Epic frozen waterfall tour – Best day trip ideas in Minnesota this winter

Even if winter is not your thing (it’s not mine), you can find beauty and joy during this cold and snowy season. One of the best ways to motivate me to get outside more this winter is to explore frozen waterfalls. And you don’t have to travel far. Check out this epic guide to the best frozen waterfalls and day trip ideas from the Twin Cities in Minnesota – Minneapolis and St. Paul. Updated: Dec. 12, 2022

What to do in the winter: Chase frozen waterfalls in Minnesota

I must confess that I am a novice when it comes to frozen waterfalls. In fact, I just saw my first one – Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis – just a couple of years ago. And I’ve lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years. Here’s my quick guide on the best frozen waterfalls I’ve visited so far in and near the Twin Cities. And here’s a map of the most beautiful waterfalls in Cook County, Minnesota along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Will update this post as I visit more of Minnesota’s magical frozen waterfalls.

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Number one tip before you go winter hiking and chasing frozen waterfalls: Invest in a good pair of winter hiking boots

The best winter hiking boots are waterproof/resistant, comfortable, rated excellence for tread and rated for below zero weather. I received this pair of Columbia Women’s Bugaboot Plus Iv Omni-Heat Snow Boot for Christmas. They also come in other colors: white/eve and black/sunset red.

While these boots felt a little heavy and clunky at first, I no longer notice it. Make sure you lace them up tight so there is no rubbing. They feature a Michelin tread so definitely a reduction in slippage on ice and snow (but still be cautious). If you’re looking for the best winter hiking boots that keep your feet warm and dry, these are it. I recently stepped into a slushy puddle up to my ankle and was pleasantly surprised when I didn’t feel anything. Not even a hint of cold or water.

Best winter hiking accessory: Crampons microspikes for snow and ice

And my fellow travel blogger over in Canada, Josie at A Walk and A Lark, recommends microspikes especially for hiking on ice. They’re contraptions you put on your snow boots to grip – kinda like snow tires, but for walking on ice. And I have to agree. We tried them when we chased frozen waterfalls on the North Shore. We wouldn’t have been able to hike safely without our Crampons hiking spikes for snow and ice.

Additional tips to enjoy your frozen waterfall road trip

Here are other tips to enjoy the best day trip in the winter while exploring frozen waterfalls.

• Check the weather forecast. Best days to visit frozen waterfalls are when it’s sunny, in the 20s or 30s (Fahrenheit) with no wind chill. Although I did visit four frozen waterfalls in one day when the temperatures were in the teens.
• Wear layers. I typically wear an Under Armour compression turtleneck, long-sleeved thermal tee, fleece sweatshirt, winter coat, Under Armour leggings, fleeced-lined leggings (sometimes snow pants), cold-weather hiking wool socks, a winter face mask.  
• Bring adjustable trekking poles with removable snow baskets.
• Choose mittens over gloves. Mittens allow you to move your fingers around, increasing circulation and heat. I typically wear light gloves or mittens within the North Face mittens because I throw in Hot Hands hand warmers. The extra layer protects my fingers from the hand warmer when it gets really hot.
• Protect your phone with a waterproof, snowproof mobile phone pouch. You can still take photos with your phone in this pouch.
• Cold temps are not friends with phone batteries, so bring a fully charged portable cell phone battery.
• Check the trail status ahead of time, such as the park website or AllTrails app. Check out all my favorite day hiking apps.
• Let someone know where you’re planning to hike.
• Bring that headlamp as the sun does go down super fast in the winter.

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Frozen waterfall safety hiking tips – ice is never 100% safe!

No matter how tempting it looks to cross that river, stream or creek, use caution and make sure the ice depth is thick enough. When I visited Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, Minnesota two winters ago, two people fell through the ice while I was there. Dozens of others did not, but those two did.

Ice is never 100% safe. Fortunately, it wasn’t life threatening for those two and they only fell through up to their knees and was relatively warm that day (in the 30s F). But if no one is around and you can’t get out of the frozen water, it can become life-threatening.

In simple terms: be safe and dress warm. Check out this best packing list for day hiking (summer and winter lists available).

And now here are the best frozen waterfalls all within a short drive and day trip in and near the Twin Cities.

Best frozen waterfall in Minneapolis: Minnehaha Falls in Minnehaha Regional Park

One of my favorite waterfalls – in any season – is the 53-foot Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis. And what’s great about this frozen waterfall, is that it is a short walk from the parking lot. You can see this majestic waterfall from above. Note that this image was take pre-pandemic (just one month before).

Some people do hike down and along the Minnehaha Creek Trail and bypass the No Trespassing sign to take some gorgeous photos from behind the waterfall. But I’m not some people. Or at least I wasn’t that day when I visited. I was good taking in the beautiful frozen Minnehaha Falls safely from above and behind the rock ledge.

See related post: Best hiking trails in and within 50 miles of the Twin Cities – Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Minnehaha Falls address: 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417

Best frozen waterfall in St. Paul, Minnesota: Shadow Falls at Shadow Falls Park

Remember those tips I recommended previously when exploring frozen waterfalls? The one about checking the forecast or trail conditions ahead of time? And to invest in good winter hiking boots with great tread?

Well, the sun was out and I had some time, so was planning to visit the frozen waterfalls at Shadow Falls Park and Hidden Falls Regional Park – both in St. Paul, Minnesota. I threw on my old trusty Uggs (which are about 12 years old and very comfortable, but they’re not so good on ice these days).

It was so cold that day. And I think it was more about the moisture in the air rather than the actual air temp or wind chill. Even though I was wearing my best winter mittens and hand warmers, my fingers stopped working within minutes after attempting to take pictures. And the paths all around Shadow Falls were pure blocks of ice. So I took a few snaps of the beautiful Mississippi River and called it a day.

And that’s what’s great about day trips. It’s a short trip home and you know you can try again another day without it being a huge inconvenience. I’ll update this post when I can get a closer shot of Shadow Falls.

Shadow Falls address: 30 Mississippi River Blvd., North, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104

See another related post when I couldn’t feel my fingers: One of the best things to do in winter – Ice Castles

Best frozen waterfall day trip from the Twin Cities

One morning I woke up to perfect conditions to visit the best frozen waterfalls near the Twin Cities. Well, almost perfect. It was sunny. The temperature was only in the teens, but little moisture. My fingers did get a little cold while taking photos, but not nearly as bad as the day of my Shadow Falls attempt.

So if you’re wondering “Where are the best waterfalls near the Twin Cities?” Or searching for “The best day trips in Minnesota this winter,” here’s one epic road trip to four frozen waterfalls you can do in a half-day. I left my house at 11:30 a.m.ish and I was back before 5:30 p.m. (I live in the southern metro of the Twin Cities).

First Minnesota frozen waterfall tour stop: Caron Falls at Caron Park in rural Rice County Minnesota

My friends and I first discovered Caron Falls in rural Rice County near Northfield / Faribault, Minnesota last fall when we went chasing autumn colors and waterfalls. When I arrived at Caron Park, I was the only one there. A snowshoeing couple arrived soon after I did and I passed another snow hiker on my way out. But that was it.

So if you’re looking for a secluded and serene park with a pretty frozen waterfall, then I recommend taking the Caron Falls Trail at Caron Park. This Minnesota hiking trail near the Twin Cities is only 1.5 miles (3 miles roundtrip).

This was a pull-over-and-stop moment on my drive from Caron Park to my next frozen waterfall stop. This blue sky and white snow landscape seemed almost too perfect. I was mesmerized and pulled over a couple of times just to admire the beautiful winter wonderland in rural Minnesota.

Caron Falls address: Caron Park; 6486 170^th Street East, Faribault, Minnesota (although some addresses / maps have it listed as Northfield)

See related post: A local’s guide to the best places to see fall colors in Minnesota

Second Minnesota frozen waterfall tour stop: Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand, MN

This was my third visit to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, which is just a few miles from Caron Falls in rural Rice County, Minn. My friend and I hiked it last summer as part of my Minnesota State Parks Challenge and I returned in the fall to hike with other friends. And both times, it was pretty busy. This visit, in the middle of winter, it was not. In fact, there were just a handful of cars and I only saw a handful of people on my hike to and from Hidden Falls.

If you’ve been to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, the shorter trail to Hidden Falls was closed and was not groomed. I could only reach the frozen Hidden Falls waterfall by taking the Nerstrand Beaver Loop trail through the campground. This state park’s website says that the western part of Hidden Falls Trail will be closed periodically through the spring of 2021 as they restore the boardwalk and stairs.

And speaking of stairs – the stairs leading down to the falls were pretty treacherous. They were blocks of ice. Take care and hold the railings on the way down or take photos from above the falls. And there are a couple of steeper-ish hills so my trekking poles came in handy (nothing too strenuous).

While you’re snow hiking at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, take a moment to just listen. All I could hear (but not see) was the whisper of water running behind the ice and unseen birds.

Hidden Falls address: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; 9700 170^th Street East; Nerstrand, Minnesota

Third Minnesota frozen waterfall tour stop: Cannon Falls in Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Now this is one of the easiest frozen waterfalls to access in this epic waterfall tour and day trip from the Twin Cities. Cannon Falls is located right in the heart of downtown Cannon Falls. Simply park in the Cannon Valley Trailhead parking lot (free) and walk over to the bike path / hiking path. This path actually runs all the way to Red Wing, Minnesota (great place to bike during the summer and fall – 20 miles one-way).

Cannon Falls waterfall address: Cannon Valley Trailhead parking lot; 500 Main Street West; Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Fourth Minnesota frozen waterfall tour stop: Vermillion Falls in Vermillion Falls Park in Hastings, Minnesota

And you don’t have to walk far to check out the stunning frozen waterfalls of Vermillion Falls in Hastings, Minn. It’s also a short walk from the parking lot. The path to this urban 35-foot waterfall on the Vermillion River is somewhat icy so use caution. In its previous life, Vermillion Falls used to power a gristmill.

And people love frozen waterfalls. In fact, I threw this video clip up on my Instagram Reels less than a week ago (as of the published date) and it currently has more than 5,400 plays.

Vermillion Falls address: Vermillion Falls Park; 2101 Vermillion Street; Hastings, Minnesota

Optional add-ons to make it a full-day frozen waterfall tour day trip from the Twin Cities

For one of the best full day trips this winter in Minnesota, add two frozen waterfalls from Mankato to the beginning of this epic frozen waterfall tour. Simply reverse the order of the waterfall tours and start in Mankato as Minneopa Falls and Minnemishinona Falls are closest to Caron Falls (about 60 miles southwest).

• Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park; 54497 Gadwall Road; Mankato, Minnesota
• Minnemishinona Falls; 40923 Judson Bottom Road; Mankato, Minnesota
• Caron Falls at Caron Park; 6486 170^th Street East, Faribault, Minnesota (although some addresses / maps have it listed in Northfield)
• Hidden Falls at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park; 9700 170^th Street East; Nerstrand, Minnesota
• Cannon Falls; 500 Main Street West; Cannon Falls, Minnesota
• Vermillion Falls at Vermillion Falls Park; 2101 Vermillion Street; Hastings, Minnesota
• Minnehaha Falls at Minnehaha Regional Park; 4801 South Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, Minnesota (if time allows)

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Best frozen waterfalls in Mankato, Minn.: Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park

Minneopa State Park is one of my favorite state parks in Minnesota. In addition to the two-tiered Minneopa Falls waterfall, it also features a bison range. See my full review of one of the best places to visit in Minnesota: Minneopa State Park. Note that Bison Drive Road is currently closed on Wednesdays and winter hours the rest of the week are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The majority of the park is open every day 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

I got a late start on the day I decided to take a road trip to check out two of the best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota – located in Mankato. I’d been to both waterfalls, Minneopa Falls and Minnemishinona Falls, a few months earlier during our fall Minnesota waterfall tour. And I had visited Minneopa in the summer also so I was only planning to take a couple of quick photos and video clips.

Well, that was my plan. I fell under the enchantment of the magical Narnia-esque charm of Minneopa Falls and ended up staying two hours. I know it looks cold because everything is frozen, but it was in the 30s F that day so moderately warm for Minnesota.

And this is yet another short walk from the parking lot where you walk over a pretty bridge the separates the Lower Minneopa Falls from the Upper Minneopa Falls. You actually walk between them.

Safety tip when visiting Minneopa Falls in the winter

If you choose to get up close and personal with the Lower Minneopa Falls from below, use caution during the winter especially. The stairs down to the Minneopa Creek are pretty snowy and icy. This is the reason why I finally purchased some trekking poles.

And don’t go chasing waterfalls on that frozen creek. I stuck to the shore as I could see open water on the frozen / semi-frozen creek. Some people didn’t apparently. As I mentioned previously, a couple fell through. So use caution when taking in all this beauty of frozen waterfalls in Minnesota. Ice is never 100% safe as the thickness can change within a few feet or even inches.

Best frozen waterfalls in Mankato, Minn.: Minnemishinona Falls

And since you’re in the neighborhood, take a 15-minute drive over to the 42-foot Minnemishinona Falls also in Mankato. Isn’t that fun to say? Minnemishinona? Not sure if I’m saying it right, but it sounds pretty the way I pronounce it. And Minnemishinona Falls is pretty to look at in any season.

This is another short walk from a parking lot to the bridge that overlooks the frozen Minnemishinona Falls. In fact, so short, I didn’t even wear my coat. Just grabbed my keys, locked my door and walked over to the bridge to take a few pics.

Tip on what not to do while chasing frozen waterfalls: I placed my keys on the bridge because I didn’t have any pockets (coat in my vehicle) and didn’t want to drop them accidentally into the gorge. Fast forward like a few seconds and I forgot that my keys were on the bridge. I turned and I kicked them. My heart skipped a beat as I could almost see them flying over the edge and falling 42 feet down.

Fortunately, they did not.

Minnesota fun fact: In case you’re wondering what’s up with all the Minne names in Minnesota, Mni is the Dakota word for water (Native Americans). We’ve got a lot of water here in the Land of 10,000 lakes – actually 11,842 lakes, 6,564 natural rivers and streams (for a total of 69,200 miles) and 10.6 million acres of wetlands.

The best frozen waterfall tour and best day trip on the North Shore

Chasing frozen waterfalls and snow hiking on the North Shore are the best things to do in Minnesota winters. My husband and I hiked several state parks this past winter and these are just a few of the best frozen waterfalls on the North Shore.

Best frozen waterfalls on the North Shore: High Falls and Middle Falls at Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage, Minnesota

You’ll find Minnesota’s tallest waterfall (frozen or unfrozen) at Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Also located on the border of Canada and Grand Portage tribal lands, High Falls plunges 120 feet into Pigeon River. And it’s super easy to access via a wheelchair-accessible trail to the High Falls overlook. Time did not allow us to hike to the 20-ft. Middle Falls waterfall at Grand Portage State Park. It’s a rugged 4.5 (roundtrip) trail.

Best frozen waterfalls on the North Shore: Upper Falls and Devil’s Kettle Falls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park near Grand Marais, Minnesota

If you’re looking for a cardio workout in the winter with rewarding views of the best waterfalls on the North Shore in Minnesota, then head to Judge C. R. Magney State Park in Grand Marais, Minn. You’ll hike down ~175 steps to reach Upper Falls (pictured above). Then it’s another 700 feet to the viewing platform overlooking the mysterious Devil’s Kettle Falls (pictured below). You’ll definitely need metal spikes to check out these frozen waterfalls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park as you’ll then have to climb back up those ~175 steps.

Best frozen waterfall on the North Shore: Cascade Falls at Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Minn.

You’ll find several frozen cascades at Cascade River State Park in Lutsen, Minn. as the Cascade River twists through a deep gorge for 17 miles before meeting lake Superior. You’ll find several hiking trails at this park – beautiful in the winter or summer.

Best frozen waterfalls on the North Shore: Hidden Falls, Upper Falls and Temperance River cascades at Temperance River State Park in Tofte, MN

Temperance River State Park near Tofte, Minnesota on the North Shore is one of the best places to chase frozen waterfalls. You’ll find beautiful frozen cascades on the east side of Highway 61 (you can take steps down toward Lake Superior). In the main park on the west side of Highway 61, you’ll find Hidden Falls and Upper Falls. The trails were pretty treacherous here and definitely needed our metal spikes and trekking poles. We had to turn back because one of the cascades blocked our way. I didn’t feel comfortable testing these frozen cascades when I could hear running water nearby.

Best frozen waterfall on the North Shore: Cascades of the Manitou River at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park in Silver Bay, Minn.

Hiking this one-mile trail to the frozen cascades on Manitou River at George H. Crosby Manitou State Park in Silver Bay, Minn. was our most difficult winter hike. It took us well over an hour to reach it as this remote park is not well maintained in the winter (they warn you online and at the park entrance). However, the beautiful narrow trail provides stunning and serene views through beautiful pines and hardwoods. And stay on that narrow trail as you’ll be in up to your knees in snow even if you step just an inch off the path. This park is remote and is not right off Highway 61 (even though it appears to be). It took us about an hour driving on snow-covered graveled roads to reach it.

Best frozen waterfall on the North Shore: (The other) High Falls and Two-Step Falls at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minnesota

Unfortunately, a pressing issue did not allow us to check out the frozen waterfalls at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minn.: High Falls and Two-Step Falls. That’s because we were on our way home and the famed Betty’s Pies was closing. Priorities! Check out my Top things to do on the North Shore post – Betty’s Pies is on the list!

Best frozen waterfalls on the North Shore: Gooseberry Falls State Park in Two Harbors, Minnesota features four stunning waterfalls

Gooseberry Falls State Park, which features four waterfalls, is Minnesota’s most popular state park attracting more than 756,000 visitors each year. Travel tip: Visit in the winter! Located in Two Harbors, Minn., we only saw a handful of people when we visited at the end of February. Even though these trails at Gooseberry Falls are pretty easy the rest of the year, you will need your metal spikes as the stairs and surrounding areas are very icy and slippery.

Map of North Shore waterfalls in Cook County Minnesota

Again, these were just a few of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls on the North Shore in Minnesota. Here’s a map of all the Cook County Minnesota waterfalls you can find along the North Shore.

Best places to stay near frozen waterfalls on the North Shore in Minnesota

Caribou Highlands Lodge and Odyssey Resorts in Lutsen, Minn. hosted my husband and me on our North Shore Frozen Waterfall Tour this past winter. While our stay was hosted, all opinions are my own. In fact, we’ve stayed at Caribou Highlands on our own a few years ago and I highlighly recommend. Their three-bedroom townhomes are especially cozy and spacious – and they also offer several dog-friendly and ski-in-ski-out units. Check out my full review of our hosted Odyssey Resorts stay at a three-bedroom townhome at Caribou Highlands Lodge.

• Beacon Pointe Condo Hotel on Lake Superior in Duluth, MN is the best place to stay near Jay Cooke State Park.
• Breezy Point Cabins in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
• Caribou Highlands Lodge in Lutsen, MN is the most centrally located resort on the North Shore and is the best place to stay near Lutsen Mountains (it’s right on the property), Temperance River State Park, George Crosby Manitou State Park, Cascade River State Park.
• East Bay Suites in Grand Marais, MN is the best place to stay near Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Portage State Park and Cascade River State Park.
• Grand Superior Lodge in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near George Crosby Manitou State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park.
• Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors, MN is one of the best places to stay near Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

Best frozen waterfalls in Minnesota – day trips from the Twin Cities and on the North Shore

So there are my recommended epic frozen waterfall tours and best day trips from the Twin Cities and on the North Shore in the winter. If you liked this post, I hope that you’ll join me and subscribe to my newsletter for new posts as I continue my Minnesota staycation inspiration series.

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