Spend The Day Exploring Minnesota’s Tallest Falls On This Wonderful Waterfall Road Trip
Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but perhaps it should be called the Land of Waterfalls. It seems that our beautiful state has at least one waterfall in every region. With small rapids, tall drops over cliffs and canyons, and everything in between, Minnesota waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the country. On Minnesota’s North Shore, you’ll find many of the state’s prettiest – and tallest – waterfalls. That’s why we put together this Waterfall Road Trip in Minnesota. Follow it, and you will discover some of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls. Read on and follow the map below to learn about the route and the waterfalls along it.
The Minnesota tallest waterfalls road trip covers 111 miles of the North Shore of Lake Superior. The route takes about 2 hours not including stops, making it an easy day or weekend trip for Minnesota travelers.
While the route doesn't include all of Minnesota's tallest waterfalls - others are much further south - it does include the two tallest, as well as several other notable North Shore waterfalls.
Minnesota's most popular waterfall, Gooseberry Falls is not the tallest waterfall on this list. But it is one of the most picturesque on the North Shore, so it is well worth visiting on a waterfall road trip. The waterfall is around 30 feet tall, tumbling into a rocky gorge on its way to Lake Superior. While you're at its home in Gooseberry Falls State Park, be sure to hike some of the wonderful trails there!
If you’re looking for a stunning Minnesota waterfall, Gooseberry Falls is a must-see!
Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
The next stop is the High Falls of the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park. This is the tallest waterfall completely within Minnesota! Its 100-foot drop is truly breathtaking. Also within Tettegouche State Park are many famous North Shore attractions, such as Palisade Head, Shovel Point, and even a lesser-known waterfall called Illgen Falls. You'll love your trip to this wonderful waterfall.
You’ll love your stop at the highest waterfall in Minnesota.
Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
The next stop is at Cascade River State Park. Though the park's Cascade River Falls is not the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, it is perhaps one of the longest. Cascade River flows for about 1/4 mile through a rocky river gorge as it rushes towards Lake Superior. The sight of the choppy water as it tumbles over the rocks is what makes this unique waterfall worth stopping for.
This is one of our favorite Minnesota waterfall, because it’s just so powerful looking!
Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
The Devil's Kettle at Judge C. R. Magney State Park is one of Minnesota's most unique - and most celebrated - waterfalls. For years, scientists were puzzled about where the waterfall disappears to when it flows into a deep hole along its gorge. The mystery may have been solved in 2017, but this waterfall still draws visitors. With a 50-foot drop, it is definitely one of Minnesota's tallest waterfalls.
This amazing Minnesota waterfall is fun to see with the whole family!
Judge C.R. Magney State Park, 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
The northernmost point on this road trip is at Grand Portage State Park on the Canadian border. Here, you'll find Minnesota's tallest waterfall, which it shares with our neighbor to the north. The High Falls of the Pigeon River will certainly be a high point on this road trip. The Pigeon River tumbles 120 feet over a tall cliff surrounded by wilderness. Not only is it an awe-inspiring glimpse of the true power of nature, but it is incredibly beautiful and a must-see for Minnesota waterfall lovers!
The High Falls of the Pigeon River is the highest waterfall in Minnesota, but it shares some of its origin with Canada.
Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
These waterfalls are among the tallest in Minnesota. Have you ever taken this easy waterfall road trip in Minnesota? What did you think? Was it amazing? Let us know in the comments below! If you have any recommendations not currently on there, let us know all about them!
Next time you’re looking for a fun North Shore adventure, use this road trip to guide you! And if you’d like to explore waterfalls in southern Minnesota, check out our list of 9 beautiful waterfalls in southern Minnesota.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfall road trip in Minnesota
February 10, 2023
Megan McDonald
Where can you find the most waterfalls in Minnesota?
The most waterfalls in Minnesota are located within the state parks! All of the state parks offer gorgeous natural attractions, and the highlight of many are the incredible waterfalls you can find there. The tallest waterfall in Minnesota, plunging 120 feet, is the High Falls at Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park, right on the Canadian border.
How many waterfalls are in Minnesota?
Minnesota is not only home to 10,000 lakes, but it is also the land of over 140 named waterfalls within the state borders. The waterfalls in Minnesota are scattered all throughout the state and the North Shore. There are many gorgeous waterfall hikes in Minnesota that will take you right to the base of them for optimal viewing. Bring a picnic and make a day of it!
What are the most beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota?
The most beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota can be seen all throughout the state. Whether you’re traveling up at the North Shore or hanging out in southern Minnesota at Minneopa State Park, there are gorgeous waterfalls to be seen everywhere.
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
