best waterfalls in the state

Southwest Minnesota is known more for prairie and farm land than waterways. That makes the majestic Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument a surprise when walking among pink quartzite rocks and learning about the area’s continued spiritual significance to American Indians.

About 140 miles southeast of the Twin Cities, almost to the Iowa border, you can find an unusual twist on the typical waterfall on the outskirts of Harmony. The catch? You must head underground on a Niagara Cave tour to see the almost 60-foot-high waterfall. It’s one of the unique features of this cave, which was once popular for underground weddings. (It still boasts a small chapel among its natural features.)

Minnesota's most popular waterfall anchors Minnehaha Regional Park, where you can hike, rent a bike, catch a concert or kick back on the patio at the seasonal outdoor dining standby Sea Salt Eatery and its new side hustle The Sandwich Room.

Follow Lake Superior’s shoreline about 30 miles southwest to see Minnesota’s most unusual waterfall: Devil’s Kettle on the Brule River. Visitors can park or camp at Judge C.R. Magney State Park north of Grand Marais and hike to the waterfalls where the water splits. One side tumbles 50 feet into a pool that flows to Lake Superior, and the other plunges underground and disappears.

The Waterfalls Walk within Gooseberry Falls State Park is a short route that highlights the middle and upper falls, and can be ADA accessible if you use the ADA trail segment instead of the stairs. The Falls View Loop is a non-ADA accessible and longer route that features the park's Middle, Upper and Lower Falls.