Waterfalls around St. Louis Park are accessible due to its location within the Twin Cities metro area, offering proximity to the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The region features a mix of urban and natural landscapes, providing diverse settings for waterfalls. While St. Louis Park itself does not host prominent waterfalls, several notable sites are found within a short distance. These natural features contribute to the area's outdoor recreation opportunities.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington, Minnesota, centers on Normandale Lake and the meandering Nine Mile Creek. The lake, created in the late 1970s from a marsh and floodplain, serves both as a scenic retreat and a vital flood-control basin for the area. On the east side of the lake, a cascading waterfall marks the spot where water flows from the lake back into the original channel of Nine Mile Creek. This creek, stretching approximately 15 miles, continues its journey from the lake to the Minnesota River. Visitors enjoy the park not only for its natural beauty—especially at the waterfall, which is particularly striking during the spring melt—but also for its amenities, including picnic areas, a reservable picnic shelter, seasonal restrooms, and access to water activities like canoeing and fishing.
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When waters run high, this 53-foot-tall waterfall turns into a thundering cataract. There are picnic tables up top, and a trail that takes you down to nice views of the falls from below. It's well worth parking your bike to spend some time here.
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There are a handful of spots from which you can get a great view of Minnehaha Falls from when running through Minnehaha Park. This spot next to the main bridge below the falls is probably the best head-on view.
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Located in Minnehaha Regional Park on the banks of Minnehaha Creek, this spot allows for the best views of the 53-foot waterfall flowing through limestone cliffs. When exploring the trails of the park, this is a great spot to stop for a break and a view!
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This 53-foot waterfall offers breathtaking sights and sounds, and it's best to visit after rainfall when the waterfall is even more powerful.
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Minneapolis' Saint Anthony Falls is located near Gold Medal Park.
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Beyond the iconic Minnehaha Falls, you can visit Saint Anthony Falls, which is the only major waterfall on the Mississippi River. Another option is the Waterfall and picnic area at the outlet of Nine Mile Creek, known for its striking appearance during the spring melt.
Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. Minnehaha Falls is a popular choice with accessible paths and picnic areas. Saint Anthony Falls also offers family-friendly viewing opportunities and historical context. The Waterfall and picnic area at the outlet of Nine Mile Creek provides amenities like picnic areas, making it convenient for families.
Both Minnehaha Falls and Shadow Falls are dog-friendly. Minnehaha Falls, located in Minnehaha Park, welcomes dogs on its trails. Shadow Falls in Saint Paul also permits dogs on its trails, offering a quieter experience.
Saint Anthony Falls holds immense historical and cultural importance. It is the only major waterfall on the entire Mississippi River and was historically a crucial power source for Minneapolis's milling industry. Known as Owámniyomni by the native Dakota people, it also has significant cultural and spiritual meaning.
For a more tranquil experience away from larger crowds, consider visiting Shadow Falls in Saint Paul. It's a smaller, more secluded waterfall nestled within a wooded area near the Mississippi River, ideal for a peaceful walk and enjoying nature.
The waterfalls offer unique experiences year-round. Spring, especially during the melt, showcases the waterfalls at their most powerful, such as the Waterfall and picnic area at the outlet of Nine Mile Creek. Summer and fall provide lush scenery and comfortable hiking conditions. Winter offers the stunning sight of frozen waterfalls.
Yes, during winter, Minnehaha Falls often freezes into a spectacular ice formation, creating a unique and picturesque winter landscape that is well worth visiting.
The area around St. Louis Park offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling, gravel biking, and touring bicycle options. For detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around St. Louis Park, Gravel biking around St. Louis Park, and Cycling around St. Louis Park guides.
Yes, there are many cycling opportunities. For example, the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway is an easy road cycling route. You can find more options in the Road Cycling Routes around St. Louis Park guide, or explore gravel biking and touring routes in their respective guides.
Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall set in a picturesque environment with lush greenery. The surrounding Minnehaha Park offers beautiful scenery year-round, with opportunities for hiking and picnicking. The falls are particularly impressive after rainfall when the water flow is stronger.
Minnehaha Falls is a central feature of Minnehaha Park, which is part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board system. This park offers extensive amenities and trails for visitors.
Yes, several waterfalls offer picnic facilities. Minnehaha Falls has picnic tables available. The Waterfall and picnic area at the outlet of Nine Mile Creek is specifically noted for its amenities, including picnic areas and a reservable picnic shelter.


Happy to travel a little further afield? Then browse these guides for the best waterfalls around St. Louis Park: