Minnehaha Falls, 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park, Minneapolis, United States
Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall in Minneapolis that drops from limestone ledges and flows through a wooded gorge filled with oak and elm trees. The water travels through this natural channel before emptying into the Mississippi River downstream.
This waterfall became widely known across the nation in 1855 when the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote about it, despite never actually visiting the site himself. This poem shaped how people thought about the location for generations to come.
The Dakota people called this place Minnehaha, meaning curling water, reflecting how this natural landmark held deep meaning in their world. Today, visitors can sense the enduring connection between the waterfall and the land's original inhabitants.
The site has several viewing platforms connected by stone stairs that let you see the waterfall from different angles. Spring brings the most water flow from melting snow, offering the best conditions for photos and viewing.
During winter, the waterfall freezes solid and creates natural columns of ice that completely change how the place looks. This icy form attracts photographers and visitors who want to see the falls in their coldest season.
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