Minnesota may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but perhaps it should be called the Land of Waterfalls. It seems that our beautiful state has at least one waterfall in every region. With small rapids, tall drops over cliffs and canyons, and everything in between, Minnesota waterfalls are among the most beautiful in the country. On Minnesota’s North Shore, you’ll find many of the state’s prettiest – and tallest – waterfalls. That’s why we put together this Waterfall Road Trip in Minnesota. Follow it, and you’ll discover some of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls. Read on and follow the map below to learn about the route and the waterfalls along it.
The Minnesota tallest waterfalls road trip covers 111 miles of the North Shore of Lake Superior. The route takes about 2 hours not including stops, making it an easy day or weekend trip for Minnesota travelers.
Google Maps While the route doesn’t include all of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls - others are much further south - it does include the two tallest, as well as several other notable North Shore waterfalls.
- Gooseberry Falls
Joe Ennesser/Flickr Minnesota’s most popular waterfall, Gooseberry Falls is not the tallest waterfall on this list. But it is one of the most picturesque on the North Shore, so it is well worth visiting on a waterfall road trip. The waterfall is around 30 feet tall, tumbling into a rocky gorge on its way to Lake Superior. While you’re at its home in Gooseberry Falls State Park, be sure to hike some of the wonderful trails there!
- High Falls of the Baptism River
Joe Passe/Flickr The next stop is the High Falls of the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park. This is the tallest waterfall completely within Minnesota! Its 100-foot drop is truly breathtaking. Also within Tettegouche State Park are many famous North Shore attractions, such as Palisade Head, Shovel Point, and even a lesser-known waterfall called Illgen Falls. You’ll love your trip to this wonderful waterfall.
- Cascade River Falls
Al/Flickr The next stop is at Cascade River State Park. Though the park’s Cascade River Falls is not the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, it is perhaps one of the longest. Cascade River flows for about 1/4 mile through a rocky river gorge as it rushes towards Lake Superior. The sight of the choppy water as it tumbles over the rocks is what makes this unique waterfall worth stopping for.
- Devil’s Kettle
Doug Kaye/Flickr The Devil’s Kettle at Judge C. R. Magney State Park is one of Minnesota’s most unique - and most celebrated - waterfalls. For years, scientists were puzzled about where the waterfall disappears to when it flows into a deep hole along its gorge. The mystery may have been solved in 2017, but this waterfall still draws visitors. With a 50-foot drop, it is definitely one of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls.
- High Falls of the Pigeon River
James Jordan/Flickr The northernmost point on this road trip is at Grand Portage State Park on the Canadian border. Here, you’ll find Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, which it shares with our neighbor to the north. The High Falls of the Pigeon River will certainly be a high point on this road trip. The Pigeon River tumbles 120 feet over a tall cliff surrounded by wilderness. Not only is it an awe-inspiring glimpse of the true power of nature, but it is incredibly beautiful and a must-see for Minnesota waterfall lovers!
These waterfalls are among the tallest in Minnesota. Have you ever taken this easy waterfall road trip in Minnesota? What did you think? Was it amazing? Let us know in the comments below!
Google Maps
While the route doesn’t include all of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls - others are much further south - it does include the two tallest, as well as several other notable North Shore waterfalls.
Joe Ennesser/Flickr
Minnesota’s most popular waterfall, Gooseberry Falls is not the tallest waterfall on this list. But it is one of the most picturesque on the North Shore, so it is well worth visiting on a waterfall road trip. The waterfall is around 30 feet tall, tumbling into a rocky gorge on its way to Lake Superior. While you’re at its home in Gooseberry Falls State Park, be sure to hike some of the wonderful trails there!
Joe Passe/Flickr
The next stop is the High Falls of the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park. This is the tallest waterfall completely within Minnesota! Its 100-foot drop is truly breathtaking. Also within Tettegouche State Park are many famous North Shore attractions, such as Palisade Head, Shovel Point, and even a lesser-known waterfall called Illgen Falls. You’ll love your trip to this wonderful waterfall.
Al/Flickr
The next stop is at Cascade River State Park. Though the park’s Cascade River Falls is not the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, it is perhaps one of the longest. Cascade River flows for about 1/4 mile through a rocky river gorge as it rushes towards Lake Superior. The sight of the choppy water as it tumbles over the rocks is what makes this unique waterfall worth stopping for.
Doug Kaye/Flickr
The Devil’s Kettle at Judge C. R. Magney State Park is one of Minnesota’s most unique - and most celebrated - waterfalls. For years, scientists were puzzled about where the waterfall disappears to when it flows into a deep hole along its gorge. The mystery may have been solved in 2017, but this waterfall still draws visitors. With a 50-foot drop, it is definitely one of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls.
James Jordan/Flickr
The northernmost point on this road trip is at Grand Portage State Park on the Canadian border. Here, you’ll find Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, which it shares with our neighbor to the north. The High Falls of the Pigeon River will certainly be a high point on this road trip. The Pigeon River tumbles 120 feet over a tall cliff surrounded by wilderness. Not only is it an awe-inspiring glimpse of the true power of nature, but it is incredibly beautiful and a must-see for Minnesota waterfall lovers!
Next time you’re looking for a fun North Shore adventure, use this road trip to guide you! And if you’d like to explore waterfalls in southern Minnesota, check out our list of 9 beautiful waterfalls in southern Minnesota.
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Address: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USAAddress: Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USAAddress: Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USAAddress: Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USAAddress: Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Portage, MN, USA
