5 Must-See Waterfalls in Minnesota (2026)
If you only have time for five Minnesota waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Twin Cities and the Kettle River, Minnesota River Valley, and North Shore and the Arrowhead.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Minnesota waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Minnehaha Falls
Mendota Heights, MN · Hennepin County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why it is a must-see
With 2,855 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Minnesota, and it holds 4.7 stars. In short: "Cycling, walking & seasonal wading pools are big draws to these cascading falls in a namesake park." Older records also call it Brown's Falls and Mini Haha. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Shadow Falls and Saint Anthony Falls. It is one of 5 named falls in the Twin Cities and the Kettle River region. The nearest town is Mendota Heights, about 4.1 miles to the southeast.
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2. Minneopa Falls
North Mankato, MN · Nicollet County · Minnesota River Valley
Why it is a must-see
With 184 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Minnesota, and it holds 4.7 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Minnemishinona Falls and Minnewankon Falls. It is one of 6 named falls in the Minnesota River Valley region. The nearest town is North Mankato, about 3.3 miles to the northeast.
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3. Gooseberry Falls
Two Harbors, MN · Lake County · North Shore and the Arrowhead
Why it is a must-see
With 106 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Minnesota, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Beautiful group of waterfalls & namesake of Gooseberry Falls State Park, with paths & viewpoints." Expect paved trail, walking trails, and peaceful experience, the topics reviewers bring up most. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Glenn Avon Falls and Beaver River Falls. It is one of 31 named falls in the North Shore and the Arrowhead region. The nearest town is Two Harbors, about 13 miles to the southwest.
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4. Caribou Falls
Silver Bay, MN · Lake County · North Shore and the Arrowhead
Why it is a must-see
With 84 Google reviews it is the 5th most visited waterfall in Minnesota, and it holds 4.9 stars. 2 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Hidden Falls and Illgen Falls. It is one of 31 named falls in the North Shore and the Arrowhead region. The nearest town is Silver Bay, about 16 miles to the southwest.
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5. Big Spring Falls
Sandstone, MN · Pine County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why it is a must-see
With 73 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Minnesota, and it holds 4.6 stars. Expect quiet place, river, and exploring, the topics reviewers bring up most. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including Wolf Creek Falls. It is one of 5 named falls in the Twin Cities and the Kettle River region. The nearest town is Sandstone, about 1.3 miles to the north.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 280 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Caribou Falls (start, near Silver Bay)
- Gooseberry Falls, about 30 mi southwest
- Big Spring Falls, about 97 mi southwest
- Minnehaha Falls, about 85 mi south
- Minneopa Falls, about 68 mi southwest
When to Visit Minnesota's Waterfalls
Spring snowmelt drives Minnesota's peak season. On the North Shore, rivers typically surge from mid-April through May as the snowpack melts, and the falls can be thunderous then before thinning considerably by late summer. Heavy summer rains can refill them briefly. In the south, Minnehaha and Minneopa are fullest in spring and after storms, and Minnehaha can slow to a trickle during summer droughts. Late September to early October brings vivid fall color to the North Shore, along with heavy weekend traffic on Highway 61. Winter is long and cold: many falls freeze into ice columns, and some parks keep paths open for winter viewing, but icy stairs and ledges demand traction devices.
Before You Go
Most of Minnesota's falls are on public land. The North Shore falls are largely protected by state parks and waysides, Minneapolis falls are in city and regional parks, and falls around Ely lie in or near the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters, where some require canoe travel. State parks require a vehicle permit, and popular lots at places such as Gooseberry Falls fill on summer and autumn weekends. North Shore rivers drop through narrow gorges with steep, wet rock; slipping into the river above a falls is a recurring cause of serious accidents, and spring flows are powerful. Lake Superior's water stays cold all year. In winter, ice-covered rocks and frozen spray are hazardous.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Minnesota Waterfalls
See all 42 waterfalls in the Minnesota waterfall guide, or browse by town: Mendota Heights, North Mankato, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Sandstone.
More Minnesota Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Minnesota?
Minnehaha Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.7-star rating from 2,855 Google reviews. It is near Mendota Heights in Hennepin County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Minnesota waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 280 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Minnesota?
Our directory lists 42 named waterfalls in Minnesota. See them all, sorted by town, in the Minnesota waterfall guide.
Why are so many Minnesota waterfalls along Lake Superior?
North Shore rivers descend steeply from the uplands to the lake over hard volcanic rock from the ancient Midcontinent Rift. That short, steep drop over resistant rock produces many falls in a short distance.