Minnesota may be known for its more than 10,000 lakes, but our beautiful state has many other bodies of water to discover, too. From trickling creeks to rapid rivers to wildlife-filled marshes, you’ll find plenty of beauty in all of Minnesota’s different waterways. Have you ever found yourself wondering are there any amazing waterfalls near me? Well, no matter where in the state you’re at, the answer is probably yes! Many of the state’s rivers and streams lead to one of nature’s most beautiful offerings: waterfalls. All across the state, you’ll find breathtaking falls that draw visitors from miles around. While some require a hike to get to, there are many that are easy to access for just about everyone. Below, you’ll find six of our favorite easy access waterfalls in Minnesota that are perfect for an adventure!

1. Gooseberry Falls - Two Harbors

Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
Joe Ennesser/Flickr
Of course, we couldn't have an easy-access waterfalls list without including Gooseberry Falls. This spot is Minnesota's most popular waterfall for a reason. Not only is it absolutely beautiful. It is also one of our favorite easy waterfall hikes in Minnesota. From the parking lot, there's a short, accessible path to the view of the Upper and Middle Falls. If you have a little more time, there's a one-mile loop trail that will let you see more of the waterfall's beautiful surroundings.

Check out this video of the falls flowing at capacity after a spring thaw:

2. Minnehaha Falls - Minneapolis

Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Anita Gould/Flickr
You don't have to go far from the Twin Cities to enjoy a beautiful waterfall. In Minneapolis, visitors to Minnehaha Regional Park enjoy the sight of Minnehaha Falls, a 53-foot waterfall that tumbles into a deep gorge. Another of the most popular Minnesota waterfalls, this easy-access waterfall is beautiful when viewed from above. Visitors who climb down the stairs to the base get an even better view of this popular urban waterfall.

3. Winnewissa Falls - Pipestone

Winnewissa Falls, Sweet Township, MN 56164, USA
katie wheeler/Flickr
You may not think of southwestern Minnesota as a go-to spot for waterfall viewing. But one of the prettiest waterfalls in Minnesota is in the region. At Pipestone National Monument, walk the path across the historic grounds, passing by sacred rock formations and gorgeous pink quartzite cliffs, to arrive at Winnewissa Falls. The loop trail is about 3/4 mile, and it's well worth it to see this unique landscape and feel the cooling mist of this 20-foot waterfall.

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4. Minneopa Falls - Mankato

Minneopa Falls, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
pelennor/Flickr
In Mankato, Minnesota, Minneopa State Park is home to the largest waterfall in southern Minnesota. It's a two-step waterfall that cascades 40 feet over its final step into a rocky gorge below. Walk across the picturesque stone bridge for an incredible, easy-access view of the waterfall. It's a short walk from the parking area, and it's absolutely breathtaking.

5. Ramsey Falls - Redwood Falls

Ramsey Falls, Redwood Falls, MN 56283, USA
ramendan/Flickr
In Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Alexander Ramsey Park stands out as the largest municipal park in Minnesota. It covers 256 acres and encompasses many gorgeous sights and things to do. The most popular is Ramsey Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that tumbles 39 feet into a rocky gorge. The waterfall is easy to view at a distance, or you can take a more challenging hike to see it close up. Either way, this lesser known waterfall is well worth going out of your way for.

6. Hidden Falls - Nestrand

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Trent Jonas/OnlyInYourState
Another of Minnesota's lesser known waterfalls, Hidden Falls is a small but beautiful waterfall hidden in the woods at Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park. You can get to the waterfall via a 1-mile loop that is lined by wildflowers and other native plants. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away, this is a great spot.

Have you visited any of these easy access waterfalls in Minnesota? Do you have any other favorites? Let us know! And if you’re looking for a waterfall hike that is a bit more challenging – but still relatively short and not too arduous – check out our article about the little-known Kawishiwi Falls in Ely, Minnesota. For detailed maps and more info about the trails leading to all these Minnesota waterfalls, we suggest the AllTrails Plus app.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me In Minnesota

Tori Jane | March 23, 2022

What are some of the most amazing hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota?  

A great musical group once said, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.” Well, we would agree with them... if they weren’t wrong. Chasing waterfalls is one of the most epic things you can do outdoors, if you ask us, and Minnesota is perfect for the occasion. There are a lot of trails that involve waterfalls in some way or another – more than 50 of them! Some of our favorites just so happen to be among the most popular (after all, they are beloved for a reason), like the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, which is nestled within Gooseberry Falls State Park. This easy, three-mile hike leads to what is easily one of Minnesota’s most awe-inspiring cascades. Or, head to Tettegouche State Park and take in the wonder that is the Baptism River Falls on a relaxing, moderately challenging 2.9-mile hike. Some don't require a hike at all! 

How many waterfalls in Minnesota are there?  

Minnesota is called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and with all that water there are sure to be some waterfalls. In fact, there are more than 100 waterfalls that not only have official names but are also the perfect destination for a family day trip or a self-care date with yourself. The largest waterfall in Minnesota is right on the Canada/US border and nestled within Grand Portage State Park; it’s 120 feet tall and absolutely stunning – and appropriately named “High Falls”. Perhaps the oddest waterfall in Minnesota is the Devil’s Kettle; one-half of it plunges 50 feet down into a crystalline pool that eventually drains into Lake Superior, but nobody knew where the other half of it went and ended up until 2017, when scientists discovered the water flows underground and resurfaces later, much further downstream. Minnesota is a wonder-filled destination for nature enthusiasts, and we’re confident that even just one visit is enough to make you fall in love with this beautiful state.  

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