Minnehaha Falls Ice Cave In Winter:
Location: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis
Cost: Free, Self-Guided (Parking is $1.25)
Getting Here: Using the Light Rail Metro it is 19 minutes from the Mall of America, 9 from the Airport, and 20 from Downtown Minneapolis. (Driving Directions).
Time Needed: 60-90 Minutes.
Fun Scale: 10 out of 10
Full Neighborhood Guide: Minnehaha Falls Walking Tour
[easy-social-share ukey=”1520977280″]
Best Time To Visit The Ice Caves:
During the early and late Winter, you get the best multi-colored rainbow to lighten from behind the ice. If the falls completely freeze over in the middle of Winter you can typically still access the cave, but you’ll miss out on the great ambiance from the sound of flowing water you have when it is “warmer” mainly to do with the seasonal angle of the sun. While the trail into the ice cave is technically closed to the public and there are safety considerations, in the peak of Winter the pool below Minnehaha Falls freezes over and is also a very popular vantage point.
[easy-social-share ukey=”1520550558″]
Overview Of Minnehaha Falls In Winter:
Literally meaning Waterfall in the Dakota language, Minnehaha Falls needs to be on your must-do list in the Twin Cities. Going behind Minnehaha Falls is tons of fun year-round, but during the Winter it freezes into an ice cave that makes it is out of this world. The beautiful cave formed by the frozen 53-foot-high urban waterfall is easily accessible by foot with just a short hike. The bright blue glowing ice feels grotto behind the waterfalls and quickly turns into a multi-colored sheet of rainbowed ice as the light shines through. If you live in or are visiting the Twin Cities you need to make sure to get behind Minnehaha Falls this Winter.
Today a bronze statue of Hiawatha sits in the park not very far from Minnehaha Falls and it worth a visit. Other attractions at the park such as the John Stevens and Longfellow Houses close their doors for the winter but can be admired from the outside.
Going Behind The Frozen Waterfalls:
After dodging the icicles at the entrance, it is time to free roam in the cave. The first section is flooded with bright blue light pretty much any time of day and even turns green from time to time. As you get deeper into the cave the ice will turn from blue to very distinct stripes of rainbow colors. Make sure to take a few minutes to relax and take in the sound of the flowing Falls. Consider bringing a lunch to eat behind the falls, just make sure to 100% clean up after yourself to keep the Ice Cave looking beautiful.
Safety Guidelines Around The Waterfalls:
In the dead of winter when the water and lower pool have completely frozen, the park sometimes lets you walk anywhere you want including all over the frozen pond. Please use common sense caution, watch your footing, and obey any warning signs the park has posted.
Other Sights Near Minnehaha Falls:
With the park sitting right on the Light Rail Metro line, it makes it really easy to check out a ton of other nearby sights even if don’t have a car.
1. Minnehaha Park: Since you are already right in the middle of the park you might as well check out its other sights. Some attractions such as the John Stevens and Longfellow Houses close their doors for the Winter, but the park is still very peaceful. Read More: Minnehaha Falls Walking Tour.
2. Mall of America: America’s largest mall is only a 19 minute Light Rail ride away from Minnehaha Falls. It is a bit touristy but you have check it out if you are visiting from out of town. It is so large that is had its own amusement park and has so many visitors that kinetic energy from people feet along heats the complex through the cold Minnesotan Winters.
3. Fort Snelling: Built in 1819 at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, the large fort was the US Governments first true stake in the region which was already occupied by local Native American groups. Today the Fort is a living museum highlighting what early life in the Twin Cities was like.
4. Crosby Lake Park: Located just across the just a couple miles away, the Crosby Lakes Park offers some of the best country like experiences you’ll find in a big city. There are the12 miles of wooded trails, two lakes, and a marina to keep you occupied. We love the numerous wooden plank trail and go through subtle grassland marsh areas where you’re bound to see wildlife.
5. Downtown Minneapolis: Only a 20-minute ride by Light Rail, Downtown Minneapolis offers a great diversity of actives.
[easy-social-share ukey=”1520550558″]
[easy-social-share ukey=”1520977280″]