Illgen Falls

This waterfall along Minnesota's north shore is a stunning part of Tettegouche State Park. It is off of the main highway, making it less crowded than the popular areas of the park, yet it is right off of another road, making it a quick, easy, and worthwhile stop. After you drive past Tettegouche State Park, continue until you reach Highway 1. Turn left and continue on the road for 1.6 miles until you see a small gravel parking area on the left. Follow the path that leads to the river. You can usually hear the waterfall from the road. The trail will go past a cabin and continue into the woods. It is only about a quarter of a mile from the road to the top of the waterfall. From here you can explore upstream, photograph the falls, or continue following a path that leads to the base of the waterfall for a different view. This trail to the base of the falls is generally overgrown, so you might have to do a little bushwhacking to make it down. Illgen Falls can also be a fun spot for cliff jumping.