Northern Minnesota is a treasure trove of unique, beautiful, and extraordinary nature. The northern part of the state has more than enough natural attractions to fill an entire day of exploration. One of the main draws to Minnesota’s North Shore is the natural diversity and beauty around every corner. An area in particular that stands out is Devil’s Kettle Waterfall. It’s a unique, mysterious, and gorgeous attraction that is unlike other places in Minnesota. Learn more about the Devil’s Kettle Waterfall mystery below!
You can find that and more natural attractions right outside your vacation rental with Poplar River Condos at Lutsen, too. Step outside and explore the Lutsen area or the Lake Superior shoreline.
What Is Devil’s Kettle Waterfall?
Devil’s Kettle is a waterfall in Judge C. R. Magney State Park in Minnesota.
Where Is Devil’s Kettle Waterfall?
Devil’s Kettle is in Judge C. R. Magney State Park in Minnesota near Grand Marais. To get to it, you will have to hike the Devil’s Kettle Trail. The trail is about two miles long in and out. It’s one of the best hiking trails in Minnesota, having been awarded first place for best hiking trail in the United States by the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2025.
The entire hike should take you about an hour and a half to complete. The trail follows the Brule River. There are several steps to climb as well, over 200 in fact! Be prepared that once you go down all of those steps to see the waterfall, you’ll need to climb back up. This is not an easily accessible waterfall, especially for those with mobility issues.
Why Is It Called Devil’s Kettle Waterfall?
That is because when the waterfall was first discovered, it was a mystery as to where the water from the waterfall goes. When you arrive at the waterfall, what you will see is water pouring over the top (just like any other waterfall), but once the water gets to the bottom, it falls into a hole and seems to vanish. Items thrown into the water at the top don’t appear to bob up in the water at the bottom of the waterfall.
Over the years, this phenomenon has led to many theories as to what is happening. Some thought the water flowed back into Canada, or back to the Mississippi River, or unground into Lake Superior.
What Actually Happens To The Water At Devil’s Kettle?
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the water reenters the Brule River from underground. The water circulates in a pool below the surface that creates powerful currents, which is why when people throw branches in the waterfall, they don’t appear anywhere downstream because they are most likely destroyed below the falls.
See Devil’s Kettle Waterfall And More For Yourself
See the natural phenomenon in person at Devil’s Kettle Waterfall. Best yet, your lodging is nearby, giving you more time to explore more of Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Grand Marais, and Lutsen when you stay with Poplar River Condos at Lutsen. Explore Lutsen and the surrounding North Shore towns, the local attractions, activities, shops, and restaurants. Lots of them are dog-friendly, too!
#StayLutsen and experience four seasons of adventure at Poplar River Condos at Lutsen. Discover more about the North Shore by emailing reservations@staycvr.com, calling 888-524-5120, or checking availability online.