I've worked an entire year to plot the various waterfalls throughout the state, creating a custom Google Map. After I was nearing 200 waterfalls, I discovered that there were books on the subject. After going through the books, I also realized that the map I created has more waterfalls listed than the books on the subject do. I've since worked to pull all the data from my map into a website:

www.fallsmn.com

I've set out to document all the waterfalls and mills throughout the state. I couldn't have done most of my work without the amazing posts of those on this website who have ventured into the BWCA and other remote areas, documenting and photographing some of the furthest reaches of our state. I've stuck to only those waterfalls and mills within the borders of our state or straddling the border (i.e.: US and Canadian border).

I'd love to have any feedback folks are willing to offer to edit those locations already noted on the website, add information that may be missing, etc.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

The website is free, the map is able to be used across multiple platforms and even has GPS coordinates at the bottom of each location tagged.

What a nice site and work shared. Thanks!

Did you purposely exclude dams, like at PP and out of Little Gabbro? Just curious.

Pretty cool site. I think you have the wrong description for Curtain Falls along the Canadian border near Iron Lake.

Also, what qualifies it as a Falls? Or rapids...

I actually started out mapping the dams in the state as well. For instance, Saint Anthony Falls is considered a dam by many, but it's actually a natural waterfall that was partially dammed, the east side of the falls is still part of the original falls that was there decades ago. Then I realized there are 1,095 dams throughout the state, so I excluded them for now as I don't want them to overwhelm the site and detract from the natural waterfalls. I plan on going back through all the dams and figuring out which ones were originally natural falls that were used for mills, and then dammed for hydro-electric and include those in a separate list.

Thanks so much for the feedback and support.

Thanks for catching that mistake. When I first started this project it was just out of curiosity and I started by creating the Google Map. When I transitioned to the website there was a lot of cutting and pasting from the map to the site, so mistakes are bound to pop up, though I hope not many. I will also be working on taking the descriptions that I have on the website and placing them on the map as I've edited some since the map was created. I also plan on taking the photographs used on the website and place them on the map as I have used some different ones at times. Needless to say, it's still a work in progress, but was at a point where I felt comfortable sharing it.

There is an actual distinct difference between a waterfall and a rapid. As you've seen I have listed some rapids or what some in the state call cascades, on this website under waterfalls. Over time some may be removed or if it is of benefit to those who frequent these areas, I'll list them in a different section (more than likely what I will do).

Some of the rapids I've listed were found in source material used to create the map and subsequently the website.

Here's a comparison of the two:

Rapids: Forms due to increase in water flow characterized by a river becoming shallower. Four factors, separately or in combination, can create rapids: gradient, constriction, obstruction, and flow rate.

Waterfalls: Forms due to a sudden break in elevation or nick point of a rock due to water flowing over it. Creation of a steep, vertical drop and a plunge pool into which the water of river falls.

Very nice work. Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you so much for the support. If you notice any errors or a feature that is missing (as I'm stumbling upon more waterfalls...yesterday I added several), please let me know.

There is some information on waterfalls in the Cool spots in canoe country forum.

Thank you for the information. I thought I had already read through those threads, but then realized I missed a waterfall I didn't have on my list, Brule Bay Falls. I've added it to the map and the website, along with a picture.

Thanks again for the update.

Cool site, I really like the idea. I have a idea however, when you use other peoples photos give them credit. You’ve used one of my photos of curtain falls yet gave the credit to yourself. I don’t really care but some people might.

I'm looking at the website and the page for Curtain Falls. I see that I've credited the photograph to James R. Meyers Photography with a link to the exact picture:

https://www.jamesrmeyers.com/Galleries/Boundary-Waters-Canoe-Area/i-m4rZ57J/A

On the map I could not remember who the photograph was from (i.e.: the source). I've been working to update the map to ensure that the photographs on the map match the ones on the website with properly sourced info. I created the map first and it was not public and was just a little side hobby.

I didn't mean to offend if I used your photograph without properly sourcing it. Please let me know if the photo you are referencing is on the website or on the map and I will definitely update it.

I've tried my very best to credit everyone with the photographs they have placed online, but noting their name and linking it to the photograph directly.

Both curtain falls are from my Flickr page. No problem, public and all that stuff. Some people’s photos aren’t public. As your site is free I don’t think most people would care. Just a heads up for your info.

Thanks for giving me a heads up. I think you were referring to the photos on the map and while I didn't credit myself with the photos, but not having a note of who the source was, it looks that way. My apologies again.

I updated the map to reflect the same photo as on the website and the same source as on the website as well.

If you are in Minneapolis, with a quick jaunt down I35 to Dundas you’d be able to check out the Archibald Mill ruins on the Cannon River.

Oh, and the Ames Mill Dam is only a few miles away in historic downtown Northfield.