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There’s no denying the beauty in that gorgeous ice. A crystalline rainbow of frosty whites and pale yellows shifting to hues of aquamarine blues. And on sunny days, these luminous colors really glow.
So it seems such a shame not to share info about this special place that some people call an ice cave. Especially when access is SO easy! No all-day excursion required to reach this ice cave like I’ve had to do in the past. No exhausting Nordic skiing across wet snow (Norway)—or rappelling into the depths of a glacier (Alaska)—or traipsing hours across frozen Lake Superior (Wisconsin).
Nope. This ice cave is right in an urban park smack in the middle of Minneapolis. You simply walk up to it and tuck behind a frozen waterfall.
According to historic pictures, people have been visiting here since the 1800’s, back when women trekked here in long dresses. So, then why my hesitation to share info?
Danger
Safety risk has tightened park regulations. Back in January 2017, a 20-year old girl was standing on the pond underneath the Falls when a giant chunk broke loose and fell on her head. She reportedly was okay, but as a result the park has now put more effort into keeping people out with barricades over the stairways that descend to the base of the falls.
But even prior to that, though, the park has been posting warning signs to stay out. They prefer that tourists view the frozen falls from the sidewalk at the top near the stone wall. Yes, it’s cool to see how the giant waterfalls froze mid-cascade, but of course it’s nothing like the view from the inside.
Thawing temps do make the ice unstable and common sense should prevail. The area around the frozen pond and creek should be avoided at all times, as the young woman would surely attest. It’s not worth the risk to enter the holes facing the falls.
But there is a trail that bypasses the pond completely and provides a safer entrance to the ice cave behind the falls. And for this reason, I will share the information about access and location. This is the route that my sister and I took on a cold day in late February. Just promise that you fully realize the dangers and risk of park fine if caught! You decide. Go at your own risk.
Location of the frozen waterfall in Minneapolis
Okay, here it is. This ice cave is behind the frozen waterfall at Minnehaha Falls Park in south Minneapolis, off of Hwy 55, just 9 miles north of the international airport near Fort Snelling. Looking at a map you can see it is about halfway between the Mall of America (to the south) and downtown (20 minutes to the north). Directly west is the beautiful Lake of the Isles—my favorite place to watch ice skaters! Address of Minnehaha Falls Park is: 4801 S Minnehaha Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417.
When you arrive, park on the street near the falls for $1.25 an hour or continue to the free lot (by Longfellow’s gardens). The 53-foot waterfall—the centerpiece of the park—is easy to find and just steps away from the parking street by the bridge. Follow the sidewalk a few yards and look over the metal railing to see the Minnehaha Falls emerge from the limestone bluffs. Literary fans may appreciate knowing that these falls became famous as a result of Longfellow’s poem “Song of Hiawatha.”
Walking to the ice cave
From this spot, the stairs descending to the base of the Falls should be visible. There are trails that go down into the gorge on both sides along the creek, and a small bridge below the falls. The trails continue all the way to the Mississippi, less than 1/2 mile away from the falls. You will see the warning signs and small wooden barricades to deter you from getting closer to the falls, but will likely see that many people still do.
Use caution to descend the slippery, ice-glazed stairs using the handrails. Once you reach the bottom (three flights) keep to the right of the creek. Look for the dirt trail leading up to the far right side of the frozen waterfalls, and hike up. You can see the entrance beyond my sister (a little to the right) in the photo below.
Exploring behind the Falls
At the top is an opening that never freezes shut. Duck under the icicles quickly and get inside. The ground behind the Falls is fairly level in most places and usually completely iced over. Some sections however have bumps and slopes to maneuver. Some people slip Yaktraxs over their boots (cleat-like contraption) to dig into the ice for added stability.
A you walk—or slide rather—through the narrow arc behind the falls, you will see a difference in the ice formations.
The first sections have bright blue to aquamarine blue ice.
If you look closely, you’ll see a hand on the ice in the distance. I know. Creepy! But it really isn’t a frozen body part, just a long exposure where the rest of the man moved more than his arm.
Deeper inside the cave you will find the rainbow streaked ice that varies according to the temperature and amount of sunbeams hitting it.
Such a tranquil, peaceful place in the midst of a bustling metropolitan city!
As you continue, the ice will have several openings (that people used to climb through from the frozen pond). Avoid getting too close as you could slip and slide all the way down to the pond and maybe take a few icicles with you! This guy was creeping dangerously close to the opening to wave at his friends or family below. Hey, ma!
Instead, stay safe. Keep away from the openings and hug the inside wall of the limestone bluff. Like my sister did.
Rounding the final curve you will notice a narrow opening at what looks like the end of the limestone bluff. We watched a couple of guys, visiting from France, disappear through that passage. Where they went, I have no idea!
But it looked a little sketchy to us, so we turned around after taking some pics and returned the way we came in.
As we neared the entrance we saw a couple families with young children approaching the Falls on the trail. Personally, I would not recommend exploring the Falls as a family activity.
Winter Season
Quality of ice is wholly dependent on the temperatures. When I lived in Minnesota, we could get blizzards from late October to freak snowstorms in April. To be on the safe side, I’d wager that January to March is the best time to see the ice formations and colors in Minnehaha Falls ice cave.
Safety Tips if you go:
- Keep your hands free for balance. Carry a small daypack to carry your camera and secure your phone in a zipped pocket. Attach a shoulder strap to your tripod.
- Wear appropriate footwear—grippy hiking boots or snowboots. May want to bring Yaktrax to slip over your boots for added stability on the ice.
- Avoid the base of the Falls around the pond.
- Stick to the trail on the right side of the creek.
- Hug the limestone wall once inside the cave.
Instead of the frozen waterfall in Minneapolis, consider these Safer Options for Families:
Ice Castles is a man-made playground where kids and adults alike can zip down a giant ice slide or wander through fantastical ice rooms. Operates from Jan 12th at 4pm daily, except Tuesdays. This national organization creates Ice Castles in 6 different locations from Colorado to New Hampshire. This year, winter 2019, includes Excelsior, the far west side of Minneapolis. Location: The Commons on the shore of Lake Minnetonka, at 135 Lake Street, Excelsior, Minnesota, 55331. See their website for more details.
St. Paul’s Winter Carnival is the oldest winter festival in the USA, since 1886. Dates in 2019: Thursday, Jan 24 – Sunday, Feb 3. Lots of free activities and an assortment of ticketed events including a fashion show, royalty coronation dinner, & Queen’s Tea. Art show, moon glow parade, ice carving and snow sculpting competitions, giant snow slide and more. See website for complete details. Locations: Events primarily take place in downtown Saint Paul, around Kellogg Mall Park and the Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. (Address of Kellogg Mall Park, 62 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55101.)
Ice Skating at Lake of the Isles. Beautiful historic homes line this beautiful chain of lakes. A warming hut has an assortment of skates you can rent for free. Lake separated for those playing hockey, practicing figure skating, or those wanting to skate for fun. Location: 2500 Lake of the Isles Parkway E, Minneapolis, MN 55405.
Whatever you decide, please be safe and use caution for all your winter activities. Minnesota is a beautiful place to live or visit. Yes, even in winter. Get out there and embrace all that ice!
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