About Wheelbarrow Falls
Wheelbarrow Falls is a named waterfall in Lake County, Minnesota, located about 17 miles northeast of Ely. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Basswood Lake West 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 48°07′03″ N, 91°41′29″ W (48.11739, -91.69151). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Horse River (stream, 0.9 mi), Basswood River (stream, 0.9 mi), and Picture Rock (pillar, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Last Falls, 0.9 miles to the west.
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Weather at Wheelbarrow 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 Wheelbarrow 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 Wheelbarrow 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
Wheelbarrow Falls holds a 5.0 average from 2 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Wheelbarrow Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Horse River — stream, 0.9 mi
- Basswood River — stream, 0.9 mi
- Picture Rock — pillar, 1.1 mi
- Frolic Lake — lake, 1.5 mi
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 48.11739, -91.69151. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Wheelbarrow Falls
- Sioux Falls, MN24 mi west
- Devils Cascade, MN26 mi west
- Fiftysix Rapids, MN31 mi west
- Pike River Falls, MN39 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wheelbarrow Falls located?
Wheelbarrow Falls is in Lake County, Minnesota, about 17 miles northeast of Ely. Its coordinates are 48.11739, -91.69151 (48°07′03″ N, 91°41′29″ W).
What town is closest to Wheelbarrow Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Ely, MN, about 17 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Wheelbarrow Falls?
The closest is Last Falls (0.9 mi west). Others within reach include Lower Basswood Falls (1.0 mi), Basswood Falls (2.1 mi), and Pipestone Falls (8.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Wheelbarrow Falls?
Wheelbarrow Falls appears on the USGS Basswood Lake West 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.