Minneapolis-Saint Paul might be a bustling metropolitan area, but the cities have plenty of beauty within them. Whether natural or man-made, there’s plenty to appreciate in the great outdoors. Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul possess stunning waterfalls you’ll want to add to your bucket list ASAP! Here are four breathtaking waterfalls hiding in Minneapolis and Saint Paul that might just be our favorites:

1. Saint Anthony Falls (Minneapolis)
Saint Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
Collapse The Light/Flickr
Just along the Mill City District near east downtown Minneapolis lies this man-made waterfall, Saint Anthony Falls. Once a completely natural waterfall, it now sports a man-made fall complete with locks and dams. Saint Anthony Falls was an essential part of Minneapolis' milling past. It may have utility, but it is also downright gorgeous. Walk along the Stone Arch Bridge to get the best view of the falls. Be sure to check out Mill Ruins Park while you're here.
2. Shadow Falls (Saint Paul)
Shadow Falls, St Paul, MN 55105, USA
Cindy D/Yelp
Located between St. Thomas University and the Mississippi River lies the hidden waterfall within Shadow Falls Park. The actual waterfall at Shadow Falls might not look like it has much water power, but along this serene easily walkable trail, this is a city treasure. Fossils dating back to 400 million years ago have been found at this site, tucked away in the falls' limestone. You can even walk behind the falls if you feel brave enough.
3. Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis)
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Gilad Rom/flickr
Stunning in any season, Minnehaha Falls is possibly the most notable natural waterfall within Minneapolis' city limits. During the summer, Minneapolitans arrive in droves to marvel at this beautiful waterfall and snap photos. In the winter, the falls freeze over making the most gorgeous ice formation in the world. It might be one of the most amazing places in the U.S.!
4. Hidden Falls (Saint Paul)
Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
Chuck P/Yelp
Hidden Falls Regional Park contains 6.7 miles of paved and walkable trails for city explorers to enjoy, and features a beautiful hidden waterfall, for which the park is named. Bring your whole family to have a vacation within the city for a day. It's one of our best-kept secrets.

Did you arrive here after searching for “waterfalls near me?” Now you know just where to go to view the area’s cascades. Minneapolis and Saint Paul are worth exploring, including all that is in the great outdoors. We know there are some great spots for exploring: share your favorites in the comments below!

In the meantime, turn to These 12 Epic Hiking Spots Around Minneapolis to jump start your next adventure.

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Waterfalls Near Me

Tori Jane | March 14, 2022

What are some awesome hiking trails with waterfalls around Minnesota?  

Minnesota is a great state for folks who love waterfalls. It’s home to 55 trails that feature one or more falls, and each of those hikes is absolutely worth a try. Some of our favorites include the easy, three-mile trek on the Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop, which is located at Gooseberry Falls State Park. It’s a gem of a hike that might just become your new favorite. Another amazing one is the hike to Devil’s Kettle, within Judge C.R. Magney State Park and leads to one of the state’s best falls (at least we think so). That one is two miles long and rated as moderate. Then, check out the Baptism River hike, which is 2.9 miles long, moderate, and leads to yet another one of Minnesota’s most amazing cascades. Other awe-inspiring hiking trails with waterfalls around Minnesota include the Temperance River Falls Loop (3.3 miles, moderate), Lookout Mountain Loop (3.2 miles, moderate), High Falls Trail (1.1 miles, easy), and Nerstrand Beaver Loop (2.5 miles, easy). There are plenty more, but these are all great places to start! 

What are the most amazing waterfalls in Minnesota? 

Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” and with all those lakes come plenty of rivers to feed them, and with plenty of rivers come plenty of amazing waterfalls, of which Minnesota has no shortage at all. Among the ones we would argue are the most amazing is the famous Gooseberry Falls, which is probably the single most-beloved waterfall in the state, and Minnehaha Falls is also totally Insta-worthy. If you’re a fan of tall falls, check out High Falls of the Baptism River and High Falls of the Pigeon River – the reason for their names is pretty obvious. For more information about these falls and a few others as well, check out this previous article. Which waterfall in Minnesota is your favorite? We can’t really pick. 

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