Minnehaha Falls
A breathtaking 53-foot waterfall in an urban park, offering stunning natural beauty and accessible trails for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Minnehaha Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 53-foot waterfall in an urban park, offering stunning natural beauty and accessible trails for all.
"A stunning & surprisingly accessible oasis! Blown away by the beauty and ease of access."
🚗 Parking Fees
Paid parking is enforced hourly. Consider walking or biking to save money. :parking_meter:
🚶 Easy Access
Short walk from parking to the main overlook. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels. 🚶
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 5,984 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Minnehaha Waterfall
Main overlook
A stunning 53-foot cascade, this waterfall is the park's centerpiece and a breathtaking natural escape.
Pergola Garden
Near the falls
A charming spot for relaxation and photos, offering a picturesque setting amidst lush greenery.
Minnehaha Creek
Throughout the park
Explore the creek's path, perfect for leisurely walks or even a tube float on calmer days.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Where to go to float down the Minnehaha Creek?
Always heard of people doing it. But I wanna take an inner tube and float down the river. But where are good spots to load in?
🚗 Parking Fees
Paid parking is enforced hourly. Consider walking or biking to save money. :parking_meter:
🚶 Easy Access
Short walk from parking to the main overlook. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels. 🚶
Go to the Falls
Seriously, the creek is high and Minnehaha is gushing. Get a DQ or eat at Sea Salt. I promise you won’t get shot.
Anyone here ever tube on Minnehaha creek? We’re doing it tomorrow and looking for tips.
I suppose we want to tube for about 1.5 hours, at a fairly slow pace, and in comfort/safety. Has anyone here ever done it? Where have you started/ended? What obstacles are we up against?
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for photos at the main overlook and bridge viewpoints. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Winter Wonder
The falls freeze beautifully in winter, offering a unique and stunning spectacle. :snowflake:
After two years of low water I finally got to paddle Minnehaha Creek today!
Did this yesterday! It was a lot of fun. I don’t think you need to be an expert or anything, but because of all the recent precipitation the water is high and so the current is quick in a few places. Along with some trees it requires basic navigational ability or else a…
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Paid parking is enforced hourly. Consider walking or biking to save money. :parking_meter:
🚶 Easy Access
Short walk from parking to the main overlook. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels. 🚶
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spots for photos at the main overlook and bridge viewpoints. :camerawithflash:
❄️ Winter Wonder
The falls freeze beautifully in winter, offering a unique and stunning spectacle. :snowflake:
🏞️ Park Exploration
Beyond the falls, explore trails, the creek, and the historic Longfellow House. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Minnehaha Falls as a stunning and surprisingly accessible urban oasis. The 53-foot waterfall is a major draw, offering breathtaking views with minimal effort. Many appreciate the ease of access, ample photo opportunities, and the park's serene atmosphere, making it a perfect quick escape.
"Great place for a park visit. the surrounding area is also nice. The park itself offers a lot of activities. There's paid parking lots at a very reasonable price given the attraction of an actual waterfall! Didn't get to go through the whole park but did experience the waterfall area which was quite busy but not crowded."
Peter Pnutz
"After you park this was a beautiful and short 5 to 10 minute walk going slow to see the actual falls. If you can't see it at the first place you try just follow the sound of the water we saw it at the second place which was a bridge. You do have to pay for parking $1.30 for an hour."
Rachel C.
"A wonderful park to see a great rushing water fall. It is easy to get to, and has a safety fence all the way around to safely view and watch this waterfall. You can zen out and relax, take pictures and videos. Paid Parking is available and enforced. However, you can choose to park further away and walk to it, bike to it, or rent a scooter. Please be kind to others, clean up any trash, and enjoy!"
Trav A
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Minnehaha Falls is easily accessible by car, with paid parking lots available. You can also reach it via public transportation, biking, or even by walking from nearby areas. The address is 4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Yes, there are paid parking lots near the falls. Parking is enforced hourly and is reasonably priced. You can also find street parking further away and walk or bike in.
Absolutely! Minnehaha Falls is a popular destination for cyclists. There are dedicated bike trails, including routes that connect to Fort Snelling.
The closest parking is usually the most convenient but also the busiest and most expensive. Following the sound of the water can help you locate the falls if you park further away. A map of the parking areas is available online.
Yes, Minnehaha Falls is surprisingly close to the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). It's a great option for a layover or if you have a few hours to kill before a flight.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the park itself is free to enter. You only pay for parking if you choose to park in the designated lots near the falls.
Minnehaha Park is generally open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. However, specific facilities within the park may have different hours. It's always a good idea to check the official Minneapolis Parks website for the most up-to-date information.
No tickets are required to visit Minnehaha Falls or the park. It's a public space that you can enjoy freely.
While the park is generally open, there might be seasonal closures or specific event restrictions. Always check the official park website for any alerts or advisories before your visit.
Swimming is not permitted directly at Minnehaha Falls due to safety reasons and the powerful currents. However, there are designated swimming areas in other parts of the Minneapolis park system.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides admiring the waterfall, you can explore the surrounding park trails, visit the historic Longfellow House, enjoy a picnic, or even go for a bike ride. The creek also offers opportunities for tubing on calmer days.
Yes, Minnehaha Park offers several hiking trails that wind through the park and along Minnehaha Creek. These trails are generally well-maintained and offer beautiful scenery.
The main path to the waterfall overlook is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for strollers. Some of the more natural trails might be less so.
Minnehaha Falls has a rich history, famously depicted in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha.' It has been a significant natural landmark and gathering place for centuries.
Yes, there are many scenic spots throughout Minnehaha Park perfect for picnics. You'll find picnic tables and open grassy areas to relax and enjoy your meal.
📸 📸 Photography
The main overlook provides a classic, unobstructed view of the waterfall. The bridge offers a different perspective, and the surrounding parkland with its greenery and creek also presents beautiful photographic opportunities.
Absolutely! Minnehaha Falls in winter is a photographer's dream. The frozen cascades create a unique and breathtaking spectacle, offering dramatic shots.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, often provides the most beautiful light for photography. However, the falls are picturesque at any time of day, and even on overcast days, the water's power is impressive.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Minneapolis parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check the official Minneapolis Parks and Recreation guidelines for current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scope of the waterfall and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for longer exposures, especially in lower light conditions or to capture the silky water effect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit