The Land of 10,000 Lakes is blessed with all manner of natural beauty, from the tallgrass prairies and Sioux quartzite of the southwest, the pristine lakes and aspen parklands in the north, as well as bogs, bluffs, and big, bold waterfalls in Minnesota. The fact of the matter is our state is blessed with natural bounty, and there is tons of nature to explore out there. It’s almost overwhelming, really. So, let’s start small and visit some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Minnesota. You can do it in a single weekend if you follow this itinerary.

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This route along the North Shore is pretty short, but don't let that fool you. Across less than 200 miles, this trip is jam-packed with more than half a dozen falls in Minnesota. Between driving, hiking to the falls, and taking some time to enjoy the scenery, you'll have quite the busy weekend. We also threw in a stunning Lake Superior cabin stay and a restaurant with a waterfront view that will help you get into the spirit of the trip. The total driving time for this road trip is only about two and a half hours, but that doesn't include all the time you'll need to explore these Minnesota waterfalls.
1. Gooseberry Falls, Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
smcgee/Flickr
This trip kicks things off with a stop at what might be Minnesota's most famous waterfall. It's located in Gooseberry Falls State Park, just a short hike down a trail near the parking lot. The great thing about Gooseberry Falls is that there are many other hiking trails that will take you to some lesser-known parts of this park. You'll definitely want to bring a camera for this one. It's a Minnesota classic.
2. Baptism River High Falls, Silver Bay
High Falls, Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
Next up, the High Falls of the Baptism River in Tettegouche State Park. From the parking lot, you'll find trails to not one, but three waterfalls in this state park. Seeing them all is certainly ideal, but if you're crunched for time, rush to the High Falls. At 60 feet high, this is the tallest waterfall contained entirely within Minnesota.
3. Illgen Falls, Silver Bay
Illgen Falls, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA
alltrails/Sarah Day
Also in the Tettegouche area, Illgen Falls is a great quick stop along this trip. Just walk a few feet down a trail near Highway 61 to catch a glimpse of the Baptism River before it makes its way over the high falls. This is a great quick stop. So quick, in fact, that you can't not visit.
4. Cross River Falls, Schroeder
Cross River Falls, Minnesota 61, Schroeder, MN, USA
Tim Schleicher/Flickr
Drive about 30 minutes north on Highway 61 and you'll come to the next set of can't-miss waterfalls. The Cross River Falls is a smaller one, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. Fewer people visit this falls than more famous stops like Gooseberry, so you can expect a peaceful walk through nature to get to it. It's south of Temperance River State Park, just a couple miles down a trail accessed near Wayside Park in Schroeder.

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5. Hidden Falls, Schroeder
Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
flickr/Keith Ewing
Another one of the more famous falls on this trip, the falls along the Temperance River are quite the sight to see. There are a few waterfalls at the state park, but the Hidden Falls may be the most well-known. A trail along the gorge offers views of gorgeous rock formations, and a bridge over the falls allows for a picturesque view from above.
6. Patagonia Cabins, Grand Marais
Patagonia Cabins
By now, all that trekking probably made you tired. Camping in any of the state parks is a great idea, or you can opt for a more luxurious retreat at one of the resorts near Lutsen. But we prefer a more relaxed approach, like a stay at the amazing Patagonia Cabins near Grand Marais. These updated cabins offer peace and quiet - with the exception, of course, of wind blowing through the boreal forest, and waves crashing onto the rocks of Lake Superior's shore. One of these cabins always makes for an excellent and rejuvenating retreat after exploring Minnesota's great North Woods.
7. Angry Trout Cafe, Grand Marais
Angry Trout Cafe, West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Alfred Essa/Flickr
But what about dinner? A stop at this well-known Grand Marais restaurant is sure to fill you up. While it doesn't have waterfall views, it does have a spectacular view of Lake Superior. You can watch the waves come in as you eat, and reminisce about the gorgeous nature you saw while traveling there.
8. Upper Falls of the Brule River, Grand Marais
Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
ramendan/Flickr
When you wake up the next morning, get ready for some of the most beautiful waterfalls of the whole trip. The first stop of the day is Judge C.R. Magney State Park, just north of downtown Grand Marais. Here, you'll find the Brule River as it crashes over jagged rock. You'll find it less than a mile from the parking lot, along the same trail that will take you to the Devil's Kettle.
9. Devil's Kettle, Grand Marais
Caldera del Diablo, East Cook, MN 55604, USA
Kat B./Flickr
As one of Minnesota's most famous - and most mysterious - natural wonders, the Devil's Kettle is an absolute must! And if you're already seeing the Upper Falls, you might as well continue on a little further to the Devil's Kettle. This strange attraction has eluded experts for years. Where exactly does the water go? Chances are, you won't solve the mystery. But it'll sure be an interesting sight.
10. High Falls of the Pigeon River, Grand Portage
Falls Trail, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
ramendan/Flickr
Once you get your fill of the Brule River, if that's even possible, get back in the car for your last stop. About an hour up the road, Grand Portage State Park offers what may just be the most spectacular waterfall on the whole trip. At 120 feet high, the High Falls of the Pigeon River is the tallest waterfall located at least partially in Minnesota. If you've ever dreamt of seeing Niagara Falls but can't justify a trip to New York, this is your spot. The hike to the High Falls is only about half a mile, but if you're looking for a more rugged experience, try the five-mile trip to the Middle Falls.

These are just a handful of the stunning waterfalls in Minnesota. Be sure to make a plan to visit some of the other amazing Minnesota waterfalls in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

What do you think? Does this sound like a road trip you may want to take someday? Are there any other falls in Minnesota we should have included in our itinerary?

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Waterfalls in Minnesota

Jennifer Young | April 14, 2022

What are three of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota?

There are numerous hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota. Listed below are three of our favorites. You'll want to explore them all.

1. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop

The Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop is a three-mile loop trail at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It has an easy level of difficulty and is mostly used for hiking, road biking, and birding. The months of March through October are the best times to use this trail.

2. Devil's Kettle

Devil's Kettle, a two-mile, out-and-back trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park, is a popular trail with a moderate level of difficulty. Many people choose to use this trail for hiking, camping, and birding. It's also a great trail to explore all year long.

3. High Falls Trail

Located at Minnesota's Grand Portage State Park is the scenic High Falls Trail. This 1.1-mile, out-and-back trail has an easy level of difficulty and is best used from May through October. In addition to hiking, many people also use this trail for walking.

What is the most popular waterfall in Minnesota that belongs at the top of everyone's bucket list?

You can't help but love waterfalls. Minnesota is home to many beautiful waterfalls of all sizes. Some of them are even more popular than others. The most popular waterfall in Minnesota is Goosebery Falls. This waterfall is located at Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors. It's a series of waterfalls that are surrounded by lots of rocky gorge. Gooseberry Falls, which flows into Lake Superior, receives visitors from all across Minnesota and beyond. If you're a fan of waterfalls, you'll definitely want to make plans to visit Gooseberry Falls. Not only is the waterfall beautiful, but the surrounding scenery is some of the best you'll ever experience.

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