Minnehaha Falls is the natural landmark of Minneapolis, a 53-foot waterfall where Minnehaha Creek drops into a limestone glen on its way to the Mississippi. It sits in Minnehaha Regional Park, one of the oldest and most visited parks in the city, and has inspired poets and painters for well over a century; it was made famous by Longfellow’s poem The Song of Hiawatha. The classic view is from the top of the falls, where an overlook and stone stairways lead down into the glen, and from the bottom, where you can look up at the water tumbling over the ledge. From there a trail follows the creek through the woods to its confluence with the Mississippi, a lovely, quiet walk. The park is free, open from early morning until late, and changes completely with the seasons: in summer and autumn the falls rush through green or golden trees, and in a cold winter the water freezes into great columns of ice that draw photographers from all over the region. Paved trails are maintained through the winter, and the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway runs through the park, linking it with the city’s lakes and parkways. This page links to the official Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board page for the park.
How to visit: the park is at 4801 South Minnehaha Drive in south Minneapolis. Developed areas are open from 6am to midnight. There is a pay lot, a free lot and on-street pay parking, and the park is also near a METRO light rail stop on the line between downtown and Mall of America, which makes it an easy stop on a mall day. The seasonal restaurant beside the falls is closed in the colder months, and park restrooms are closed for the season, so plan ahead.
What to expect: the walk from the parking areas to the falls overlook is short and easy, while the stairs down into the glen and the creek trail are steeper and can be icy in November and winter, so wear shoes with grip. The park board has ongoing infrastructure projects in the regional park, so watch for signs or temporary detours near the falls.
Making the most of it: go in the morning for soft light and few people, walk the creek trail to the Mississippi, and return via the upper path. Pair the park with Mall of America on the same light rail line.
What to expect
The experience
A free regional park with a 53-foot waterfall, an overlook, stairs into a wooded glen and a creek trail to the Mississippi.
Best time
Morning, for soft light and quiet paths; in deep winter, for the frozen falls.
How long
One to two hours including the creek trail.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip in November, as stairs can be icy, and note that restrooms and the seasonal restaurant close in the colder months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants a free, easy escape from the city.
- Families
- The short walk to the overlook suits all ages, and older children enjoy the stairs and the creek trail.
- Couples
- A morning walk to the falls and along the creek is one of the most romantic free things to do in the Twin Cities.
- Pair with
- Mall of America on the same light rail line, or a drive along the Grand Rounds to the lakes.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
How tall is Minnehaha Falls?+
Minnehaha Falls is 53 feet high. It drops into a limestone glen before the creek flows on to the Mississippi.
Is Minnehaha Falls free to visit?+
Yes, the park and the falls are free. There is a pay lot and on-street pay parking, as well as a free lot.
Does Minnehaha Falls freeze in winter?+
In cold winters the falls freeze into dramatic columns of ice. It is a popular photo spot through the colder months.
What are Minnehaha Regional Park’s hours?+
Developed areas of the park are open from 6am to midnight. Undeveloped areas close at 10pm.
Can I get to Minnehaha Falls by public transport?+
Yes, the park is near a stop on the METRO light rail line between downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America. It is a short walk from the station to the falls.
