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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?