Under An Hour From Minneapolis Is A Scenic River Park With A Waterfall, Trails, And Connected Green Spaces

Minnesota is commonly known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," but the state has a good deal of other freshwater features as well. Most notably, Minnesota is also rich in spectacular waterfalls tumbling over terrain that's a bit rockier and steeper than you might expect in the Midwest. And while many of Minnesota's most impressive falls cascade through remote, pristine outdoor parks, some lie surprisingly close to its urban areas and historic sites. Nowhere is that more true than at the state's stunning Vermillion Falls and the surrounding Vermillion Falls Park. Though technically an urban park, Vermillion Falls features epic waterfall views and some authentic Minnesota historical ruins.

Unlike more remote waterfalls, Vermillion Falls rumbles partly through the skyline of the Minnesota city of Hastings, which perches along the sides of the waterfall's natural rocky gorge. Located about 40 minutes from Minneapolis, Vermillion Falls is an ideal spot for marvelous urban hikes, but Vermillion Falls also flows near the remains of a historic gristmill. The haunting stone ruins right next to the whitewater cascade create a unique scene you're unlikely to find in other Minnesota waterfalls. Beyond its proximity to the city and historic ruins, Vermillion Falls and Vermillion Falls Park connect to Minnesota's lovely Vermillion River, which, in turn, connects to many nearby green spaces in Minnesota's Mississippi River region. Altogether, Vermillion Falls is a can't-miss stop on an itinerary for waterfall lovers, urban explorers, history buffs, or anyone who wants to discover some of Minnesota's best and brightest hidden gems.

While Vermillion Falls doesn't quite reach the size of wonders like Minnesota's highest waterfall at Grand Portage State Park, its more urban location and proximity to intricate ruins make it one of the most distinctive. Vermillion Falls is on Minnesota's Vermillion River, which flows for nearly 60 miles through southern Minnesota before emptying into the much larger Mississippi River. The Vermillion River flows through the city of Hastings right as it plunges into a spectacular waterfall, and as a result, Vermillion Falls is the centerpiece of Hastings' Vermillion Falls Park, a 25-acre municipal park with scenery matching that of many state parks (including a city-adjacent stretch of photogenic green spaces).

Vermillion Falls itself is about 35 feet high and descends into a natural gorge in the bedrock carved by erosion and glacial meltwater. In most cases, a 35-foot-high waterfall pouring down a rocky chasm would be at least moderately difficult to access, but thanks to its city-bound location and surrounding municipal park, Vermillion Falls is easily viewable from a short trail and a visitor-friendly observation deck next to a convenient parking area near Hastings' historic city center.

A 35-foot waterfall would be enough to elevate almost any city park, but Vermillion Falls Park also includes views of authentic urban ruins. Next to the waterfall are the haunting remains of one of Minnesota's first operational gristmills. Given the need for water power, 19th-century gristmills aren't uncommon in riverside parks (for example, the historic gristmills nestled along gorges and covered mills in Pennsylvania's McConnells Mill State Park), but the sight of mysterious stone ruins framing a raging waterfall is definitely a rarity, even among historic parks.

Vermillion Falls Park is a good starting point for scenic and (relatively) non-strenuous hikes through a blend of Minnesota's natural and urban beauty. Hikers who visit Vermillion Falls Park can explore a network of interconnected parks along the Vermillion River. The roughly 10-acre Old Mill Park features the remains of the 19th-century gristmill still presiding over the Vermillion River gorge. Farther along Hastings' Greenway Trail lies the ecologically rich Vermillion River Linear Park and the expansive Gores Wildlife Management Area, which encompasses around 7,000 acres of floodplain forests and wetlands.

Waterfall lovers can enjoy more modest hikes on Vermillion Falls Park's Vermillion River Overlook trail. Covering a mere quarter mile out-and-back, the overlook trail includes the main waterfall-viewing observation deck and three river-view picnic areas. Urban explorers can also combine a visit to Vermillion Falls with many of Hastings' main landmarks on the nearly 10-mile hike from Old Mill Park to Vermillion Slough. Not only does this route cover both Vermillion Falls and the gristmill ruins, but it also passes many of Hastings' best riverside views, including the city's Lovers Lock Bridge and its Paris-inspired love locks.

Vermillion Falls and the city of Hastings are also well connected by excellent cycling trails. Beginning at Vermillion Falls Park, the 20-mile Hastings Cycle Tour loops around the waterfall, the Vermillion River Gorge, the Gores Wildlife Management Area, and the vibrant riverfront along downtown Hastings. Visitors who come to enjoy Vermillion Falls and end up exploring Hastings' miles of urban trails have plenty to enjoy once they've had their waterfall fill. Among Hastings' many memorable attractions is Alexis Bailly Vineyard & Winery, with curated tastings and live music to complement a Vermillion Falls sightseeing excursion.