Hey there fellow travelers! Are you looking for a beautiful and easily accessible natural attraction in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota? If so, Minnehaha Falls is the perfect spot for you. Located just a few miles south of downtown Minneapolis, Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot tall waterfall that flows into the Mississippi River.
Not only is Minnehaha Falls a stunning natural attraction, but it’s also a popular spot for picnics, hiking, and other outdoor activities. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer day, and it’s also a great spot for photography.
In this travel blog, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about visiting Minnehaha Falls, including how to get there, what to do, and what to expect. So if you’re planning a trip to the Twin Cities and want to experience this beautiful waterfall, keep reading!
Getting to Minnehaha Falls:
The first thing you need to know about visiting Minnehaha Falls is how to get there. The waterfall is located in the Minnehaha Park neighborhood of Minneapolis, and it’s easily accessible by car or public transportation.
If you’re driving, you’ll need to take I-35W to the 46th Street exit and follow the signs to Minnehaha Park. There is a large parking lot located near the falls, and it’s free to park. The parking lot can get busy on nice days, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to get a spot.
If you’re taking public transportation, you can take the light rail to the 46th Street Station and walk about a mile to the falls. You can also take the bus to the 46th Street and Hiawatha Avenue stop and walk to the falls from there.
What to Do at Minnehaha Falls:
Now that you know how to get to Minnehaha Falls, let’s talk about what you can do once you’re there. The falls are the main attraction, of course, but there are also plenty of other things to do in the park. Here are a few ideas:
- Hike the trails: Minnehaha Park has a network of trails that wind through the woods and along the river. These trails are perfect for a leisurely hike or a quick jog, and they offer some beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
- Picnic by the falls: Minnehaha Falls is a popular spot for picnics, and there are plenty of tables and grills located near the falls. Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxing picnic by the waterfall.
- Play in the playground: If you have kids with you, they’ll love the playground located near the parking lot. It has a variety of equipment for kids of all ages, including swings, slides, and climbing structures.
- Take some photos: Minnehaha Falls is a popular spot for photography, and it’s easy to see why. The falls are beautiful, and they make for some great photo ops. Make sure to bring your camera and snap some pictures of the falls and the surrounding nature.
What to Expect at Minnehaha Falls:
Now that you know how to get to Minnehaha Falls and what to do there, let’s talk about what you can expect when you visit. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- The falls are 53 feet tall: Minnehaha Falls may not be the tallest waterfall you’ve ever seen, but it’s still a impressive sight. The falls are 53 feet tall and flow into the Mississippi River, creating a misty spray that can be seen from a distance.
- The park can get busy on nice days: Minnehaha Falls is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and the park can get quite busy on nice days. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit on a weekday or arrive early in the morning.
- The park is open year-round: Minnehaha Falls is open year-round, and it’s a beautiful spot to visit in any season. In the summer, the falls are surrounded by lush greenery, and in the winter, the falls freeze over and create a stunning ice sculpture.
- There are restrooms and a visitor center: If you need to use the restrooms or want to learn more about the park, there is a visitor center located near the parking lot. The visitor center has restrooms, a gift shop, and exhibits about the history and geology of the park.
Conclusion:
Minnehaha Falls is a beautiful and easily accessible natural attraction in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing hike, a picnic spot, or a place to take some stunning photos, Minnehaha Falls has something for everyone. Just remember to come prepared and follow park rules to ensure a enjoyable visit for all.
I hope this travel blog has helped you plan your visit to Minnehaha Falls. Mahalo for reading, and happy exploring!
