Most Minnesotans know that our state is full of beautiful waterfalls. If you’ve done a lot of exploring, you might even have a few favorites. Gooseberry Falls, Minnehaha Falls, and Minneopa Falls top many people’s lists. But there are still dozens of other stunning waterfalls to discover. The one we’d like to introduce today couldn’t be easier to visit. It’s so easy to get to, in fact, that you can practically drive right up to it! Read on below to learn more about the little-known – but still beautiful – Cross River Falls on Minnesota’s North Shore.

Cross River Falls is a lesser-known waterfall in Schroeder, Minnesota. It’s along the North Shore, just steps away from the road.
Ken Melser/Google
The low but lovely waterfall is a part of the Cross River. This river was named after a cross that Father Baraga, a Catholic priest, left at the mouth of the river in the late 1700s. The cross was later reconstructed. You can still see Father Baraga’s Cross today!
Hannah Woldum Ragusa/Google
The Cross River is a rugged river, rushing for 20 miles before it reaches Lake Superior. There is a bridge over it along Highway 61. Stop at the wayside parking area to see it.
Kathi Blakely/Google

Related Stories

There's Nothing Better Than The Waterfront Round Lake Vineyards & Winery On A Warm Minnesota Day

There's Nothing Better Than The Waterfront Round Lake Vineyards & Winery On A Warm Minnesota Day

 There's Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Minnesota’s St. Croix River Can't Cure

There's Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Minnesota’s St. Croix River Can't Cure

 The Amazing Pink Stone Beach Every Minnesotan Will Want To Visit

The Amazing Pink Stone Beach Every Minnesotan Will Want To Visit
After you park, walk to the west side of the bridge along Highway 61. Look over the railing for a great view of the upper falls. They pass right under the bridge!
Rakesh K/TripAdvisor
The sight of the rushing cascades tumbling over the rocky landscape is nothing short of beautiful. Though this is not Minnesota’s tallest or most famous waterfall, it is a wonderful waterfall that every North Shore explorer should tick off their bucket list.
Andrew Engebretsen/Google
Next time you’re traveling along Highway 61, be sure to plan a stop at Cross River Falls. Get out to stretch your legs - and to enjoy this beautiful waterfall!
Evan Easton/Google

Have you visited Cross River Falls? Let us know what you thought about it in the comments. And if you’re interested in some of our other favorite lesser-known waterfalls, check out our past articles about Winnewissa Falls, Minnemishinona Falls, and Prairie Falls! And if that still isn’t enough for you, check out our waterfall road trip through Minnesota!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Minnesota

Featured Addresses
Cross River Falls, Minnesota 61, Schroeder, MN, USA