State guide

Waterfalls in Minnesota

42 waterfalls across 11 counties, ranked 19th nationally. The main waterfall regions are North Shore and the Arrowhead, Minnesota River Valley, and Twin Cities and the Kettle River.

Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System, with visitor ratings from Google Maps listings.

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Photo of Minnehaha Falls in Hennepin County, Minnesota
Pictured: Minnehaha Falls, MN

Towns

Why Minnesota Has So Many Waterfalls

Minnesota's waterfalls come from two very different geological stories. In the northeast, rivers flowing to Lake Superior cross a thick stack of ancient lava flows laid down during the Midcontinent Rift more than a billion years ago. As glaciers deepened the Superior basin, these rivers were left high above the lake, and they now descend to it in a rapid series of drops over hard basalt and related rock. The result is the North Shore, a string of short, steep rivers with falls tucked into wooded gorges. Snowmelt each spring gives these rivers their strongest flows.

Southern Minnesota's falls trace back to the end of the last ice age, when the enormous Glacial River Warren drained Lake Agassiz and carved the wide valley now occupied by the Minnesota River. Tributary streams were left hanging above that valley and the Mississippi, which is why falls such as Minnehaha and Minneopa drop into it today. Our directory lists 42 named falls in Minnesota, 19th nationally, with Lake, St. Louis and Cook counties in the northeast holding 29 of them, followed by a smaller cluster in the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities.

Minnesota Waterfall Regions

North Shore and the Arrowhead

31 waterfalls · Lake County, Cook County, St. Louis County, and Koochiching County

The North Shore of Lake Superior, from Duluth to the Canadian border, is Minnesota's waterfall heartland. A series of state parks along Highway 61 protects the lower reaches of rivers that fall steeply over dark volcanic rock to the lake. Gooseberry Falls, with its stacked upper, middle and lower falls, is the region's most visited. Farther northeast, Illgen Falls near Silver Bay, Caribou Falls, Cascade Falls near Grand Marais and Pigeon Falls on the border river each have a distinct gorge setting. Inland, St. Louis County's falls around Ely lie on the lake-studded Canadian Shield, where Newton Falls sits on a stream between two lakes.

Start with: Gooseberry Falls, Caribou Falls, Illgen Falls, Cascade Falls, Pigeon Falls

Minnesota River Valley

6 waterfalls · Nicollet County, Redwood County, Yellow Medicine County, and Pipestone County

Southwestern Minnesota's falls occur where tributary creeks plunge into the broad Minnesota River valley. Near Mankato, Minneopa Falls drops into a sandstone gorge in a state park, and Minnemishinona Falls, once on private land, now has public parking and a viewing area. Ramsey Falls lies in a large park in Redwood Falls, where Ramsey Creek cuts through old granite bedrock exposed by the glacial river. Upstream, the town of Granite Falls in Yellow Medicine County takes its name from the river's drop over the same ancient bedrock. Farther west, Pipestone County's small fall lies on the pink Sioux quartzite of the prairie, in country historically important for its pipestone quarries.

Start with: Minneopa Falls, Ramsey Falls, Minnemishinona Falls, Winnewissa Falls, Minnewankon Falls

Twin Cities and the Kettle River

5 waterfalls · Hennepin County, Ramsey County, and Pine County

Minneapolis holds two of the state's most famous falls. Minnehaha Falls, in its namesake regional park, drops over a limestone ledge just above the Mississippi and is the most reviewed waterfall in Minnesota in our directory. Saint Anthony Falls, the only major natural falls on the Mississippi, has been reshaped by dams, a lock system and an engineered apron, and is now the centerpiece of a riverfront heritage trail. North of the metro area, Pine County's Kettle River country near Sandstone offers a wilder setting, with Big Spring Falls and Wolf Creek Falls in rocky gorges surrounded by forest.

Start with: Minnehaha Falls, Saint Anthony Falls, Big Spring Falls, Wolf Creek Falls, Shadow Falls

25 Featured Waterfalls in Minnesota

Ordered by Google rating and review volume, then by documented USGS history.

  1. Minnehaha Falls

    Mendota Heights, MN · Hennepin County
    4.7 (2,855 reviews)

    Cycling, walking & seasonal wading pools are big draws to these cascading falls in a namesake park.

    Rating
    4.7 (2,855 Google reviews)
    Address
    Minneapolis, MN 55417
    Nearest town
    Mendota Heights, MN (4.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Saint Paul West quad
    View details Directions

  2. Saint Anthony Falls

    Minneapolis, MN · Hennepin County
    4.7 (84 reviews)

    Historic urban waterfall known for its hydroelectric dam & lock system & heritage trail loop.

    Rating
    4.7 (84 Google reviews)
    Address
    Minneapolis, MN 55414
    Nearest town
    Minneapolis, MN (0.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Minneapolis South quad
    View details Directions

  3. Minneopa Falls

    North Mankato, MN · Nicollet County
    4.7 (184 reviews)

    Minneopa Falls is a waterfall in Nicollet County, Minnesota, about 3.3 miles southwest of North Mankato.

    Rating
    4.7 (184 Google reviews)
    Address
    South Bend Township, MN 56001
    Nearest town
    North Mankato, MN (3.3 mi)
    View details Directions

  4. Gooseberry Falls

    Two Harbors, MN · Lake County
    4.8 (106 reviews)

    Beautiful group of waterfalls & namesake of Gooseberry Falls State Park, with paths & viewpoints.

    Rating
    4.8 (106 Google reviews)
    Address
    Silver Creek Township, MN 55616
    Known for
    paved trail, walking trails, peaceful experience, views, stairs
    Nearest town
    Two Harbors, MN (13 mi)
    USGS topo
    Split Rock Point quad
    View details Directions

  5. Caribou Falls

    Silver Bay, MN · Lake County
    4.9 (84 reviews)

    Caribou Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, about 16 miles northeast of Silver Bay. It appears on the USGS Little Marais topographic map.

    Rating
    4.9 (84 Google reviews)
    Address
    Lake No. 1, MN 55614
    Nearest town
    Silver Bay, MN (16 mi)
    USGS topo
    Little Marais quad
    View details Directions

  6. Ramsey Falls

    Redwood Falls, MN · Redwood County
    4.8 (65 reviews)

    Scenic waterfall with a lookout in a large state park with camping & hiking trails.

    Rating
    4.8 (65 Google reviews)
    Address
    Redwood Falls, MN 56283
    Known for
    trails, suspension bridge, cleanliness, scenery, walk
    Nearest town
    Redwood Falls, MN (0.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Delhi quad
    View details Directions

  7. Big Spring Falls

    Sandstone, MN · Pine County
    4.6 (73 reviews)

    Big Spring Falls is a waterfall in Pine County, Minnesota, about 1.3 miles south of Sandstone. It appears on the USGS Sandstone South topographic map.

    Rating
    4.6 (73 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sandstone, MN 55072
    Known for
    quiet place, river, exploring, hiking, directions
    Nearest town
    Sandstone, MN (1.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sandstone South quad
    View details Directions

  8. Pigeon Falls

    Grand Marais, MN · Cook County
    4.9 (41 reviews)

    Pigeon Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 38 miles northeast of Grand Marais. It appears on the USGS Pigeon Point OE N topographic map.

    Rating
    4.9 (41 Google reviews)
    Address
    Grand Portage, MN 55605
    Nearest town
    Grand Marais, MN (38 mi)
    USGS topo
    Pigeon Point OE N quad
    View details Directions

  9. Cascade Falls

    Grand Marais, MN · Cook County
    4.9 (45 reviews)

    Cascade Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 9.3 miles west of Grand Marais. It appears on the USGS Deer Yard Lake topographic map.

    Rating
    4.9 (45 Google reviews)
    Address
    West Cook, MN 55604
    Nearest town
    Grand Marais, MN (9.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Deer Yard Lake quad
    View details Directions

  10. Illgen Falls

    Silver Bay, MN · Lake County
    4.7 (47 reviews)

    Illgen Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, about 4.9 miles northeast of Silver Bay. It appears on the USGS Illgen City topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (47 Google reviews)
    Address
    Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614
    Nearest town
    Silver Bay, MN (4.9 mi)
    USGS topo
    Illgen City quad
    View details Directions

  11. Minnemishinona Falls

    North Mankato, MN · Nicollet County
    4.2 (54 reviews)

    Formerly private, this 42-ft. waterfall offers public parking, picnic facilities & a viewing area.

    Rating
    4.2 (54 Google reviews)
    Address
    Belgrade Township, MN 56003
    Nearest town
    North Mankato, MN (2.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Mankato West quad
    View details Directions

  12. Wolf Creek Falls

    Sandstone, MN · Pine County
    4.7 (34 reviews)

    Wolf Creek Falls is a waterfall in Pine County, Minnesota, about 1.1 miles north of Sandstone. It appears on the USGS Sandstone North topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (34 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sandstone Township, MN 55072
    Known for
    climbing, park, hike, falls
    Nearest town
    Sandstone, MN (1.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sandstone North quad
    View details Directions

  13. Little American Falls

    Keewatin, MN · Koochiching County
    4.7 (30 reviews)

    Little American Falls is a waterfall in Koochiching County, Minnesota, about 44 miles northwest of Keewatin. It appears on the USGS Craigville topographic map.

    Rating
    4.7 (30 Google reviews)
    Address
    South Koochiching, MN 56639
    Known for
    picnic, peaceful atmosphere, beautiful area, camping, falls
    Nearest town
    Keewatin, MN (44 mi)
    USGS topo
    Craigville quad
    View details Directions

  14. Shadow Falls

    Falcon Heights, MN · Ramsey County
    4.6 (29 reviews)

    Shadow Falls is a waterfall in Ramsey County, Minnesota, about 3.7 miles southwest of Falcon Heights. It appears on the USGS Saint Paul West topographic map.

    Rating
    4.6 (29 Google reviews)
    Address
    St Paul, MN 55105
    Nearest town
    Falcon Heights, MN (3.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Saint Paul West quad
    View details Directions

  15. Middle Falls

    Grand Marais, MN · Cook County
    4.8 (21 reviews)

    Middle Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 38 miles northeast of Grand Marais. It appears on the USGS Pigeon Point OE N topographic map.

    Rating
    4.8 (21 Google reviews)
    Address
    Grand Portage, MN 55605
    Known for
    hike
    Nearest town
    Grand Marais, MN (38 mi)
    USGS topo
    Pigeon Point OE N quad
    View details Directions

  16. Partridge Falls

    Grand Marais, MN · Cook County
    4.8 (22 reviews)

    Partridge Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 28 miles northeast of Grand Marais. It appears on the USGS Mineral Center topographic map.

    Rating
    4.8 (22 Google reviews)
    Address
    Grand Portage, MN 55605
    Known for
    gorgeous falls, rough road, trail to falls, wheel, adventure
    Nearest town
    Grand Marais, MN (28 mi)
    USGS topo
    Mineral Center quad
    View details Directions

  17. Winnewissa Falls

    Pipestone, MN · Pipestone County
    4.9 (19 reviews)

    Winnewissa Falls is a waterfall in Pipestone County, Minnesota, about 1.0 miles north of Pipestone. It appears on the USGS Pipestone North topographic map.

    Rating
    4.9 (19 Google reviews)
    Address
    Sweet Township, MN 56164
    Known for
    walking, falls
    Nearest town
    Pipestone, MN (1.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Pipestone North quad
    View details Directions

  18. Beaver River Falls

    Silver Bay, MN · Lake County
    5.0 (15 reviews)

    Beaver River Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, about 2.8 miles southwest of Silver Bay. It appears on the USGS Silver Bay topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (15 Google reviews)
    Address
    Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614
    Nearest town
    Silver Bay, MN (2.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Silver Bay quad
    View details Directions

  19. Hidden Falls

    Silver Bay, MN · Cook County
    4.8 (15 reviews)

    Hidden Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 25 miles northeast of Silver Bay. It appears on the USGS Tofte topographic map.

    Rating
    4.8 (15 Google reviews)
    Address
    Schroeder Township, MN 55613
    Nearest town
    Silver Bay, MN (25 mi)
    USGS topo
    Tofte quad
    View details Directions

  20. Glenn Avon Falls

    Silver Bay, MN · Lake County
    4.3 (15 reviews)

    Glenn Avon Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, about 4.5 miles southwest of Silver Bay. It appears on the USGS Silver Bay topographic map.

    Rating
    4.3 (15 Google reviews)
    Address
    Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616
    Nearest town
    Silver Bay, MN (4.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Silver Bay quad
    View details Directions

  21. Newton Falls

    Ely, MN · Lake County
    4.3 (3 reviews)

    Newton Falls is a waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, about 8.1 miles northeast of Ely. USGS notes: A waterfall on the stream between Fall and Newton Lakes, 8 miles NE of Ely. (US-T121)

    Rating
    4.3 (3 Google reviews)
    Address
    Fall Lake Township, MN 55731
    Nearest town
    Ely, MN (8.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Farm Lake quad
    View details Directions

  22. Pike River Falls

    Aurora, MN · St. Louis County
    4.3 (9 reviews)

    Pike River Falls is a waterfall in St. Louis County, Minnesota, about 19 miles north of Aurora. It appears on the USGS Tower topographic map.

    Rating
    4.3 (9 Google reviews)
    Address
    Vermilion Lake Township, MN 55790
    Nearest town
    Aurora, MN (19 mi)
    USGS topo
    Tower quad
    View details Directions

  23. Johnson Falls

    Grand Marais, MN · Cook County
    5.0 (6 reviews)

    Johnson Falls is a waterfall in Cook County, Minnesota, about 22 miles north of Grand Marais. It appears on the USGS Crocodile Lake topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (6 Google reviews)
    Address
    East Cook, MN 55604
    Nearest town
    Grand Marais, MN (22 mi)
    USGS topo
    Crocodile Lake quad
    View details Directions

  24. Minnesota Falls

    Granite Falls, MN · Yellow Medicine County
    4.1 (9 reviews)

    Minnesota Falls is a waterfall in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, about 2.6 miles southeast of Granite Falls. It appears on the USGS Minnesota Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    4.1 (9 Google reviews)
    Address
    Minnesota Falls Township, MN 56241
    Nearest town
    Granite Falls, MN (2.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Minnesota Falls quad
    View details Directions

  25. Ash River Falls

    International Falls, MN · St. Louis County
    4.5 (6 reviews)

    Ash River Falls is a waterfall in St. Louis County, Minnesota, about 31 miles southeast of International Falls. It appears on the USGS Ash River NE topographic map.

    Rating
    4.5 (6 Google reviews)
    Address
    Northwest St. Louis, MN 55771
    Nearest town
    International Falls, MN (31 mi)
    USGS topo
    Ash River NE quad
    View details Directions

Highest Rated in Minnesota

  1. Caribou Falls 4.9 from 84 reviews · Silver Bay
  2. Cascade Falls 4.9 from 45 reviews · Grand Marais
  3. Pigeon Falls 4.9 from 41 reviews · Grand Marais
  4. Gooseberry Falls 4.8 from 106 reviews · Two Harbors
  5. Ramsey Falls 4.8 from 65 reviews · Redwood Falls

Waterfalls with at least 25 Google reviews.

What Visitors Mention

  • Reviews of 1 Minnesota waterfall mention easy access, including Gooseberry Falls.

Minnesota Waterfalls by the Compass

The farthest-apart named falls in Minnesota are about 424 miles apart.

Names and History

6 waterfalls have alternate historical names on record, such as Minnehaha Falls (also Brown's Falls) and Saint Anthony Falls (also Hahamina).

From the USGS record for Saint Anthony Falls: ""Named by a French missionary, because ""of the many favors received through the intercession of that saint.""""

Best Time to See Waterfalls in Minnesota

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.

Planning a Waterfall Trip in Minnesota

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.

More: waterfall safety · packing list

Find Waterfalls Near a Minnesota Town

Waterfalls by County

CountyWaterfallsShareMost visited
Lake1229%Gooseberry Falls
St. Louis921%Pike River Falls
Cook819%Cascade Falls
Nicollet37%Minneopa Falls
Hennepin25%Minnehaha Falls
Koochiching25%Little American Falls
Pine25%Big Spring Falls
Pipestone12%Winnewissa Falls
Ramsey12%Shadow Falls
Redwood12%Ramsey Falls
Yellow Medicine12%Minnesota Falls

All Minnesota Waterfalls A to Z

Minnesota Waterfalls: FAQs

How many waterfalls are in Minnesota?

Our directory lists 42 waterfalls in Minnesota (41 officially named in the USGS Geographic Names Information System and 1 added from Google Maps listings), 19th among the 50 jurisdictions in our directory and 1.6% of the national total. 69% of them are in just three counties: Lake, St. Louis, and Cook.

What is the most visited waterfall in Minnesota?

By Google review count, Minnehaha Falls in Hennepin County leads with 2,855 reviews and a 4.7 rating. Minneopa Falls is next.

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.

Does Minnehaha Falls freeze in winter?

It often does during prolonged cold, forming a column of ice that draws visitors to the park. In dry summers, by contrast, its flow can dwindle to a trickle.

Which Minnesota town has the most waterfalls nearby?

Ely has 10 named waterfalls within 30 miles, the most of any town in our Minnesota directory.