With Minnehaha Falls nearly frozen over, we again remind visitors that the safest and only authorized areas to view this local treasure are from the footbridge above the falls or the overlook area near the pavilion/Sea Salt restaurant.
Because of moving water, boulders, slippery slopes and other unsafe conditions, it is unsafe to access the base of the falls any time of year. In winter, the stairs leading down to the creek below the falls are cordoned off. Visitors accessing the falls area by sliding down the gorge’s slopes are not only putting themselves at risk for injury, they are also endangering the lives of police and other emergency personnel who will need to respond when an injury does occur.
In addition to putting themselves and others at risk, individuals behind and at the base of the falls are also trespassing. (Multiple “No Trespassing” signs are posted in the area.)
The Park Board has requested that local media not cover this dangerous and illegal activity but instead, promote viewing the falls from a safe and appropriate location.