Discover North Dakota’s only natural waterfall: a hidden gem

Do we have a waterfall in North Dakota that isn’t man-made?

I grew up on the Red River in Grand Forks. I was a river rat who spent a lot of time fishing, hanging out, and doing things that kids probably shouldn’t be doing there.

During that time, the Red River had several man-made waterfalls (known as low-head dams) along its stretch in North Dakota. Because of the undertow these dams created, these areas could be very dangerous places. I remember several people trying to kayak or raft over the dam in Grand Forks but tragically drowned.

After numerous drownings across the state, government agencies began replacing those low dams with safer rock slopes.

Those low dams were all man-made waterfalls. How about natural waterfalls in North Dakota?

Do we have anything? According to the Travel and Leisure website, this is also “North Dakota’s Best Waterfall.” ONLY natural waterfall.

The best waterfall in North Dakota is none other than ‘Mineral Springs’.

As someone who has lived in North Dakota almost all my life, I am shocked that I have never heard a whisper about this waterfall.

It is located in the Sheyenne River State Forest. Do we have a national forest? Stunned. According to the article, “It comes from an underground spring that trickles gently down an 8-foot dike into a small creek that flows into the nearby Sheyenne River.”

Apparently this spot is a favorite of hikers in North Dakota.

According to North Dakota Tourism, you can find this gem about 10 miles west of Lisbon, North Dakota or 1 mile southeast of Fort Ransom, followed by a 2.2 mile hike to reach Mineral Springs Waterfall.

Here is a real photo of it and also a YouTube video.

Video courtesy of the Kevin R. Tengesdal YouTube channel.

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