About Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is a named waterfall in Hennepin County, Minnesota, located about 4.1 miles northwest of Mendota Heights. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Saint Paul West 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 44°54′53″ N, 93°12′36″ W (44.91469, -93.20995). Historical sources also record the names Brown's Falls and Mini Haha. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Minnehaha Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Pool 1 (reservoir, 0.8 mi), and Lake Hiawatha (lake, 1.4 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Shadow Falls, 2.0 miles to the north.
Cycling, walking & seasonal wading pools are big draws to these cascading falls in a namesake park.
More Photos
8,381 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha 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 Minnehaha 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
Minnehaha Falls holds a 4.7 average from 2,855 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Minnehaha Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Minnehaha Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
- Pool 1 — reservoir, 0.8 mi
- Lake Hiawatha — lake, 1.4 mi
- Lake Nokomis — lake, 1.6 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 44.91469, -93.20995. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Minnehaha Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Minnehaha Falls located?
Minnehaha Falls is in Hennepin County, Minnesota, about 4.1 miles northwest of Mendota Heights. Its coordinates are 44.91469, -93.20995 (44°54′53″ N, 93°12′36″ W).
What town is closest to Minnehaha Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Mendota Heights, MN, about 4.1 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Minnehaha Falls?
The closest is Shadow Falls (2.0 mi north). Others within reach include Saint Anthony Falls (5.2 mi) and Apple River Falls (30 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Minnehaha Falls?
Minnehaha Falls appears on the USGS Saint Paul West 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.