Minnesota’s Most Hidden Waterfall Is Only 90 Minutes from Rochester
Did you know the most hidden waterfall in Minnesota is only a short drive away from Rochester?
Sure, I've heard of Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis or Gooseberry Falls along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior, but I wasn't aware that there's another waterfall here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that's been called the Most Hidden Waterfall in Minnesota. There is-- and it's only 90 minutes away from Rochester too.
You'll find this hidden waterfall at Shadow Falls Park in St. Paul. According to Google Maps, the park is only 83 miles from Rochester, which will take you about an hour twenty minutes to get there if you take Highway-52. (Assuming that Old Man Winter hasn't dumped more snow on us that could slow things down.)
The park itself is easy to get to, located along Mississippi River Boulevard at the end of Summitt Avenue. There are some nice open areas, hiking and biking paths, a great view of the Mississippi River and a monument to World War I.
But, to get to the most hidden waterfall in Minnesota, you'll need to do a little hiking. And, at least according to the video below, the Shadow Falls Waterfalls are definitely worth hiking to see! According to directions listed on OnlyInYourState.com, start by heading to the monument. Then follow these directions:
"Take one of the many dirt paths leading away from the main park area. The first path down from the viewing platform leads down to a large, relatively flat area overlooking the river. Next, you'll want to continue on the path. If you are facing the river, the waterfall is to the right," the site said.
Of course, those dirt paths are no doubt now covered in snow. But, seeing how popular getting outside has been as COVID-19 pandemic rages on, I'm guessing they're probably still visible in the snow. I haven't been there...yet... but it's on my bucket list of things to do this winter here in Minnesota.
However, seeing as we've all been dealing with sub-zero temperatures with dangerous wind chills for well over a week now, we know there are just some things you DON'T do in Minnesota when it's this cold. Keep scrolling to take a look!
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