Posted in Minnesota Nature, Waterfalls April 09, 2022 by

Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Minnesota’s Waterfalls

Despite how it may seem, Minnesota is actually one of the larger states. It ranks 12th in size by total land area, beating out states more commonly thought of as “big,” like Georgia and the Dakotas. And because of our state’s superlative size, there is tons of nature to explore. It’s almost overwhelming, really. That’s why we came up with this weekend itinerary to help you see some of Minnesota’s most incredible waterfalls near me.

Google Maps
This route along the North Shore is pretty short, but don't let that fool you. Over less than 200 miles, this trip is jam-packed with more than half a dozen waterfalls. 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 great bed and breakfast and a restaurant with a waterfront view that will help you get into the spirit of the trip. Follow this link for driving directions.
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, MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613, 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.
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. Bally House Bed and Breakfast - Grand Marais
Bally House Bed and Breakfast
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 this bed and breakfast in Grand Marais. This 100-year-old home first opened as a bed and breakfast in 2015, making it one of the newer hotels in the area. Even though it's new, it still has loads of century-old charm. Plus, its location puts you at a great place to start the next day's adventures.

Note: Bally House Bed and Breakfast has permanently closed.
7. Angry Trout Cafe - Grand Marais
Angry Trout Cafe, 408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, 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, 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, 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
High Falls on the Pigeon River, High Falls Trail, South Gillies, ON P0T 2V0, Canada
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.

What do you think? Does this trip sound like something you’d want to take? For more fun road trip ideas, check out our previous article, A Haunting Road Trip Through Minnesota Towns To Take If You Dare.

Address: Angry Trout Cafe, 408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: High Falls, Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Address: Cross River Falls, MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA
Address: Judge C.R. Magney State Park, 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Caldera del Diablo, East Cook, MN 55604, USA
Address: High Falls on the Pigeon River, High Falls Trail, South Gillies, ON P0T 2V0, Canada
Address: Illgen Falls, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfalls near me

April 14, 2022
Jennifer Young

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.

Address: Angry Trout Cafe, 408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: High Falls, Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Address: Cross River Falls, MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA
Address: Judge C.R. Magney State Park, 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Address: Caldera del Diablo, East Cook, MN 55604, USA
Address: High Falls on the Pigeon River, High Falls Trail, South Gillies, ON P0T 2V0, Canada
Address: Illgen Falls, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA