The 15 Best Waterfall Hikes Guide in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin for Families
If you’re looking for the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota and western Wisconsin with kids, you’re in for a treat! You just found the Minnesota Waterfall Guide! Hiking as a family is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors together. Additionally, hiking together promotes healthy family habits, sparks curiosity, and fosters connection. Waterfalls add an extra layer of excitement to family hikes (especially for kids who are new to hiking!). The promise of seeing rushing water or feeling the misty spray can make even the shortest walks feel like a grand adventure! Whether you’re near the Twin Cities or venturing around the state, these family hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota (and a bit into western Wisconsin) offer scenic beauty, accessible paths, and plenty of outdoor fun for all ages.
Please keep reading to discover our top picks for the 15 Best Waterfall Hikes in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin for Families.
Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
4801 S Minnehaha Dr, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Minnehaha Falls is a must-visit for families looking for the best waterfall hikes in Minneapolis with kids. Located right in the heart of the city, this 53-foot waterfall is easily accessible.
Minnehaha Regional Park offers paved, stroller-friendly trails—perfect for little adventurers. Keep in mind, however, you’ll need to take a series of stairs to reach the viewpoints at the base of the falls. But you don’t have to trek down to enjoy the cascade. There are several viewpoints at the top of the falls.
The surrounding park features picnic areas and a playground. Indoor bathrooms and Sea Salt Eatery are also just steps from the falls. As one of the most popular and accessible waterfall hikes in the Twin Cities, Minnehaha Falls offers natural beauty with family-friendly amenities that keep kids motivated and engaged.
Minnesota Waterfall Guide: Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Nerstrand
9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053
Just an hour south of the Twin Cities, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park offers one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota with kids. Take the 1.9-mile White Oak and Hidden Falls Loop to reach the falls.
This easy-to-moderate loop leads to Hidden Falls, a charming 25-foot cascade surrounded by lush forest. Along the route, keep an eye out for beautiful wildflowers and small critters (like squirrels and bunnies!). With well-marked paths and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park makes for a memorable day of hiking and waterfall chasing with your kids.
After you’ve seen the waterfall, leave time to enjoy the train-themed playground near the parking lot! It’s an excellent reward for kids after finishing the hike (or a place to burn any remaining energy before the ride home!). As one of the top waterfall hikes near the Twin Cities, this park provides a fantastic option for families looking to explore Minnesota together.
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Banning State Park, Sandstone
61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072
Banning State Park, just minutes off I-35 near Sandstone, offers one of the best family-friendly waterfall hikes in Minnesota. The 3.5-mile Quarry Loop and Wolf Creek Trail is an easy out-and-back route that’s ideal for fun waterfall hikes near Minneapolis for families with kids who can hike a moderate distance. Banning State Park is under 90 minutes from Minneapolis.
This trail leads to Wolf Creek Falls, a charming waterfall nestled along the Kettle River. Along the way, you’ll pass dramatic sandstone rock formations, historic quarry ruins, and rushing river rapids (like Blueberry Slide and Dragon’s Tooth—fun names for adventurous kiddos!). The trail offers stunning river views and picturesque picnic spots. Parking and restrooms are available at the trailhead. Bring bug spray during warmer months.
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Nestled along Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a favorite spot for families seeking easy and scenic waterfall hikes. With five stunning waterfalls (including the iconic Gooseberry Falls), most are just a short stroll from the parking area, making it perfect for young kids and new hikers.
The park’s well-maintained trails, like the 3-mile Fifth Falls and Superior Hiking Trail Loop and the 2.2-mile Gitchi Gummi Trail, offer gentle terrain that’s ideal for families looking for a low-key outdoor adventure. Stroller and wheelchair-accessible viewing areas, a welcoming visitor center with indoor bathrooms, and a Nature Store add to the park’s convenience and charm. Located near Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a low-effort, high-impact waterfall hiking spot for families with kids of all ages in Minnesota. With so many great features, it’s no wonder this is the most visited state park in Minnesota!
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
George H. Crosby Manitou State Park, Finland
7616 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603
For families seeking remote family hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota, George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is a true hidden gem along the North Shore. This peaceful, rustic park is less crowded than others. In fact, it gets only about 5% of the visitors that nearby Gooseberry Falls does! As one of the least-visited state parks in Minnesota, it is an ideal option for families interested in a quieter nature experience in Northern Minnesota.
Located near Finland, George H. Crosby Manitou State Park is perfect for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and exploring old-growth forests. Kids will love the easy Benson Lake Loop, a 1.3-mile boardwalk trail with beautiful lake views. For families with older kids and more hiking experience, the rugged Middle Trail leads to Manitou Cascades. This scenic waterfall is situated along a 2-mile out-and-back hike (which can be extended with the interconnected trail system).
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Tettegouche State Park boasts one of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota with older kids and teens. The park offers a stunning variety of trails and natural wonders. Located just north of Silver Bay on the North Shore, the park is famous for High Falls. It’s one of the highest waterfalls entirely within Minnesota’s borders!
High Falls and Two Step Falls are both viewable via a moderate 2.8-mile hike along the Superior Hiking Trail within the park. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views from overlooks. And, watch for peregrine falcons soaring overhead!
Beyond the falls, families can explore a range of trails from short paths like Palisade Head and Shovel Point to longer loops around Tettegouche Lake or Bean and Bear Lakes. With its beaches, inland lakes, and abundant wildlife, Tettegouche State Park is the perfect North Shore spot for outdoor adventures that both kids and parents will enjoy.
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Cascade River State Park, Lutsen
West, 3481 MN-61, Lutsen, MN 55612
Cascade River State Park is a favorite along Minnesota’s North Shore. Just 12 minutes from Grand Marais, it offers easy access to a large waterfall. Even better? The falls are only minutes from the parking lot—making it an easy waterfall hike for toddlers and young kids in Minnesota. You can opt to turn around here or extend your hike along the path to the left.
For families ready for a longer adventure, the Lookout Mountain Loop is a moderate 3.2-mile trail featuring stunning views of the Cascade River and Lake Superior. With 18 miles of trails, Cascade River State Park is undoubtedly one of the best spots for family-friendly waterfall hikes in Minnesota. After your selected hike, walk across Hwy 61 to the river’s mouth. Here, you can stand on the rocky shoreline (keep kids in arm’s reach) and watch the river meet Lake Superior.
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Minnesota Waterfall Guide: Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Grand Marais
4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
For one of the most magical waterfall hikes in Minnesota with kids, Judge C.R. Magney State Park is a must-visit along the North Shore. The park’s highlight, Devil’s Kettle Waterfall, offers one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the state.
The 2-mile out-and-back hike features about 200 stairs, but the payoff is incredible views of twin waterfalls. One pours into the Brule River, and the other disappears mysteriously into a rocky cavern. Kids will love the story behind the water’s secret path, which puzzled scientists for decades. It even inspired curious explorers to drop everything from ping pong balls to GPS devices down the falls. Today, most scientists agree that the water travels underground and reemerges into the river from underground somewhere downstream.
Just 16 minutes from Grand Marais, this moderate trail also includes a smaller waterfall (before arriving at Devil’s Kettle), perfect for rock hopping and swimming on warm days. It’s an unforgettable adventure for families who enjoy nature and a little mystery.
This Minnesota State park requires a vehicle permit.
Grand Portage State Park, Grand Portage
9393 E MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605
Grand Portage State Park offers one of the easiest waterfall hikes for kids in Minnesota. The 0.5-mile paved High Falls Trail is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, making it perfect for families with young children or those seeking an easy outing. At the end of the path, you can enjoy stunning views of High Falls. It’s the tallest waterfall in Minnesota! (While the trail is accessible, stairs are required to reach the viewing decks for High Falls.)
For a more adventurous hike, the rugged 3.5-mile loop to Middle Falls offers spectacular ridgetop views of Lake Superior and Canada. This park also features a visitor center with exhibits on Ojibwe and Voyageur history (as well as indoor bathrooms). Remember to check trail conditions in winter, as some paths may not be cleared of snow. Grand Portage is an ideal spot for family-friendly outdoor fun with plenty of photo-worthy moments.
This is one of the only Minnesota State parks that never requires a vehicle permit.
Kawishiwi Falls Trail, Ely
444 Fernberg Rd, Ely, MN 55731
Just a few miles outside downtown Ely, the Kawishiwi Falls Trail offers one of the easiest and most rewarding short hikes in northern Minnesota. This easy 0.9-mile loop winds through a wooded setting, making it an excellent option for hikers of all ages (just be mindful of the sharp drop-offs near the waterfall). Along the trail, you’ll find several vantage points to admire the falls and the lake—perfect for family photo stops.
The 70-foot Kawishiwi Falls (also known as the Fall Lake Dam) is a dramatic cascade where water from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness begins its 2,000-mile journey north to Hudson Bay. The name “Kawishiwi” means “river full of beaver or muskrat houses” in the Ojibwe language. Historically, Native Americans, voyageurs, and explorers portaged around the falls. In fact, the trail still serves as a portage for paddlers (between Garden and Fall Lakes). With its short trek, shaded path, and scenic views, Kawishiwi Falls is a memorable stop for families exploring Ely. No wonder it’s a favorite for families on this list of waterfall hikes in Minnesota!
Minnesota Waterfall Guide: Winnewissa Falls, Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone
36 Reservation Ave, Pipestone, MN 56164
For families seeking the best waterfall hikes in southern Minnesota with kids, Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument offers immense natural beauty and a rich cultural history. This easy ¾-mile trail winds through towering quartzite cliffs, tallgrass prairies, and historic pipestone quarries that Indigenous people have used for over 3,000 years to craft sacred ceremonial pipes.
Along the way, the trail passes Winnewissa Falls. This peaceful waterfall cascades over rocky ledges into a pool below (swimming is not allowed here). A small bridge crosses the pool. Then, a short, steep path leads to an overlook for stunning views. After your hike, visit the visitor center to explore Native American exhibits, watch pipestone carving demonstrations (May–October), and learn about the region’s deep cultural significance. This hike is a perfect way to connect kids with both nature and history in southwestern Minnesota.
Minneopa State Park, Mankato
54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001
Just under 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, Minneopa State Park is one of the best waterfall hikes near Minneapolis, perfect for families with kids of all ages. Not to mention, a fantastic day trip destination for family nature adventures!
The park is beloved for its stunning double waterfall. Here, Minneopa Creek cascades twice through a scenic gorge. The falls are accessible via a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail with benches and picnic spots nearby. It’s an easy hike to do with toddlers and kids new to hiking. The name “Minneopa,” meaning “water falling twice” in Dakota, perfectly captures the park’s beauty.
Kids will also love spotting the majestic herd of American bison roaming freely in another part of the park. After driving through the bison habitat, explore the historic Seppmann Mill ruins.
Willow River State Park, Hudson, WI
1034 Co Hwy A, Hudson, WI 54016
Just across the border from Minnesota, Willow River State Park is a top spot for waterfall hikes in western Wisconsin with kids. Located near downtown Hudson, this state park is about 45 minutes from Minneapolis.
This popular Wisconsin State Park features stunning views of Willow Falls and the dramatic Willow River Gorge. The park also includes miles of scenic hiking trails that vary from easy to challenging. Families can explore the 1-mile Willow Falls Trail along the river. Or, take the longer 2- to 4-mile Burkhardt Trail for scenic overlooks and riverside hiking. The shorter 0.4-mile Willow Falls Hill Trail offers a steeper, more adventurous route to the falls.
Picnic areas, campgrounds, paddling, and a nature center make it a full-day outdoor destination. Remember to keep kids safe near unprotected cliffs and watch for slippery or uneven trail surfaces near the river.
This Wisconsin State park requires a vehicle permit.
Wilke Glen and Cascade Falls, Osceola, WI
101 N Cascade St, Osceola, WI 54020
Within an hour by car, Cascade Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes near the Twin Cities. Located in downtown Osceola, this 25-foot roaring waterfall is easily accessible via woodland trails that lead to the St. Croix River.
The easy Cascade Falls Trail, a 0.6-mile round-trip trail (with an optional loop), offers a manageable adventure for kids and parents alike. A steep staircase also leads directly to the falls (recently closed for repairs, watch for signs to ensure it’s reopened). Visitors can also reach the falls via a scenic detour along Eagle Bluff Trail (1.1-mile loop). Along the way, you’ll enjoy charming boardwalks, river views, and remnants of old mills that tell the town’s history. The illuminated falls at night create an unforgettable family experience. Talk about the perfect spot for fun waterfall hikes near Minneapolis for families!
Related Article: Go Chasing Waterfalls
Amnicon Falls State Park, Douglas County, WI
4279 County Rd U, South Range, WI 54874
Amnicon Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for waterfall hikes in western Wisconsin. It’s only 30 minutes from Duluth! The park features a series of beautiful waterfalls and rapids along the Amnicon River, viewable from a covered footbridge and nearly 2 miles of easy, mostly flat trails.
Families love the popular 0.25-mile Island Trail, which offers up-close views of Upper, Lower, and Snake Pit Falls. Plus, several smaller cascades and pools. The 0.8-mile Thimbleberry Nature Trail is another excellent option for exploring local flora and fauna. The trail includes educational signposts and a quiet pond.
Picnic areas, camping, and paved paths make the park accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Plus, kids can learn about the fascinating Douglas Fault. It’s the geological force behind the waterfalls here.
This Wisconsin State park requires a vehicle permit.
Have Fun Exploring these Minnesota and Wisconsin Waterfalls Using this Guide!
Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, these parks and trails offer some of the best waterfall hikes in Minnesota and western Wisconsin with kids. From short, scenic walks to longer adventures, you’ll find plenty of kid-friendly waterfall hikes near the Twin Cities and across the state. With breathtaking cascades, wildlife viewing, and picnic-perfect settings, these treks are among the best family hiking trails with waterfalls in Minnesota.
