High Falls at Tettegouche State Park
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At 100 feet, these falls on the Baptism River are among the highest in the state. You can take one of two trails to reach them, with the shorter walk about a mile and a half. Several different photographs are possible from above, on the boardwalk, or the stairs that lead down to the base. A little further on, you will find Two-Step Falls. When they are in full flood, the two cascades of water flowing down are especially impressive, so pick your time to go – springtime or after heavy rains are ideal. For more information, click here.
Minnehaha Falls
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The popularity of these 53-foot falls in Minnehaha Park is understandable because of their proximity to the city and the fact that you can hear the water soon after you enter the park. The flow is at its height after the winter snow melts, but there are plenty of visitors in the winter when the falls freeze over. Winters are cold in Minneapolis, so the icicles of the falls are guaranteed. They are the falls mentioned in Longfellow’s ‘’ Song of Hiawatha.’’ Aside from the views from above, you can go down either side of the falls to get different angles. For more information, click here.
Ramsey Falls
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The nickname for this park is ‘’Little Yellowstone,’’ and the highlight of any visit is certainly the Ramsey Falls, which have some good vantage points. While it is a two-hour drive from the city, this park has become a popular day-trip for families. The parking lot is just a short distance from the falls themselves, though, in total, there are four miles of paved trails for hikers. Campers will find plenty to do apart from looking at the falls. A museum and a small zoo are two other attractions. For more information, click here.
Willow River Falls
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These stunning falls descend over several ledges into a 200-foot deep gorge en route to the St. Croix River. You have just a short walk from the beginning of the trail before you will hear and see the cascades. Four different places offer the chance of different photographs. The park covers a little under 3,000 acres, and with so many trails, it is a shame just to spend a single day there – camping facilities mean that you don’t have to. There is even a beach to enjoy in the summer months and excellent picnic facilities near the Little Falls Lake. For more information, click here.
Cascade Falls
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This is a volcanic region formed billions of years ago. On just a three-mile stretch of river flowing into Lake Superior, there is a descent of around 900 feet. A convenient campsite is close to one of the main falls, so there is no reason to hurry away. The highest of the Falls is around 30 feet – one of four within the last 400 yards to the lake. There are trails either side of the water, with a bridge, making it potentially a loop. Springtime or just after heavy rains are the best time to visit. For more information, click here.