7 Frozen Waterfalls to Visit in the Twin Cities, Minnesota This Winter

Winter in Minnesota is cold, and even though it might feel like there isn't much to do, as long as you're bundled up, there's lots to explore. Earlier this winter, we explored some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Twin Cities. Most were frozen, and most we had never heard of before, although we also visited some classics like the famous Minnehaha Falls. Luckily, all seven of these waterfalls are super easy to get to and can easily be visited in one single day.

Our Essential Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, we recommend Hopper to compare the cheapest travel dates.
​
Car rentals comparisons are best through Discover Cars - just make sure to bring your international driver's permit with you!

We always use Expedia's easy to use platform for hotels.

To keep cell service while traveling internationally, we always use Airalo’s easy eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, we always recommend Viator to find the best tours in the area, otherwise Get Your Guide also does the trick.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for any international or domestic travels.

Enjoying Winter in Minnesota

Like I mentioned above, winters in Minnesota can be tough, and very, very cold. If you're wanting to get out and do some exploring the only way to truly enjoy the outdoors is to bundle up. I recommend layering to stay warm, starting with some base layers and thermals underneath. You can throw on a puffer, and if it's super cold, another coat on top. Of course - you'll want to bring a scarf, mittens and a hat too.

Once you have all your layers on, I recommend bringing some handwarmers with you too. Some of these waterfalls are a bit further than others, and might require a little hike, so grippy boots are definitely recommended. If it's extra icy out, make sure to bring ice cleats, and maybe even some hiking poles.

 Shop all our winter gear here.

Our Favorite Tours near the Twin Cities : 
- Minneapolis Scenic Trolley
- St. Paul Historic Cave Walking
- Minneapolis Riverwalk Food Tour

Best Frozen Waterfalls in the Twin Cities

1. Willow Falls, Willow River State Park
We're starting off this list with a waterfall that isn't technically in the Twin Cities. Willow Falls is one of our favorite waterfalls and it's pretty close to the rest of the waterfalls on this list, so it can easily be added to the beginning or end of an adventure - which is why we included it. We recommend bringing spikes or snowshoes since there is a pretty steep hill to get down to the waterfall, however it's a pretty short hike to the bottom viewing platform of Willow Falls. You can also continue across the river and up the stairs for another epic view of the falls. It is important to note that there is $13 fee to access Willow River State Park, but there are quite a few snowshoeing and cross country skiing trails in the park. We also recommend visiting in the summer months for more stunning views!

2. St. Anthony Falls, Stone Arch Bridge
​Close to downtown Minneapolis, this waterfall was initially shaped much differently! Situated at mile 853 of the Mississippi River, the dam was constructed and finished in 1956, which drastically changed the look of the waterfall. You can easily see this waterfall from the Stone Arch Bridge, an iconic structure in the heart of Minneapolis. We recommend parking in one of the Paid Parking lots near the Guthrie then walking over the bridge, you'll see the falls to your left!

3. Bridal Veil Falls, Prospect Park
So, we couldn't actually find this one ourselves, but we're told this waterfall used to be as majestic as Minnehaha Falls, however thanks to recent dams put in place it's almost fully dried up. Directions begin at the Franklin Avenue Bridge, where you're then supposed to follow the staircase down to the river bed and towards the U of M boat-house. You can also begin at East River Flats Park, which is where we started. However, the staircase to descend to the river bed at this location had completely been plowed over, and we had no way to get through to the beginning of the stairs. We hope to be able to try this one again some day!

4. Shadow Falls, Shadow Falls Park
This beautiful waterfall also had a fairly short hike! Our closest guess would be about a quarter to a half mile each way, with a pretty difficult to locate entrance to the trail! Begin at the World War 1 memorial in Shadow Falls Park, then head right if facing the Mississippi River. There'll should be a fence and exactly to the right of it should be a narrow trail, you can see Tyler pointing to the entrance in the photo above. Follow this down for a view of the falls from above! We weren't able to figure out a way to safely get down to the bottom, but agree the views would be much better from below. Please note this trail is fairly narrow, so be aware of where you're stepping!

5. Minnehaha Falls, Minnehaha Regional Park
At 53 feet tall, Minnehaha Falls is a Minnesota icon, and is definitely the most famous waterfall on our list. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit here every year, with almost as many if not more during the winter months! A number of years ago the stairs down to the bottom of the falls would be open year round, however after a collapse that resulted in some injuries a few winters ago the stairs have since been closed during winter months and even trespassing citations have been handed out to anyone who dares to go past. Although stunningly beautiful, we can't encourage you to try to head behind the falls due to safety issues. We can, however, encourage you to park near "Minnehaha Park - Wabun F" and take the Lower Glen Trail to the bottom of Minnehaha Falls. This will be a much flatter, safer journey in the winter versus the steep stairs.

6. Hidden Falls, Hidden Falls Regional Park
​Head in from the North Entrance/Magoffin Avenue Entrance of Hidden Falls Regional Park and begin at the first parking lot to the right. From here you'll head back towards the direction you came from, passing the restrooms and picnic shelter. There should be a trail that continues into the woods, follow this to the right and after a short hike you'll find the end of the trail which coincidentally is also Hidden Falls! Although a little shorter than the other falls, you'll be able to climb up close and touch the frozen waterfall, which definitely makes it worth the short hike in our opinion!

7. Crosby Farm Falls, Crosby Farm Regional Park
Our last waterfall is another one we had a hard time finding ourselves, however it's supposed to be very close to Hidden Falls mentioned earlier in our list. Begin by heading to Crosby Farm Regional Park, in the small circular parking lot that is just south of the intersection of I-35E and Shepard Road. From here, directions say to take the trail that follows the north shore of Crosby Lake, however we weren't able to quite find the correct trail in the snow. If you do, the waterfall is said to be right next to a sandstone canyon.

Watch our Minnesota Adventures here!

---

​Other Minnesota Blog Posts :
-> 9 Best Winter Things to Do in Duluth
-> 9 Best Things to Do in Nisswa
-> 9 Best Things to Do in Ely

---

Pin this Waterfall Guide for later!