Compared to many other states, Minnesota is home to a huge variety of waterfalls. Whether you’re content with a creek waterfall that has a modest drop, or a 120-foot waterfall in deep wilderness, you’re bound to find something to love. Even better than viewing a waterfall is taking a scenic hike to get there. Minnesota has plenty of such hikes, each as beautiful as the next. The next time you have a hankering for a waterfall hike in Minnesota, why not check one of these off your bucket list? They’re some of the best hikes to waterfalls in Minnesota after all.

1. Minnehaha Falls - Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Evan Miles/Flickr
Okay, so Minnehaha Falls isn't exactly deep in the woods, but that doesn't mean it's not worthy of your bucket list. This "hike" is probably the easiest of the bunch with just a few hundred feet between your car and the waterfall. If you're up for a little more exercise, take the stairs down to the base of the falls. The hike back up will do the trick!
2. Hidden Falls - Nerstrand
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN, USA
Phil/Flickr
In the little-known Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is an even lesser-known waterfall, and the first Hidden Falls on our bucket list. While the St. Paul Falls is beautiful, the waterfall at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park has the advantage of being surrounded by thick foliage on every side. When you stumble upon the waterfall, it'll feel like you've discovered one of Minnesota's hidden secrets, especially if no one else is visiting. This waterfall is just a 1/2-mile walk from the parking lot, but it feels like another world and it's one of the best waterfall hikes in the state.
3. Kawishiwi Falls - Ely
Kawishiwi Falls Trail, Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN, USA
Jim Liestman/Flickr
Have you ever heard of Kawishiwi Falls? Most Minnesotans haven't. This little-known waterfall hike offers peace and quiet as you trek through the Boundary Waters to this beautiful little spot. The waterfall has a few drops, making it even more picturesque. Even better, this hike is only about 1.5 miles long.

4. Winnewissa Falls - Pipestone
Pipestone National Monument, Reservation Avenue, Pipestone, MN, USA
Katie Wheeler/Flickr
Though Pipestone is a bit out of the way, it is near so many beautiful places in Minnesota that you could easily spend a long weekend exploring the area. Winnewissa Falls is found at the beautiful and historic Pipestone National Monument. The hike passes through stunning prairie and alongside a scenic creek to its most beautiful sight, a waterfall flowing over pink quartzite cliffs. This magical spot is a must-visit for all Minnesotans. After all, it's one of the best hikes with waterfalls in the state.

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5. Big Spring Falls - Sandstone
Big Spring Falls, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
uskidz/Flickr
At Banning State Park, the rushing rapids of the Kettle River are the main attraction. After all, they hold the beautiful Big Spring Falls, a lovely waterfall that draws many yearly visitors to this east-central Minnesota park. But the hike itself, which is only 3/4 of a mile long, is a lovely trek through the forest. It's especially beautiful when the leaves start to change color during the fall season and a wonderful kid-friendly hike.
6. Hidden Falls - St. Paul
Hidden Falls Regional Park, 1313 Hidden Falls Dr, St Paul, MN 55116, USA
KellieandDenis/TripAdvisor
Minnehaha Falls isn't the only waterfall within city limits. In nearby St. Paul, Hidden Falls Regional Park holds a lovely waterfall that is well worth the visit if you're in the area. The park holds 6.7 miles of trails, though the trek to the waterfall is much shorter than that. The trickling water of Hidden Falls makes the journey worth it.
7. Shadow Falls - St. Paul
Shadow Falls, St Paul, MN 55105, USA
Betsy Rathburn/Only In Your State
Here's another St. Paul waterfall that you may not know about. Shadow Falls is found at Shadow Falls Park right on the banks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul. From the river overlook, turn off the paved paths for a trek through quiet, shadowy woods. You'll hear the sound of the waterfall long before you see it, but when you do, it will feel nothing short of magical. With sunlight filtering through the thick forest canopy, you'll feel like you've found your own little oasis within the city.

8. High Falls of the Pigeon River - Grand Portage
High Falls on the Pigeon River, High Falls Trail, South Gillies, ON P0T 2V0, Canada
James Jordan/Flickr
Way up on the Canadian border, the High Falls of the Pigeon River is easily accessible by hike. The paved trail is about 1/2 mile through the woods, so you'll have plenty of time to stop and enjoy the scenery. This beautiful waterfall has a 120-foot drop, making it the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. If you're willing to make the long drive to the border, you'll love checking this waterfall off your bucket list. It's located in Grand Portage State Park. It's one of the most beautiful Minnesota waterfalls.
9. High Falls of the Baptism River - Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota 61, Silver Bay, MN, USA
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Located at Tettegouche State Park on the North Shore of Lake Superior, the High Falls of the Baptism River is the second-tallest waterfall in Minnesota - and the tallest located completely within the state. After a short hike through rugged northern forest, visitors will see a rushing waterfall tumbling over rocky cliffs. It's best to visit in the summer and fall when the surrounding trees are bright with color.

Have you ever experienced any of these waterfall hikes? Do you think they are some of the best hikes to waterfalls in Minnesota? If so, let us know in the comments below. Also, if you have a favorite waterfall hike, please share that with us as well.

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Jennifer Young | April 08, 2022

What are five of the best kid-friendly hikes around Minnesota that are also some of the easiest?

There are many trails in Minnesota of all difficulties. While some are difficult to navigate, many others are quite easy. In fact, they're easy enough for kids to hike. Listed below are five of the best kid-friendly trails in Minnesota that also have an easy level of difficulty.

1. Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop

Located within Gooseberry Falls State Park near Silver Creek Township is the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop. This three-mile loop trail is mostly used for hiking, birding, and road biking. The best time of year to use this trail is from March through December.

2. Pike Island Loop

Minnesota's Pike Island Loop is a 3.9-mile trail that's located within Fort Snelling State Park near Fort Snelling. In addition to hiking, many people enjoy using this trail for birding. During the winter months, it's also a popular area for cross-country skiing. This trail is perfect for visiting no matter the time of year.

3. Jensen Lake Trail

The Jensen Lake Trail is located within Lebanon Hills Regional Park near St. Paul. It's a 2.1-mile loop trail that many people enjoy using for birding, running, and of course hiking. May through September is the best time of year to use Minnesota's Jensen Lake Trail.

4. Silver Creek Trail

Located within Minnesota's Jay Cooke State Park is the Silver Creek Trail. This 3.4-mile loop trail is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and road biking. It's also great for use year-round.

5. Shovel Point

Shovel Point is a 1.2-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within Tettegouche State Park. Many people choose to use this trail for hiking, running, and birding. It's also a great trail to explore whenever you're in need of some peace and quiet because it's not very crowded.

What's one of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota that belong on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list?

There are several trails in Minnesota that offer lots of beautiful scenery. One of the most scenic hikes in Minnesota is the Hidden Falls Trail, which is located within Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. This one-mile loop trail will take you through lots of forest and lead you to a small, yet beautiful, 20-foot waterfall. Because the Hidden Falls Trail has flat terrain, it's easy enough for most people to hike it. If you plan to hike this scenic trail, don't forget to bring along your camera. You'll definitely want to capture some shots of all the beautiful scenery.

 

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