Posted in Minnesota Nature, Waterfalls March 27, 2022 by

5 Enchanting Urban Waterfalls That Everyone In Minnesota Should Visit

When man and nature combine forces, something beautiful can happen. In the case of these five magical places, that beautiful thing is an epic urban waterfall. From the rushing waters of the Mississippi to the quiet dams we have up north, here are some of the wonderful waterfalls in Minnesota that people can actually claim responsibility for creating. Sure, there’s something special and amazing about our great natural waterfalls, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the man-made ones just as much!

1. Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park: 9750 Egret Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Coon Rapids Dam, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
Flickr/edkohler
The Coon Rapids Dam is located at one of the most popular municipal parks in Minnesota. The park measures nearly 500 acres. The waterfall is quite a sight to see, with jets of water cascading down in a beautiful sheet.
2. Saint Anthony Falls: 1 Portland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Saint Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Flickr/joyruH7
Saint Anthony Falls is probably the most widely recognized man-made waterfall in Minnesota. They actually replaced the original falls, which were the only natural major waterfalls on the Upper Mississippi.
3. Granite Falls: 641 Prentice St Granite Falls MN 56241
Granite Falls, MN 56241, USA
Flickr/Robert Ashworth
The dam at Granite Falls provides amazing views of cascading water.
4. Faribault Woolen Mill: 1500 2nd Avenue NW, Faribault, Minnesota
Flickr/Phil Roeder
The short falls on the dam near the Faribault Woolen Mill are definitely beautiful to behold. The mill is one of the largest and oldest fully-integrated woolen mills in Minnesota.
5. Broken Down Dam: Broken Down Dam Rd, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Broken Down Dam Road, Broken Down Dam Rd, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA
Flickr/Bruce Guenter
The beautiful cascades and rapids at the Broken Down Dam in Fergus Falls are absolutely stunning. This is the gorgeous result of man's failure to tame the river.

Looking to see even more waterfalls in Minnesota? Check out the Minnesota waterfalls road trip. It will take you to some of the prettiest natural waterfalls in the state! Just three hours of driving will take you to seven of the loveliest waterfalls you’ve ever seen.

Address: Coon Rapids Dam, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
Address: Saint Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Address: Granite Falls, MN 56241, USA
Address: Broken Down Dam Road, Broken Down Dam Rd, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me

April 02, 2022
Lisa Sammons

What are some beautiful natural waterfalls in Minnesota?

We’ve covered the man-made cascades in this article, but we’ve got some gorgeous natural ones as well! We actually have quite a few waterfalls in Minnesota that are very easily accessible and don’t require much hiking. We love Gooseberry Falls and it’s really no wonder that it’s one of the most popular falls in the state.

What are some of the prettiest parks in Minnesota?

Did you know we have 66 state parks in Minnesota? They’re scattered all over the state and contain some of the most beautiful scenery around. Afton State Park is near Minneapolis and has some particularly fantastic trails if you’re looking to spend the day hiking.

What are some good day trips in Minnesota?

Here in Minnesota, we’re surrounded by so many great places to travel! No matter where you’re located in the state, there’s somewhere nearby that makes for a great day trip. Why not explore some of the fantastic small towns in Minnesota? They tend to get overshadowed by our larger cities, but there’s so much to do and see there!

 

Address: Coon Rapids Dam, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
Address: Saint Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Address: Granite Falls, MN 56241, USA
Address: Broken Down Dam Road, Broken Down Dam Rd, Fergus Falls, MN 56537, USA