Minnehaha Falls
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Details
Distance
0.73 miles
Elevation Gain
128 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Joe Whitson
This beautiful park just 5 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. When checking out the waterfall, you can head down and explore the cave behind the falls. If you're looking for more activities, this park provides access to easy trails for hiking, running, and snowshoeing along the creek as well as an extensive system of biking trails.
Named after a legendary Native American princess, Minnehaha Creek cascades over a cliff in these dramatic falls just minutes from the downtowns of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. A favorite place for summer picnickers, the falls are beautiful all year long. They are strongest in June after the Spring rain, but winter transforms the falls into an icy tower.
For hikers or snowshoers, take the stairs down to the base of the falls and you'll find a trail that follows Minnehaha Creek down to its confluence with the Mississippi River. This trail is most notable for its white sandstone cliffs and small caves and the shallow lower creek is a great place for families with young children to swim and explore the creeks many tiny islands and channels. On your way back up, make sure to take the rather treacherous path that leads behind the falls for a new perspective.
If you're more interested in cycling, there are bike rentals in the park above the falls. The Minnehaha trails connect to the Minneapolis Grand Rounds, a 50 mile system connecting many of the city's parks.
Try to make it for one of the many free concerts, festivals, or outdoor movies. Pack your own lunch when you go or grab some food and beer at Sea Salt, a seafood restaurant located just a few yards from the top of the falls.
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Reviews
Fun place to spend an afternoon just hanging out, or grab lunch from Sea Salt during the Spring and Summer!
5.0
Cool park in the city with a big waterfall. They closed off ways to get right to the falls, but you can cross a bridge and walk around it. Interesting people there. Last time, a yogi was doing handstands on the bridge rail.. pretty impressive!
5.0
I was surprised that once we paid parking, we got out the car and froze our butts off to see no marked trails...but to be right at the frozen waterfall. (Literally the walk to the "trail" as less than 1 minute) we crossed barriers and police lines to get to the base of the frozen fall. Once at the bottom, very beautiful sight, however... No excitement other than the icebergs on my eyelashes, eyebrows, and crowds of people putting their children on thin ice for pictures. Be careful!
3.0
The sheer power and sight of the waterfall is insane. But don’t just stop there, check out the trails.The vegetation near the boardwalk portion of the trail is a sight to be scene. And I’ve never been, but I’ve heard wonderful things about the seafood restaurant right near the restaurant.
5.0
Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful waterfall that was only a short walk down some stairs... the hardest part was navigating through the crowds. It was crowded each time I went since there is such easy access to the waterfall. The hike through Minnehaha Falls Park was relaxing and made you feel surrounded by nature, which was surprising to me as it is located in the middle of the city. Worth every visit!
5.0
Very popular place year round. Easy location, always fun to explore.
3.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Explore Frozen Minnehaha Falls
Hike the Winchell Trail
Hike to Shadow Falls
Hike the Pike Island Loop
Run Along the Mississippi River Flats
Exploring the Minnesota Valley NWR
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