Waterfall Hikes Near Minneapolis, MN

2,892,569 residents
Chicago Time Zone
4 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Minneapolis sits on a glacially sculpted landscape of river valleys, chain of lakes, and steep Mississippi River bluffs that cut through otherwise flat prairie, with parkland and urban greenways exposing sandstone and limestone outcrops. Within 50 miles the waterfall hikes are mostly short, easy roadside cascades and park trails with a single moderate river‑gorge scramble; the area's appeal is the urban–wild interface and unusually accessible gorge and shoreline viewpoints that show marked seasonal flow variation.

Located at 44.9635°N, -93.2678°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Minneapolis

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

2 of 4 gauged

2 waterfalls near Minneapolis have live flow data today

Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Today

Mostly Sunny · 87°F

Tod 87°F Mostly Sunny Best
Sat 89°F Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Sun 92°F Sunny
Mon 94°F Sunny
Tue 94°F Sunny
Wed 91°F Sunny
Thu 90°F Slight Chance Rain Showers

Flowing best right now near Minneapolis

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Apple River Falls Moderate · 314 cfs 41st percentile
  2. 2 Minnehaha Falls Low · 48 cfs 12th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Minneapolis

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Minneapolis (3 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

21.9 miles away
Minnesota
Easy
0.5 miles 50 ft
27.1 miles away
Minnesota
Easy
0.4 miles 50 ft
23 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
0.4 miles 50 ft

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Minneapolis (3 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

26.3 miles away
Minnesota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 4 Waterfalls Near Minneapolis

21.9 miles away
Minnesota
Easy
0.5 miles 50 ft
26.3 miles away
Minnesota
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
27.1 miles away
Minnesota
Easy
0.4 miles 50 ft
23 miles away
Wisconsin
Easy
0.4 miles 50 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Minneapolis

Are there free waterfalls near Minneapolis?

There are 3 free waterfalls near Minneapolis, including Apple River Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Minneapolis?

There are 3 easy waterfall hikes near Minneapolis, including Apple River Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Minneapolis?

There are 3 dog-friendly waterfalls near Minneapolis, including Minnehaha Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Minneapolis?

There are 3 kid-friendly waterfalls near Minneapolis, including Minnehaha Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Minneapolis?

The shortest waterfall hike near Minneapolis is Apple River Falls at 0.4 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Minneapolis?

The tallest waterfall near Minneapolis is Minnehaha Falls at 53 feet.

What is the closest waterfall to Minneapolis?

The closest waterfall to Minneapolis is Saint Anthony Falls, approximately 1.4 miles away.

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