Waterfalls near Minneapolis

19 named waterfalls within 50 miles of Minneapolis, nearest first, with height and directions.

Showing the waterfalls around Minneapolis, nearest first. Tap the button to start from where you are instead.

    Waterfall names and positions: USGS Geographic Names Information System (public domain) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Heights are from OpenStreetMap where a mapper recorded one. Data as of September 2026. Always check the land manager for trail status, closures and parking before you go.

    Waterfalls around Minneapolis at a glance

    There are 19 named waterfalls within 50 miles of downtown Minneapolis. The nearest is Saint Anthony Falls, about 0.6 mi ENE in a straight line. Most of the falls around the city lie to the east: 13 of the 19. The radius reaches into 2 states, led by Minnesota (13) and Wisconsin (6).

    Distances here are straight lines from the city centre. Roads bend around ridges and rivers, so a fall 20 miles out can take an hour to reach. Search your own street or tap Find falls near me above to measure from where you are.

    How far you have to drive

    WithinNamed waterfalls
    10 miles of Minneapolis7
    25 miles of Minneapolis9
    50 miles of Minneapolis19

    Well-known falls within reach of Minneapolis

    Minnehaha Falls (5.1 miSSE) is among the best-known waterfalls within 50 miles. Each is described on its state page: waterfalls in Minnesota.

    The 15 nearest waterfalls to Minneapolis

    WaterfallDistanceHeightWhere
    Saint Anthony Falls 0.6 mi ENE not recorded Hennepin County, Minnesota
    Bridal Veil Falls 2.3 mi ESE not recorded Minnesota
    Shingle Creek Falls 4.0 mi NNW not recorded Minnesota
    Shadow Falls 4.1 mi SE not recorded Ramsey County, Minnesota
    Minnehaha Falls 5.1 mi SSE 52 ft Hennepin County, Minnesota
    Hidden Falls 5.9 mi SE not recorded Minnesota
    Hamm’s Memorial Waterfalls 5.9 mi E not recorded Minnesota
    Phalen Regional Park Waterfall 10 mi E not recorded Minnesota
    Fairy Falls 23 mi ENE not recorded Minnesota
    Vermillion Falls 27 mi SE 33 ft Minnesota
    Willow Falls 29 mi E not recorded Wisconsin
    Apple River Falls 30 mi ENE not recorded St. Croix County, Wisconsin
    Buttermilk Falls 34 mi NE not recorded Wisconsin
    Cascade Falls 36 mi NE not recorded Wisconsin
    Griers Falls 36 mi NE not recorded Wisconsin

    Tallest recorded waterfalls near Minneapolis

    Heights as recorded in OpenStreetMap. 4 of the 19 falls have one; the rest are often small ledges and cascades. Why published heights differ.

    WaterfallHeightDistance
    Minnehaha Falls52 ft5.1 mi SSE
    Vermillion Falls33 ft27 mi SE
    Silverbrook Falls16 ft40 mi NE
    Caron Park Falls5 ft44 mi S

    Counties with the most falls near Minneapolis

    Hennepin County, MN (2), Ramsey County, MN (1) and St. Croix County, WI (1). County is from the USGS record, so falls mapped only in OpenStreetMap are not counted here.

    Before you go

    The map shows where falls are, not whether a trail reaches them or the land is open. Check the land manager for closures, fees and parking, and stay on the trail near the water. See waterfall safety, waterfall hikes near me and the best time to see waterfalls.

    Waterfalls near other cities: Duluth.

    Waterfalls near Minneapolis: common questions

    How many waterfalls are near Minneapolis?

    Our map has 19 named waterfalls within 50 miles of Minneapolis, 9 of them within 25 miles. The count uses USGS and OpenStreetMap names as of 2026-09-23; unnamed and seasonal falls are extra.

    What is the closest waterfall to Minneapolis?

    Saint Anthony Falls, about 0.6 mi ENE of the city centre in a straight line. The drive is usually longer; use the Directions link in the list above.

    What is the tallest waterfall near Minneapolis?

    Among falls with a height recorded in OpenStreetMap, Minnehaha Falls at about 52 ft, 5.1 mi SSE of Minneapolis. Published heights vary between sources.

    When is the best time to see waterfalls near Minneapolis?

    Spring snowmelt, late April into May. They slow in late summer and freeze in winter.