9 Minnesota waterfalls you can see on a daytrip
You've probably heard of Gooseberry Falls. Or visited Minnehaha Falls, if you live in the Twin Cities area.
But that's just scratching the surface for what Minnesota offers when it comes to waterfalls. This list aims to highlight easily accessible, but perhaps less-visited, waterfalls across the state.
Hidden Falls — Nerstrand
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These falls aren't so hidden, located inside Nerstrand State Park, but they are pretty. The park "is comprised of the largest remnant of Big Woods vegetation in Minnesota," according to Explore Minnesota.
Minnemishinona and Minneopa falls — Mankato
Here's a two-for-one waterfall getaway in Mankato. The 42-foot Minnemishinona Falls were on private land for many years, but are now open for the public to view. Head a few minutes away to see the falls at Minneopa State Park, and check out the bison herd while there.
Wolf Creek Falls — Sandstone
These falls along the Kettle River sit in Banning State Park, and there are plenty of other activities nearby: rock climbing, paddlesports, hiking, even old quarry ruins to explore.
High Falls — Grand Portage
Minnesota's tallest waterfall is on the Canadian border inside Grand Portage State Park. But at 120 feet, the High Falls are worth the trek.
Vermillion Falls — Hastings
This 35-foot waterfall sits in downtown Hastings, a 30-minute drive down the Mississippi River from St. Paul, making it ideal for a quick daytrip from the Twin Cities.
Winnewissa Falls — Pipestone
Pipestone National Monument is full of Native American culture, both current and historic, as well as the Winnewissa Falls. One viewpoint takes visitors up a staircase carved into the natural rock formations.
Ramsey Falls — Redwood Falls
These rocky falls run inside the " Little Yellowstone of Minnesota" (aka Ramsey Park), which also hosts a campground, a trout stream, zoo, scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
Hidden Falls — St. Paul
Another falls named for their concealed nature, the urban Hidden Falls sit on the Mississippi River inside their namesake regional park, which was established in 1887 as one of four original park areas in St. Paul, according to the National Park Service.
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Correction (July 11, 2019): An earlier version of this story misstated the river on which Wolf Creek Falls sits.