While for many of us, the ideal weather is warm and sunny, Minnesota is beautiful year-round! There’s something to see and do every day of the year, whether the state is experiencing a perfect sunny day, overcast, or a fresh blanket of snow. In fact, winter in Minnesota is one of our favorites – and snowy days are among the most gorgeous. Don’t believe us? Take a snowy hike through the incredible Judge C. R. Magney State Park, where you’ll experience the frosted magic of a peaceful forest, as well as one of the most underrated frozen waterfalls in Minnesota. Check it out:

Judge C.R. Magney State Park is a beautiful park on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It’s near Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Lee/TripAdvisor
It's a gorgeous and popular park, no matter the season. But after the fall foliage rush has died off... a little extra magic happens here.
This park encompasses more than 4,600 acres of northern Minnesota wilderness. While undeniably popular, its remote location makes it less visited than other North Shore state parks.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails/Facebook
There are many trails in the park, but we recommend the popular Devil's Kettle Trail in the winter.
8Zebra211/TripAdvisor
Be sure to snap a photo of the map before you head out!
Minnesota State Parks and Trails/Facebook
The snow-covered trail is lined with trees. It follows along the rocky banks of the Brule River.
Davis Harder/GoogleMaps
The snow-covered trail is lined with trees. It follows along the rocky banks of the Brule River. In winter, the river's rushing waters, if not frozen, are dotted with floating ice.
Josh Hill/Google

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Along the 1-mile-long trail, you'll descend nearly 200 steps.
Lauren Lahr/AllTrails
Jacklynn Oswald/AllTrails
You'll pass the beautiful Upper Falls of the Brule River, which often freezes as well, but the trip is not done yet.
Julie S/TripAdvisor
At the end of the trail, the frozen Devil's Kettle awaits! The solid water disappears into a rocky hole.
cristobal/Google
This strange waterfall was a Minnesota mystery for decades. Only recently did researchers discover where it goes when it disappears.
April Wojahn/AllTrails
It's aptly named, that's for sure - churning beneath the ice like a swirling cauldron. What an icy beauty!
April Wojahn/AllTrails


This trail – and the waterfall it leads to – is one of the easiest winter hikes in Minnesota, and is perfect for the whole family. Next time you crave a northern adventure, head to snowy Judge C.R. Magney State Park!

Have you ever been to this state park in winter? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

To explore even more winter trails in Minnesota (which may or may not lead to a few more frozen waterfalls!), check out some of our favorite snowy weather hikes. Then, curl up with a blanket in front of the fireplace at this warm and rustic cabin in the trees.

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Frozen Waterfalls In Minnesota

Jennifer | December 13, 2023

How many state parks does Minnesota have?

Minnesota has 66 state parks and six national parks, each boasting phenomenal natural beauty, an abundance of waterfront views, and waterfalls unlike anywhere else in the country. Visitors will also find a number of state forests and national monuments around the state as well. Here are just a few of the many, MANY spectacular state parks in Minnesota:

 

Before your visit, be sure to double-check trail and camping seasonality, as well as for fire restrictions and temporary closures.

Are there any caves in Minnesota?

Minnesota may not be known for its caves the same way it's known for its abundant lakes, but you can bet this gorgeous Midwest state has a few hiding in its recesses. In fact, Minnesota doesn't just have lakes, caves, and waterfalls... we also have an underground river! Here just a few caves in Minnesota:

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Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA