Forget 10,000 lakes—Minnesota’s got waterfalls that’ll make your jaw drop faster than a loon diving for lunch.
From urban cascades to wilderness wonders, these aquatic acrobats are nature’s own water park.
No admission fee required!
1. Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis)
Who says you need to leave the city to find natural beauty?
Minnehaha Falls is like finding a unicorn in your backyard—unexpected and magical.
This 53-foot urban oasis tumbles down with the grace of a ballet dancer who’s had one too many coffees.
It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, assuming you don’t mind a little mist with your sandwich.
Pro tip: visit in winter to see it transformed into a frozen masterpiece that would make Elsa jealous.
But wait, there’s more!
The surrounding Minnehaha Park is a 193-acre urban oasis that’ll make you forget you’re in the heart of the Twin Cities.
With hiking trails, a dog park, and even a seafood restaurant nearby, you can make a whole day of it.
Just don’t try to recreate the famous “Laughing Waters” painting by Albert Bierstadt—unless you’ve got some serious artistic chops and waterproof paint.
2. Gooseberry Falls (Two Harbors)
Gooseberry Falls is like nature’s version of a multi-level marketing scheme, except it’s actually worth your time.
This series of cascading waterfalls is so picturesque, it makes your Instagram filters feel inadequate.
The surrounding hiking trails offer views that’ll have you questioning why you ever wasted time watching cat videos.
Just remember, “Gooseberry” is its name, not a serving suggestion for your trail mix.
Located within Gooseberry Falls State Park, this watery wonder is actually a set of three main falls: Upper, Middle, and Lower.
It’s like nature’s own staircase, but with significantly more water and fewer complaints about your knees.
The park also boasts 20 miles of hiking trails, so you can work off that trail mix while hunting for the perfect waterfall selfie spot.
And if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in Lake Superior nearby—it’s refreshing in the same way that jumping into a snowbank is “refreshing.”
3. Vermillion Falls (Hastings)
If Vermillion Falls were a person, it’d be that cool grandpa who still rides a motorcycle.
With its old mill backdrop, it’s like stepping into a time machine, minus the flux capacitor.
The rushing water provides a soothing white noise that’s way better than your sleep app.
And unlike your neighbor’s drum practice, this natural symphony is actually pleasant to listen to.
The falls drop about 35 feet, which is impressive considering it’s smack dab in the middle of Hastings.
It’s like nature decided to crash an urban party and ended up being the life of it.
The old mill ruins add a touch of historical charm, reminding us that before Instagram, people actually used waterfalls for practical purposes.
Crazy, right?
There’s a nice viewing platform where you can safely admire the falls without accidentally recreating a scene from a survival movie.
4. Cascade Falls (Cascade River State Park)
Cascade Falls is nature’s way of showing off.
It’s like the river decided to take the scenic route, creating a series of waterfalls that’ll make you forget all about your smartphone’s waterfall sound effects.
The surrounding forest is so lush, you half expect a woodland creature to break into song.
Disney, eat your heart out.
The Cascade River drops 900 feet in the last three miles before reaching Lake Superior.
That’s a lot of falling water—enough to make you wonder if the river has some sort of vendetta against gravity.
The park offers hiking trails that let you get up close and personal with the falls but remember: this isn’t a water park, so leave your inner tube at home.
The mist from the falls can make the rocks slippery, so watch your step unless you’re aiming for an impromptu swimming lesson.
5. Hidden Falls (St. Paul)
Hidden Falls is the introvert of waterfalls—tucked away in a riverside park, quietly doing its thing without making a fuss.
It’s the perfect spot for those who like nature with a side of urban convenience.
You can enjoy the soothing sounds of falling water while still being close enough to civilization to grab a latte.
It’s like having your cake and eating it too, except the cake is a waterfall and you can’t actually eat it.
Located in Hidden Falls Regional Park, this modest cascade might not have the height of some of its showier cousins, but what it lacks in vertical drama, it makes up for in charm.
The park offers hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and even boat access to the Mississippi River.
It’s a great place to escape the city hustle without actually leaving the city.
Just don’t expect to find any hidden treasure at Hidden Falls—unless you count the peace and quiet as treasure, in which case, jackpot!
6. Devil’s Kettle Falls (Judge C.R. Magney State Park)
Devil’s Kettle Falls is the David Copperfield of waterfalls.
Half the river disappears into a mysterious pothole, leaving scientists scratching their heads and conspiracy theorists working overtime.
It’s nature’s own magic trick, minus the sequined outfit and cheesy music.
Just don’t throw anything into the pothole—littering is bad, and you might accidentally solve the mystery.
The falls are located on the Brule River, which splits around a rock outcropping.
While one half cascades 50 feet into a pool below, the other vanishes into a geological puzzle.
Theories about where the water goes have ranged from underground caves to secret passages to Lake Superior.
In reality, the water probably rejoins the river downstream, but where’s the fun in that explanation?
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The hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles and includes 200 stairs, so consider it your workout for the day.
Who needs a StairMaster when you’ve got nature’s own obstacle course?
7. Kawishiwi Falls (Ely)
Kawishiwi Falls is like that friend who’s always up for an adventure—powerful, surrounded by pristine wilderness, and hard to pronounce correctly on the first try.
The short hike to the falls is like a treasure hunt, except instead of gold, you find a roaring waterfall at the end.
And unlike pirate treasure, you don’t have to share this one with a parrot.
Located near Ely, the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Kawishiwi Falls offers a taste of the rugged North Woods without requiring you to portage a canoe.
The falls drop about 70 feet, creating a spectacle that’s worth way more than its weight in Instagram likes.
The viewing platform gives you a front-row seat to nature’s power show, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife.
Just remember, if you see a bear, it’s not there to share your picnic basket.
8. Beaver River Falls (Beaver Bay Township)
Beaver River Falls is proof that Mother Nature has a flair for the dramatic.
With its unique limestone formation, it’s like she decided to get creative with her rock collection.
The picturesque setting is so perfect that you’ll wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered onto a movie set.
Spoiler alert: you haven’t, unless Hollywood has started filming in the middle of nowhere Minnesota.
The falls cascade down a series of limestone ledges, creating a staircase effect that would make any interior designer jealous.
Located just off Highway 61, it’s easily accessible, which means you can get your nature fix without having to channel your inner Bear Grylls.
There’s a wayside rest area with a great view of the falls, perfect for a quick stop on your North Shore road trip.
Just resist the urge to name the falls after yourself—”Beaver” has already claimed that honor.
9. Upper Falls (Temperance River State Park)
Upper Falls is like that overachiever in high school—it’s got beauty, brains, and it’s cutting through solid rock like it’s no big deal.
The narrow gorge adds a touch of drama that even Shakespeare would appreciate.
Just remember, “Temperance” is in the park’s name, so maybe save the wild celebrations for after your visit.
The Temperance River has carved a series of waterfalls and rapids through ancient lava flows, creating a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet.
The Upper Falls plunges into a narrow gorge, creating a spectacle that’s both beautiful and slightly terrifying.
There are hiking trails on both sides of the river, offering different perspectives of the falls.
Just stay on the marked trails unless you’re aiming to star in your own survival story.
10. Vermilion Gorge Falls (Crane Lake)
Vermilion Gorge Falls is playing hard to get, accessible only by boat or hiking trail.
It’s the waterfall equivalent of that cool club with no sign out front.
The remote location means you’ll have bragging rights for days.
Just don’t let it go to your head—remember, you’re still in Minnesota, not scaling Everest.
Located near the Canadian border, Vermilion Gorge Falls is a series of cascades tumbling through a narrow, rocky gorge.
The hike to the falls is about 1.5 miles one-way and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
If you opt for the boat route, you’ll get a unique perspective of the falls from the water.
Either way, you’re in for a treat that few people get to experience.
Just remember to bring bug spray—the mosquitoes up here consider humans to be an all-you-can-eat buffet.
11. Caribou Falls (Silver Bay)
Caribou Falls is the grand finale of our watery tour, a 35-foot showstopper along the Superior Hiking Trail.
It’s like nature saved the best for last, or at least for number 11 on our list.
The hike might leave you a bit winded, but the view is worth every wheeze.
Plus, you can tell everyone you hiked to see caribou, and technically, you wouldn’t be lying.
The trail to Caribou Falls is about 1.2 miles round trip and includes some steep sections and stairs.
But once you reach the falls, you’ll forget all about your burning calves.
The water cascades down a rocky cliff into a pool below, surrounded by a forest that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
There’s a viewing platform that offers a great vantage point, perfect for catching your breath and snapping some photos.
Just don’t get too close to the edge—becoming part of the waterfall is not on the itinerary.
So there you have it, folks—11 reasons to trade in your couch for a pair of hiking boots.
These waterfalls are waiting to star in your next adventure.
Just remember to bring a waterproof camera and a sense of humor.
Happy trails!