Is swimming allowed at Minnehaha Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Minnehaha Falls.

Live Conditions · 36 ft³/s · About average

Minnehaha Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Minnehaha Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Minnehaha Falls.

Minnesota • 53 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Minnehaha Falls, see below

Minnehaha Park LP · CITY

Photo Credits (5)

Joe Passe CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls drops 53 feet inside Minnehaha Regional Park, a beloved city park in Minneapolis where the lower reaches of Minnehaha Creek tumble toward the Mississippi. The cascade flows year‑round and offers especially dramatic displays during spring snowmelt or when sections freeze into ice in winter. The park is managed by the City as part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board system and lies within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, giving this urban green space a surprisingly wild feel; the landscape was originally designed by landscape architect Horace W.S.

The Setting

Minnehaha Falls sits at 810 feet within Minnehaha Park, fed by the Minnehaha Creek, in the foothills of Minnesota. The falls drop 53 feet.

Height: 53 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The easy 0.4-mile out and back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The primary approach to Minnehaha Falls is a short, well‑maintained walk from nearby parking to the main viewing platform. The out-and-back route is approximately 0.4 miles round trip with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy, making it accessible for families and most visitors. Trails around the falls are mostly paved and connect along Minnehaha Creek down to the Mississippi River, offering additional scenic strolls beyond the main viewpoint.

What to Expect

The falls drop 53 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Minnehaha Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $1.50

🏊 Is There Swimming at Minnehaha Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and summer are ideal for lush greenery and flowing water, while winter offers a unique view of the frozen falls. Fall provides beautiful autumn foliage.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. Do not climb on rocks near the falls, as they can be slippery and dangerous. Be cautious during winter, as icy conditions may make paths slippery.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

36 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

9 28 226 291

Based on 20 years of record

12.78 ft

Water depth at gauge

71°F

Comfortable

Pleasant for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. The water is a comfortable 71 degrees F, pleasant for swimming. Mineral content is moderate.

Water Quality

580 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

MINNEHAHA CREEK AT HIAWATHA AVE. IN MINNEAPOLIS,MN

USGS 05289800

0.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 176 sq mi

Altitude: 791 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MINNEHAHA CREEK AT HIAWATHA AVE. IN MINNEAPOLIS,MN (0 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

36 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

36 cfs

8/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

35 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

37 cfs

8/10

Tue

Moderate

34 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

30 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

26 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

26 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early May to early July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mendota hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Minnehaha Falls is located within Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park is easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation. The address is 4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a parking lot near the falls, and metered parking is available. Parking can fill up quickly during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.

Hours

Elevation

810 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.914688° N, -93.209945° W

Land Management

Minnehaha Park LP

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to explore the trails. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls and surrounding park.

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For this easy 0.4 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.