frozen minnehaha falls.

01/20/2015

If you don’t live in Minneapolis / Saint Paul, you most likely think it’s freezing nine months of the year and that we all talk like Marge Gunderson from Fargo. That couldn’t be farther from the truth! It gets cold, yes – remember last winter’s 50 days below zero?! – and there are some don’tcha knows, but overall, it’s a progressive and beautiful state… a hidden gem! 

In this occasional series, I’ll show you around where I live, work, play and swimbikerun. First up: frozen Minnehaha Falls

The falls are smack in the middle of Minneapolis along Minnehaha Creek (one of my favorite places to run; it doesn’t feel like you’re in the city). They were in full-force roar this past summer, which made for a really cool ice formation this winter. We – along with what seemed like half the city – visited this past Sunday, a beautiful sunny winter day with temps in the low 40s. After trespassing walking down super slick steps (these are awesome for running when not covered in ice!), Nick and I climbed up ice and mud so we could walk behind the frozen falls. Even in my Sorels the terrain was a bit treacherous, and I nearly slid to the bottom several times. But, well worth it… behind the falls, a quiet trickle of water above, was a brilliant blue ice wall. It’s hard to believe you’re in the middle of Minnesota’s largest city!

All photos by Nick 🙂 

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31 Comments

  • Reply hyedi 01/20/2015 at 9:30 am

    Lovely photos!

  • Reply Christina Fontana 01/20/2015 at 11:14 am

    Beautiful pics! I will have to go exploring there in the winter! And yes…MN is absolutely a hidden gem 🙂

  • Reply Kelsey @ Happy Triathlete 01/20/2015 at 12:53 pm

    Wow!! This is so cool Erin! Definitely a hidden gem 🙂 I love when cities have amazing outdoor spaces available for recreation. Thanks for sharing!

  • Reply therightfits 01/20/2015 at 1:00 pm

    Great pictures Erin! I agree with you that Minneapolis is such a hidden gem, and I look forward to this new “explore” series on the blog…Show people who an awesome place the Twin Cities can be!

    Frozen Minneapolis Falls is seriously such a cool phenemenon…Here are my pictures from visiting it last year: http://www.therightfits.com/2014/03/fits-on-the-road-frozen-minnehaha-falls/

    I hope to get back there this year again!

    • Reply erin 01/21/2015 at 7:17 am

      Thanks, Jessie! Great post and beautiful photos! I love Matilda’s cowl neck sweater 🙂

  • Reply Amy 01/20/2015 at 1:35 pm

    What incredible scenery! Wow!!

  • Reply Kecia 01/20/2015 at 2:23 pm

    Beautiful!! I definitely loved living in St. Louis Park for the short time I was there (for my internship). So many amazing things to do and see 🙂

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 01/20/2015 at 3:03 pm

    Wow!! Awesome!! Looks like you guys had a fun day!! I want to visit Minneapolis someday but probably in the summer!!! 😉

    • Reply erin 01/21/2015 at 7:18 am

      Yes! Come visit anytime, Leslie! Great biking here in the summer 🙂

  • Reply Kristin (@SweatCourage) 01/20/2015 at 3:25 pm

    Love the frozen waterfalls! The blue hue is pretty amazing.. almost reminds me of glacial water that I saw in New Zealand! Nice to see little highlights from your neck of the woods:) Maybe I’ll get out there one day!

    • Reply erin 01/21/2015 at 7:16 am

      Come visit anytime, Kristin! New Zealand falls would be spectacular… must get there sometime 🙂

  • Reply Kristin (@SweatCourage) 01/20/2015 at 3:25 pm

    p.s. love my Sorrels ! Essential for Boston winters too;)

  • Reply Celeste E. 01/20/2015 at 3:30 pm

    Awesome photos! Looks like maybe Al and I will have to check it out when we come down for the Valentine’s run! Thanks for sharing.

    • Reply erin 01/21/2015 at 7:15 am

      Thanks, Celeste! Definitely visit when you’re here next time!

  • Reply Kristina 01/20/2015 at 5:06 pm

    How cool! Thanks for sharing some of the awesome adventures you can find so close to you.

  • Reply Mom 01/20/2015 at 7:32 pm

    Nice! Wonderful photos! Can we go???

    • Reply erin 01/21/2015 at 7:14 am

      Let’s definitely go when you’re here in February, Mom!

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 01/21/2015 at 12:19 pm

    Beautiful photos by Nick! And unseasonably warm weather it seemed!??! Love the Sorels: are they Joan of Arctics? Those are what I’ve got.

    • Reply erin 01/22/2015 at 6:35 am

      Yes! Temps in the low 40s, a heat wave compared to last year! Those are the boots… so warm!

  • Reply Kim Fox @ Swimmykimy 01/21/2015 at 7:25 pm

    For the record, I LOVE Minneapolis! I love that you are doing a series on your favorite spots in your city. I have two of my best friends (from different times in my life) that live there and I think it is a fantastic city: amazing food, great lakes/parks to run and bike through, amazingly bike friendly, fun architecture etc. I’ve heard about the falls a few times and I certainly want to check it out the next time I’m in town 🙂 I will be sure to let you know so we can try to meet up!!

    • Reply erin 01/22/2015 at 6:37 am

      How fun two of your best friends like here! Definitely let me know when you’re in town next! It would be great to meet you, Kim! I’m excited about the series to show people what a fantastic city MSP is 🙂

  • Reply Kim Fox @ Swimmykimy 01/21/2015 at 7:26 pm

    Oh and yes, let’s connect! I will email you 🙂

  • Reply Lee@tri*inspired*life 01/22/2015 at 12:23 pm

    So VERY awesome! Honestly, I am not sure how people live in cold climates. I live in NC and obviously experience “mild’ winters and so I give kudos to those that really have to brave true winters! However, with beautiful natural wonders like those frozen falls, it would be a great place for a winter adventure! This is a neat series to share on your blog!

  • Reply Christina 01/22/2015 at 7:58 pm

    All this time living in Minneapolis and I still have been to the falls! I NEED to go 🙂 beautiful pictures!

  • Reply Luv What You Do 01/22/2015 at 10:35 pm

    Gorgeous pics!!! I need to come visit MN!

    • Reply erin 01/24/2015 at 8:39 am

      Yes, come visit!

  • Reply Kathy Howe 01/23/2015 at 10:29 pm

    Looks beautiful! How long does it stay like that? Might have to take a trip!!

    • Reply erin 01/24/2015 at 8:40 am

      I’m guessing they’ll stay until spring thaw… definitely come visit! Would love to see ya!

  • Reply runningprincess78 01/25/2015 at 9:06 am

    Wow! That looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing these pics 🙂

  • Reply Kristen 01/26/2015 at 8:06 pm

    Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this. So beautiful, Erin!!!

  • Reply Fundreds 03/24/2017 at 10:03 am

    Minnehaha Falls is amazing in the summer, but in the winter, it is possibly more amazing. Really cool to see it from both perspectives. Thanks for sharing!

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