Exploring Frozen Minnehaha Falls

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Description

WaterfallTypically frozen during the winterTypically ice caves

Minnehaha falls is a spectacular place to view a natural waterfall in the city of Minneapolis. While the park is open year round, it is in the winter months when you can go behind the falls and experience the formed ice and frozen waterfall. The best way to get behind the waterfall is via the north side stairs and there is a path that allows you to get behind the falls. Be careful as the path is typically icy (and potentially muddy) which is extremely dangerous because it is a steep fall right down into the water. Not recommended for those who are not skilled in hiking or climbing. Well worth the climb if you can get up there though.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Exploring Frozen Minnehaha Falls Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Explore Frozen Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls Park in South Minneapolis is a big draw during the spring, summer and fall months. Experiencing an urban waterfall and scenic hiking trails in the middle of a major city is a treat. However, come wintertime, the falls freeze and a spectacular scene emerges. Many people flock to the frozen falls to climb and hike.Park your car at one of the many lots on property at Minnehaha Fall...

Minnehaha Falls

Named after a legendary Native American princess, Minnehaha Creek cascades over a cliff in these dramatic falls just minutes from the downtowns of both Minneapolis and St. Paul. A favorite place for summer picnickers, the falls are beautiful all year long. They are strongest in June after the Spring rain, but winter transforms the falls into an icy tower. For hikers or snowshoers, take the sta...

Hike the Winchell Trail

This 5 mile roundtrip trail meanders along the Mississippi River bluffs on the west bank and is separate from the paved bike trail. The trail runs from 44th St. to Franklin Ave. Along the trail you will pass through an oak savanna restoration project, hike near the edge of bluffs and pass by the soft white sand beach. Intermittently, sets up stairs lead up from the trail to the bike path. This ...

Shadow Falls

This easy and accessible hike takes you to a nice little waterfall within a ravine. From the parking lot, walk over to the River Overlook, then continue along the trail to the falls. The trail will drop you down to the base of the falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water. The flow is best in early spring.

Hike the Pike Island Loop

The Pike Island Loop, located in Fort Snelling State Park, is a beautiful urban hike that circles a lush island at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers in the heart of the Twin Cities. In fact, Dakota leaders who inhabited this land considered the meeting of the rivers to be the center of the earth. Park near the visitor's center and follow the sidewalk east toward the fort....

Run Along the Mississippi River Flats

This loop takes you from the Franklin Bridge to the Washington Avenue Bridge, crossing through campus, in between. Start at the Franklin Bridge (southeast end), walk down the stairs, and then take the elevated walkaway across the river, heading north.The middle section of the loop takes you past the University of Minnesota boathouse, as well as the Weisman Art Museum (free admission).Head acros...