How to Visit Minnehaha Falls
How to Visit Minnehaha Falls
By Devon Cox
One of Minnesota’s most popular attractions is Minnehaha Falls, a waterfall smack dab in the center of Minneapolis. Popular with visitors, the waterfall and the park surrounding it see nearly a million visitors a year. Here’s how to make the most of a Minnehaha Falls visit.
WHAT IS MINNEHAHA FALLS?
Minnehaha Falls / Credit: Meet Minneapolis
Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Creek, which eventually meets the Mississippi River. Widely beloved for its four-season beauty and centralized location in the urban core of Minneapolis, it’s actually a much bigger park than it initially appears — 167 acres. And if you descend the steps near the falls into the gorge, there are hiking trails that lead to a swimming hole and a sandy beach.
Perhaps most famous for its inclusion in Henry Wadsworth Longfellows “The Song of Hiawatha,” Minnehaha Falls is sacred to the Dakota people. Its name is taken from the Dakota words “mni” (meaning “water”) and “haha” (meaning “curling”).
HOW DO I GET THERE?
The Metro Blue Line to Mall of America / Credit: Metro Transit
Minnehaha Falls is located between the Minnehaha and Hiawatha neighborhoods in greater Longfellow, South Minneapolis.
It’s very easy to access on the Metro Lightrail Blue Line, which runs all the way from Target Field to Mall of America. Get off at the 50th Street/Minnehaha Park station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the falls.
You can also get off at the 46th street station. From there it’s about a 15-minute walk to the falls. The access along the Blue Line makes Minnehaha Falls a perfect respite from a long layover at MSP airport.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Two women on a pedal bike at Minnehaha Falls / Credit: Wheel Fun Rentals
For parking, there are several affordable paid lots surrounding the park, as well as street parking in nearby neighborhoods. See a parking lot map to plan your visit.
For those who are biking, there are ample racks (remember to lock your bike) as well.
If you want an efficient and fun way to get around the park, consider renting a four-wheel covered pedal bike while you’re there.
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
Families pose in front of Minnehaha Falls / Credit: Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
The first thing you’ll want to do is see the waterfall; no matter the season, it always stuns. Once you’ve done that, you have plenty of options.
- Descend the staircase to the gorge and hike. “Hike” is a loose term here; the trails are relatively flat. You’ll happen upon a swimming hole, and if you keep going, a sandy beach along the banks of the Mississippi. The trails from the falls also connect to Fort Snelling Regional Park.
- Go biking! There is an entrance to the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway at Minnehaha Park, which will connect you to Minneapolis’ impressive chain of lakes. The information center for the byway is in the beautiful, historical Longfellow House.
- Take your pup to the Minnehaha dog park, an off-leash recreation area for you and your four-legged friends.
The Princess Depot station at Minnehaha Falls / Credit: Minnehaha Depot
- See Princess Depot, a piece of railroad history (this was the first rail line out of Minneapolis, and served locals as well as our eastern neighbors).
- Visit the Chief Little Crow Mask, a sculpture by native artist Ed Archie Noisecat (Canim Lake Band, Canada), which honors Chief Little Crow, who was killed in the year following the 1862 Dakota conflict. Minnehaha Falls and the surrounding area has long been sacred to the native Tribes who originally lived on and stewarded the land.
- Visit Longfellow Gardens, a fun, hidden sanctuary with great views and beautiful plantings. As a bonus – there's a dairy queen just down the street. If you want to enjoy your native flowers with a side of blizzard, we won’t say anything.
A black-crowned night heron in Minnehaha Creek
- Play disc golf at Wabun Picnic Area.
- See what’s playing at the bandstand, which hosts live music and movies in the summer season.
- Let your kids run wild at the Minnehaha Falls playground or splash pad.
- Rent a kayak and paddle Minnehaha Creek, weather permitting.
WHERE CAN I GET
SOMETHING TO EAT?
Sea Salt Eatery
You don’t have to go far. Minnehaha Falls has an on-site restaurant, Sea Salt, which is open April through October and serves, you guessed it, seafood. We love their calamari, fish tacos, and freshly tapped local brews, but for those who prefer something derived from the land, Sea Salt runs The Sandwich Room in the adjacent pavilion. There’s also a small outpost of local favorite Sebastian Joe’s Ice Cream, for a sweet treat after you’ve had your fill of po' boys and clam fries.
Coming in winter? Nearby options include cozy dive Bull’s Horn (don’t be fooled by the interior, a James Beard-winning Chef runs it and boasts some of the best smash burgers in town), laid-back Japanese joint Okome House, and All Square, which serves up ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
A happy dog at Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park
Yes! Dogs are allowed on leashes at Minnehaha Park, near the falls, on the trails, and on the patio at Sea Salt Eatery (but not inside the building). Remember to maintain good canine etiquette and clean up after your pup.
If they need to run off some energy, you can stop by the Minnehaha Off-Leash Dog Park.
WHAT ABOUT MY KID(S)?
Kids playing at Wabun Picnic Area / Credit: Landscape Structures
Minnehaha Falls is fun for the whole family. There’s a playground and splash pad on-premises (Wabun Picnic Area is wheelchair-accessible), a natural swimming hole in the gorge near the falls (parents be warned; there's lots of stairs to get there and back), disc golf, and great kid-friendly food (think fries and fish sticks) at Sea Salt.
You can also rent a fun four-wheeled bike and cruise the trails of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.
CAN I VISIT MINNEHAHA
FALLS IN THE WINTER?
Minnehaha Falls in winter / Lane Pelovsky, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Absolutely. In fact, this is the most peaceful time to visit, and the falls are breathtaking when they’re frozen.
Remember to follow our cold weather dressing tips. Interested in getting outside in winter? See our full guide to winter sports in Minnesota.
Find more things to do in Minnesota.
Devon Cox is Explore Minnesota’s Digital Strategy Manager. You can spot her carting her public radio tote bag to Twin Cities bakeries, bookstores, and vintage shops. She thinks you should go out to eat tonight (sit at the bar).