turning this red rock into pipes.
They can also view the majestic Winnewissa Falls. It’s less than ½ a mile from the Visitor Center along the Circle Trail. It’s only about 20 feet high, but the scene is beautiful, and the hiking trail is easy.
5. Minnehaha Falls
Finally, if you’re looking for a waterfall in the urban setting of Minneapolis, head out to Minnehaha Falls. Located in Minnehaha Park, the 53-foot waterfall attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
The park is also home to a wading pool, a bike path, a disc golf course, a dog park, the Longfellow Gardens, several sculptures, and more. We highly recommend Minnehaha Park for a day of family fun in Minneapolis!
When Is the Best Time To See Minnesota Waterfalls?
Because of the harsh winters, you might think this time of year isn’t optimal for viewing Minnesota waterfalls. However, if you can bear the frigid temperatures, winters create a wonderland of spectacular scenery. Minnesota waterfalls often freeze, painting breathtaking ice sculptures for visitors.
But if you’re looking for more powerful forces, you’ll want to visit Minnesota in the spring during the snowmelt. These roaring waterfalls are a sight to see, hear, and feel as acres and acres of snow make their way to Lake Superior.
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The Land of 10,000 Lakes Is Also A Place of Beautiful Waterfalls
Whether you prefer the quiet serenity of a remote hike to a beautiful waterfall or a scenic interruption in the hustle and bustle of city life, Minnesota waterfalls provide it all. State parks all over the region protect these cascading waters. And with so many other recreational activities to enjoy, you could spend a weekend, week, or entire summer enjoying the outdoor adventures of the Land of 10,000 Lakes!
Will you visit Minnesota in the near future?
Last update on 2025-07-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
