Minnesota Waterfall Road Trip

Embarking on a waterfall road trip in Minnesota offers a captivating journey through some of the state's most scenic landscapes. Starting from Apple Valley, Minnesota, you can explore a series of breathtaking waterfalls along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Here's a suggested itinerary:​

1. Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors, MN)

   • Distance from Apple Valley: Approximately 180 miles (about 3 hours' drive)​

   • Highlights: Known as the "Gateway to the North Shore," this park features multiple falls, including the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River. The accessible trails and scenic views make it a perfect starting point.​Only In Your State

2. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors, MN)

   • Distance from Gooseberry Falls: 13 miles (about 20 minutes' drive)​Wikipedia+4Family Destinations Guide+4Only In Your State+4

   • Highlights: While renowned for its historic lighthouse, the park also offers beautiful views of Lake Superior and a lesser-known waterfall along the Split Rock River.​

3. Beaver River Falls (Beaver Bay, MN)

   • Distance from Split Rock Lighthouse: 6 miles (about 10 minutes' drive)​Wikipedia

   • Highlights: Easily visible from Highway 61, this waterfall cascades beneath the bridge in Beaver Bay, offering a quick and picturesque stop.​

4. Baptism River High Falls (Tettegouche State Park, MN)

   • Distance from Beaver River Falls: 4 miles (about 10 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: The High Falls of the Baptism River is the highest entirely within Minnesota, plunging 60 feet. A moderate hike through Tettegouche State Park leads to this impressive sight.​

5. Caribou Falls (Caribou Falls State Wayside, MN)

   • Distance from Tettegouche State Park: 6 miles (about 10 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: A short hike along the Caribou River brings you to this serene 35-foot waterfall in a peaceful forest.​

6. Cross River Falls (Schroeder, MN)

   • Distance from Caribou Falls: 5 miles (about 10 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: Located adjacent to Highway 61 in Schroeder, this waterfall is easily accessible and offers a stunning view as the river cascades under the bridge.​

7. Temperance River Gorge (Temperance River State Park, MN)

   • Distance from Cross River Falls: 2 miles (about 5 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: Explore the deep gorges and multiple waterfalls of the Temperance River. The trails provide various vantage points to view the river's powerful flow.​

8. Cascade River State Park (Lutsen, MN)

   • Distance from Temperance River State Park: 16 miles (about 20 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: A series of small waterfalls along the Cascade River can be viewed via a loop trail, offering both river and Lake Superior vistas.​

9. Devil's Kettle Falls (Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Marais, MN)

   • Distance from Cascade River State Park: 25 miles (about 30 minutes' drive)​

   • Highlights: Famous for its mysterious disappearing water, Devil's Kettle features a waterfall where half the Brule River vanishes into a pothole. A moderate hike leads to this intriguing natural phenomenon. ​Wikipedia

10. High Falls of the Pigeon River (Grand Portage State Park, MN)

    • Distance from Judge C.R. Magney State Park: 15 miles (about 20 minutes' drive)

    • Highlights: Minnesota's tallest waterfall, the High Falls drops 120 feet and serves as a dramatic finale to your journey. A well-maintained trail provides accessible viewing platforms.

Additional Tips:

• Timing: Spring is ideal for waterfall viewing due to increased flow from snowmelt, but the North Shore's beauty is captivating year-round.​

• Accommodation: Consider lodging in Duluth or along the North Shore to break up the trip and fully enjoy each location.​

• Safety: Always stay on designated trails and observe safety signs, as river currents and cliff edges can be dangerous.​

This itinerary offers a blend of accessible and awe-inspiring waterfalls, showcasing the natural beauty of Minnesota's North Shore. Enjoy your adventure!​

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