About Curtain Falls
Curtain Falls is a named waterfall in St. Louis County, Minnesota, located about 23 miles north of Ely. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Iron Lake 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°14′12″ N, 91°54′22″ W (48.23656, -91.90624). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Lower Basswood Falls, 12 miles to the southeast.
More Photos
7 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Curtain Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Curtain Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Chicago time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Curtain Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Curtain Falls holds a 5.0 average from 4 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 48.23656, -91.90624. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Curtain Falls
- Pipestone Falls, MN18 mi southeast
- Fiftysix Rapids, MN20 mi west
- Newton Falls, MN20 mi southeast
- Chipmunk Falls, MN32 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Curtain Falls located?
Curtain Falls is in St. Louis County, Minnesota, about 23 miles north of Ely. Its coordinates are 48.23656, -91.90624 (48°14′12″ N, 91°54′22″ W).
What town is closest to Curtain Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Ely, MN, about 23 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Curtain Falls?
The closest is Lower Basswood Falls (12 mi southeast). Others within reach include Last Falls (12 mi), Wheelbarrow Falls (13 mi), and Basswood Falls (15 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Curtain Falls?
Curtain Falls appears on the USGS Iron Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.