Sight guide · Minneapolis · United States
Visiting Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Creek drops about 16 metres over a limestone ledge in one of the city's oldest parks, made famous by Longfellow's poem The Song of Hiawatha.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mikael Häggström , M.D. Author info - Reusing images - Conflicts of interest: None Mikael , CC0
Quick answer
Minnehaha Falls is a nature spot in Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Minnehaha Park
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, kids and photo spot
- Best months
- July–September
About Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Creek drops about 16 metres over a limestone ledge in one of the city's oldest parks, made famous by Longfellow's poem The Song of Hiawatha. Stairs lead down to the base of the falls and a trail follows the creek through a wooded glen to the Mississippi.
Tip: Visit after spring rain for the strongest flow, or in deep winter, when the falls freeze into a wall of ice.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Minnehaha Park.
Best time to visit Minnehaha Falls
Minnehaha Falls is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- September: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- August: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- July: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 10 rainy days, very busy crowds.
When to visit Minneapolis has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Minnehaha Falls is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia).
- No. 11 of the 17 sights in our Minneapolis things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Minneapolis.
- A family favourite in Minneapolis with kids.
If you like Minnehaha Falls
- Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — Loring Park, 1 hour
- Stone Arch Bridge and St. Anthony Falls — Mill District, 1 hour
- Chain of Lakes — Southwest Minneapolis, Half a day
Staying near Minnehaha Falls
Where to stay in Minneapolis compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Minnehaha Falls?
Plan 1–2 hours.
+Is Minnehaha Falls free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Minnehaha Falls?
July–September for the most comfortable weather. Visit after spring rain for the strongest flow, or in deep winter, when the falls freeze into a wall of ice.
+Do I need to book Minnehaha Falls in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Minnehaha Falls good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a relaxed family city, with free museums, lake beaches, bike paths and the Mall of America's indoor theme park as a fallback in any weather.