9 Best Waterfall Hiking Locations in Minnesota (2026 Updated)
These 9 Minnesota waterfalls are reached on foot and rated highly by the people who hiked them, led by Winnewissa Falls, Gooseberry Falls, and Ramsey Falls. The list spans the Minnesota River Valley, North Shore and the Arrowhead, and Twin Cities and the Kettle River.
How We Picked
We started with the 9 publicly accessible Minnesota waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Winnewissa Falls
Pipestone, MN · Pipestone County · Minnesota River Valley
Why hike it
It is rated 4.9 stars by 19 Google reviewers. It is one of 6 named falls in the Minnesota River Valley region. The nearest town is Pipestone, about 1.0 miles to the south.
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2. Gooseberry Falls
Two Harbors, MN · Lake County · North Shore and the Arrowhead
Why hike it
On the trail: "Beautiful group of waterfalls & namesake of Gooseberry Falls State Park, with paths & viewpoints." Reviewers describe the hike with words like "paved trail", so it suits most hikers. It is rated 4.8 stars by 106 Google reviewers. 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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3. Ramsey Falls
Redwood Falls, MN · Redwood County · Minnesota River Valley
Why hike it
On the trail: "Scenic waterfall with a lookout in a large state park with camping & hiking trails." It is rated 4.8 stars by 65 Google reviewers. It is one of 6 named falls in the Minnesota River Valley region. The nearest town is Redwood Falls, about 0.6 miles to the southeast.
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4. Partridge Falls
Grand Marais, MN · Cook County · North Shore and the Arrowhead
Why hike it
It is rated 4.8 stars by 22 Google reviewers. It is one of 31 named falls in the North Shore and the Arrowhead region. The nearest town is Grand Marais, about 28 miles to the southwest.
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5. Middle Falls
Grand Marais, MN · Cook County · North Shore and the Arrowhead
Why hike it
It is rated 4.8 stars by 21 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Pigeon Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 31 named falls in the North Shore and the Arrowhead region. The nearest town is Grand Marais, about 38 miles to the southwest.
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6. Minnehaha Falls
Mendota Heights, MN · Hennepin County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why hike it
On the trail: "Cycling, walking & seasonal wading pools are big draws to these cascading falls in a namesake park." It is rated 4.7 stars by 2,855 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Shadow Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. 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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7. Saint Anthony Falls
Minneapolis, MN · Hennepin County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why hike it
On the trail: "Historic urban waterfall known for its hydroelectric dam & lock system & heritage trail loop." It is rated 4.7 stars by 84 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Shadow Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 5 named falls in the Twin Cities and the Kettle River region. It is right in Minneapolis.
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8. Wolf Creek Falls
Sandstone, MN · Pine County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why hike it
Expect effort: reviewers mention "climbing". It is rated 4.7 stars by 34 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Big Spring Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. It is one of 5 named falls in the Twin Cities and the Kettle River region. The nearest town is Sandstone, about 1.1 miles to the south.
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9. Big Spring Falls
Sandstone, MN · Pine County · Twin Cities and the Kettle River
Why hike it
It is rated 4.6 stars by 73 Google reviewers. 1 more named waterfall is within 5 miles (Wolf Creek Falls), so there is more to explore nearby. 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.
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. Hiking with children? Read waterfall hikes with kids.
Explore More Minnesota Waterfalls
See all 42 waterfalls in the Minnesota waterfall guide, or browse by town: Pipestone, Two Harbors, Redwood Falls, Grand Marais, Mendota Heights, Minneapolis, Sandstone.
More Minnesota Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking waterfall in Minnesota?
Winnewissa Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.9-star rating from 19 Google reviews. It is near Pipestone in Pipestone County.
How was this list made?
We started with the 9 publicly accessible Minnesota waterfalls whose reviews or listing mention hiking, trails or walks, then ranked them by a weighted Google rating. Difficulty notes quote what reviewers say; always check current trail conditions with the land manager.
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.