There’s something almost unrealistic about Minnehaha Falls in February. The crisp Midwestern air, the hush of a fresh snowfall and the roar of a half-frozen waterfall all combine to create a dream-like scenario. On a recent snowy morning in February 2025, I strapped on my Snowfoot snowshoes and set off for one of Minneapolis’ most iconic winter hikes.
This wasn’t my first time exploring Minnehaha Park in winter, but it was the first time I did it with Snowfoot. And, it was a game changer. If you’re unfamiliar, Snowfoot is a next-generation snowshoe that blends the agility of crampons with the flotation of traditional footwear. After using them, I’ll never go back to a regular snowshoe again.
Stepping Into a Snowy Dreamscape
As soon as I stepped out of my car, snowflakes hit my face. I put my Snowfoot on and could distinctly hear the soft crunch against powder. Part of the magic of Snowfoot is that, unlike bulky snowshoes that feel clunky on packed trails, these are compact and designed for precision movement even in the harsh environment. I was the only person there who could maneuver behind the frozen falls.
Minnehaha Falls never disappoints. The 50+ foot waterfall was a majestic sheet of ice, with water still flowing beneath its frozen shell. As I adjusted my bindings and looked out over the gorge, I could already tell that this hike would be one of the better ones I’ve experienced in Minneapolis.
Why Snowfoot Changed the Game
Let me say it plainly: Snowfoot is not your grandpa’s snowshoe. It’s a mountaineering-grade tool that’s designed for powdery flats, as well as steep, icy inclines. With its aggressive crampon-style underside, it bites into ice without sacrificing mobility.
I’ve used traditional snowshoes in the past, and while they offer decent flotation, they often lack maneuverability. Climbing or descending anything steeper than a bunny slope felt like work. Snowfoot, however, gave me the confidence to descend the icy staircase down to the base of the falls without hesitation. My footing was sure, my steps were confident and my legs kept up better than they would with old-school snowshoes.
The Lower Glen Trail Beckons
From the falls, I took the Lower Glen Trail. This 2.1-mile path follows Minnehaha Creek as it flows toward the Mississippi River. During the winter, the trail turns into a peaceful area framed by bare trees, limestone cliffs and frozen creek beds. It’s one of the best places in the Twin Cities to go snowshoeing.
There were moments on the trail where I paused and listened. No cars, no voices, just the rustling of snow in the branches and the occasional bird squawking overhead. It’s in those quiet pauses that I realized how much I appreciated a snowshoe with a compact design. I could go wherever I wanted – onto icy stones, small ridges, dance across uneven terrain. Traditional snowshoes would have never allowed me this range of capability.
Meeting Fellow Adventurers
I wasn’t the only winter wanderer on the trail. I passed a couple attempting the hike in rental snowshoes, and after a brief chat, they couldn’t stop asking questions about my gear.
“You’re moving way faster than we are… What are those?”
“They’re called Snowfoot,” I replied. “Think of them as the next evolution of the snowshoe.”
A Perfect Place for Snowfoot
Minnehaha Park in winter is a perfect testing ground for winter mobility gear. You’ve got icy steps, snowy paths, uneven terrain and scenic overlooks that require confidence in every step. Snowfoot allowed me to explore all the nooks and crannies. Where a standard snowshoe would’ve caught a root or sunk into crusty snow, these snowshoes kept me upright, agile and moving.
I crossed a small footbridge coated in a slick layer of ice. With traditional snowshoes, I’d be inching across, gripping the rail. With Snowfoot, I took it in stride. It felt more like wearing hiking boots than anything else. I had the mobility of a hiker and the grip of a mountaineer.
At the Edge of the River
Eventually, the trail delivered me to the confluence of Minnehaha Creek and the Mississippi River. Ice floes drifted in the distance, the wind whispering across the banks. I stood there for a while, just taking in my surroundings.
It was at that moment I realized what made this adventure special. It wasn’t just the scenery. It wasn’t just the solitude. It was the fact that I could experience all of this without feeling like I was wrestling my gear. Snowfoot let me be present. I wasn’t focused on my footing or adjusting straps every few steps like I often do with snowshoes. I was just… hiking.
Final Thoughts: Trade Up Your Snowshoes
By the time I made it back to the top of the falls, my heart was full, and my legs felt good. Normally, a full snowshoe trek leaves me tired and sore. But with Snowfoot, an ergonomic design and lighter weight spared my knees and saved energy.
For anyone in Minneapolis (or anywhere snow paints the world white) this is your sign: ditch the floppy old snowshoes. Get Snowfoot and elevate your winter adventures. Whether you’re hiking in a city park, trekking up a mountainside or just exploring a frozen creek, Snowfoot gives you the grip, comfort and confidence you need.
Until next time, keep exploring and keep hiking – we’ll see you next winter!
— The Snowfoot Team