Where does the water go at Devil’s Kettle Waterfall? That is the million-dollar question.

A mysterious waterfall is inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park, along Lake Superior’s North Shore in Minnesota. The hike requires nearly 200 steps to the waterfall is worth it, but the effort is worth it!

If you love and appreciate Minnesota’s state park system, read to the end of this article to learn why we have Judge C.R. Magney to thank. 

Devil’s Kettle Waterfall near Grand Marais, MN, is one of the top attractions on the North Shore of Lake Superior.

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What Makes Devi’s Kettle Waterfall Unique?

Devil’s Kettle near Grand Marais, MN, has gained notoriety because the waterfall is somewhat of an anomaly. Where does the waterfall go? The Brule River disappears down a cauldron with no bottom. 

Nobody knows. Or do they? 

Read more to find out if the mystery of Devil’s Kettle Waterfall has ever been solved. 

Why The Mystery?

Devil’s Kettle has stumped geologists for decades. The kettle is formed by Rhyolite, a rock formed by volcanic eruption. Rhyolite and kettles near a waterfall are expected as the force of water carries rock, sand, and other debris. 

It’s here that the Brule River splits. The east side becomes a waterfall, but the west side seemingly falls into a hole and vanishes. 

What’s special or unique about Devil’s Kettle Waterfall is that the bottom cannot be seen, and where the kettle exits is unknown. 

Researchers have thrown marked objects (like ping-pong balls and even GPS trackers) into the hole to find where the water exits, but the objects were never seen again.

Some theories suggest that the water goes underground before exiting Lake Superior. Some have even wondered if the water reached Canada or even as far as the Mississippi River. 

Is the Devil’s Kettle Mystery Solved?

In 2017, the Minnesota DNR announced that the mystery had been solved. Using dye, they claim that the water rejoins the river’s main stream a short distance downstream.  

Those lost objects were never found again because they were perhaps trapped in debris or carried away without being noticed. 

Trail Details and Difficulty

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall hike is about 2 miles round trip from the parking lot. It is considered strenuous and involves uneven terrain, hills, and 200 stairs. However, we found the hike to be worth it. 

Don’t worry; there are several benches to rest should you need to catch your breath and enjoy the views. 

Spring Hiking Tips

More experienced hikers may attempt this hike during winter months. We visited in late April, and there was still a fair amount of snow patches near the Brule River lingering on the hiking path. Kelly thought a pair of hiking poles might be a good idea during this hike. 

We enjoyed the off-season hike because we had even more views without the leaves. 

Beautiful Hiking Views of the Brulee River

We found early spring to offer such unique views of the Brulee River. The melting snow means rushing waters in the spring.

What’s in a name?

Judge C.R. Magney State Park is named after Judge C.R. Magney, who helped establish 11 state parks and waysides on the North Shore.

Clarence R. Magney was mayor of Duluth in 1917. As a lawyer with a case in Grand Marais, he fell in love with the beauty of the North Shore. Magney was later appointed as a state Supreme Court justice. He used his influence to protect and conserve nature by establishing over 20,000 acres of state park land in MN. 

In 1954, Magney established the Minnesota Council of State Parks, today known as the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. 

Visitors and residents of Duluth, MN, have Magney to thank for nearly 1,500 acres of parks. 

He acquired Upper Chester, Enger, and Memorial Parks in Duluth and doubled the size of Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton, MN. He is also responsible for Baptism River, Split Rock, Caribous Falls, Kodunce River, Ray Bergland Memorial Park, Gooseberry, and Cross River.

Midwest State Park Adventures

If you’d like to learn more about Minnesota State Parks, check out this book we helped write—we wrote the chapter on Minnesota State Parks. You can purchase the book from us directly—we’ll even sign it—or from Amazon. 

Where is Devil’s Kettle Waterfall?

Devil’s Kettle, near Grand Marais, Mn, is inside Judge C.R. Magney State Park, bounded by the Brulee River.

Judge C.R. Magney State Park is 124 miles north of Duluth and 14 miles northeast of Grand Marais, MN.

Judge C.R. Magney State Park is at 4051 Highway 61 Grand Marais, MN.

More Things to do at Judge C.R. Magney State Park

The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall is the main attraction, but like most of Minnesota’s State Parks, it offers fishing and nine miles of hiking trails, including access to the Superior Hiking Trail. 

• There are more than 9 miles of hiking trails within Judge C.R. Magney State Park.
• If you love birding, expect to find over 21 species of warblers amongst the 4500 acres of Boreal forest, meaning being able to withstand frigid temperatures year-round. 
• Speaking of winter, you can also snowshoe during the winter months. 
• There are picnic tables throughout the park and at the parking lot. 
• There are 27 dive-in campsites open from mid-May to October. Vault toilets are available throughout the park, and showers and flush toilets are available during camping months. 
• Here’s a great bird checklist put out by MN DNR for Judge C.R. Magney State Park 

Check the Minnesota DNR page for information and the latest Judge C. R. Magney State Park alerts. 

Lake Superior Circle Tour

The North Shore of Lake Superior is a popular destination in Minnesota.

If you’re on the Lake Superior Circle Tour, hiking this Minnesota waterfalls is likely on your list of things to do. The Devil’s Kettle Waterfall at Judge C.R. Magney State Park will be a unique activity for your Lake Superior Circle Tour.

Related: More North Shore Attractions:

Duluth- Glensheen Mansion

Hungry after that hike? Check out our vegan guide for Grand Marais

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