Here in Minnesota, we’re lucky to have plenty of incredible waterfalls in every corner of the state. Our most popular, Gooseberry Falls and Minnehaha Falls, draw crowds just about every day of the year. But what about when you want to go somewhere a bit more quiet? There’s one lesser known state park in Minnesota that is home to an even lesser known waterfall. When you visit, you’ll probably have it all to yourself. Take a look:
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park is located in southern Minnesota, about an hour south of Minneapolis. The address is 9700 170th St. E., Nerstrand, MN 55053.
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The park is home to more than 2,800 acres of southern Minnesota’s beautiful landscape. There are 11 miles of hiking trails.
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These lead through a huge oak savannah prairie that offers some of the best scenery around.
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In warmer months, you may get lucky and spot some native Minnesota wildflowers.
Michael Janke/Flickr
In the fall, the park gets even more beautiful. The trails will lead you through a forest blazing with color.
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You won’t be able to take your eyes off the oranges, yellows, and reds of the canopy.
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But Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park holds an even bigger surprise: Hidden Falls.
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This little-known waterfall on Prairie Creek runs over the 500 million-year-old limestone deposits in the area.
Tony Webster/Flickr
And because the park is lesser known, you’re likely to have the waterfall all to yourself.
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Love Minnesota’s waterfalls? Check out our Minnesota waterfalls road trip for ideas on which ones to visit next.
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Brett Whaley/Flickr
Michael Janke/Flickr
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Tony Webster/Flickr
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