Waterfall Hikes Near Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis keeps its waterfalls inside the city limits, which almost no American city can claim. Minnehaha Falls drops 53 feet in its namesake park, and the mile-and-a-half loop below it passes limestone walls on the way to the creek's mouth at the Mississippi. Saint Anthony Falls churns beside the Stone Arch Bridge downtown, a drive-up. Shadow Falls takes a half-mile walk on the St. Paul side. Dogs are welcome at all three, and Apple River Falls over in Wisconsin rounds the count to four.
Map of Waterfalls Near Minneapolis
Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.
Today's Conditions
Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service
Water Flow
1 of 2 waterfalls near Minneapolis is flowing strongly today
Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Tuesday
Sunny · 66°F
Flowing best right now near Minneapolis
Updated about 2 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Minneapolis (4 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.
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All 4 Waterfalls Near Minneapolis
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🧭 Day Trips From Minneapolis (6 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)
Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Minneapolis. Make a day of it and 6 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Minnemishinona Falls, about 73 miles away. They're spread across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Minneapolis; the drive is usually longer.
Aerial
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 4 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.
What waterfalls are within a day trip of Minneapolis?
Beyond the 4 waterfalls within 50 miles, 6 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Minneapolis. The closest of those is Minnemishinona Falls, approximately 73.3 miles away.
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Pin It🏙️ Other Cities Near Minneapolis With Waterfalls
Where to Stay
Ramada by Wyndham Minneapolis Golden Valley
The Chambers Hotel
Hampton Inn & Suites - Minneapolis/Downtown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Minneapolis - West End by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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