Overview
Cannon Falls is a city of 4,100 people (2019) in Minnesota. Cannon Falls sits in the scenic Cannon Valley, at the junction of the Big and Little Cannon Rivers. It is the resting place of Colonel William J. Colvill, a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg.
2 sights · 5 things to do · 4 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cannon Falls
Cannon Falls Historical Museum
The Cannon Falls Historical Museum opened in 1979 in the historic old Fireman Hall. Many interesting displays in this museum depict the past of Cannon Falls. Walk through downtown and look for signs that tell of many, ea…
Amateur Baseball at Burch Park
Stadium and ball field primarily for amateur baseball team "Cannon Falls Bears", concessions, beer, hot dogs, candy and more. Stadium also used for Cannon Falls High School (Bombers) home football games, concerts and oth…
Chamber of Commerce Office
A self-guided historic walking tour booklet with map is available through the Chamber of Commerce office.
Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental
Offering canoe and kayak rentals for the Cannon River and bike rentals for the Cannon Valley Trail
Cannon River Winery
Wine hand-crafted on site. Tours, tastings, events and wine-related gift items.
Cannon Valley Trail
The Cannon Valley Trail runs through a diverse and spectacular scenery on a former Chicago Great Western Railroad line. Connecting Cannon Falls, Welch and Red Wing, the trail is for hiking, biking and cross country skiin…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 83°F; winter lows dip to about 9°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Aug. (climate data from nearby Saint Paul)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 30 mi away (major hub). Directions
- RST Rochester International Airport, Rochester — 46 mi away. Directions
Cannon Falls, Minnesota is located on Highway 52 just 35 miles south of Saint Paul/Minneapolis and 40 miles north of Rochester.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cannon Falls Historical Museum, Chamber of Commerce Office
- Lunch Brewster's Bar & Grill
- Afternoon Cannon River Winery, Gopher Hills Golf Course
- Dinner Cannon Golf Club
Day 2
- Morning Amateur Baseball at Burch Park, Cannon Falls Canoe and Bike Rental
- Lunch Dudley's Pizza and Sandwich Shop
- Afternoon Cannon Valley Trail
- Dinner Mill Street Tavern
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Cannon Falls is the home of Pachyderm Studio, where many famous musicians have recorded, including Nirvana, which recorded its 1993 album In Utero there.
History
Cannon Falls village was laid out by Richard and William Freeborn and platted in 1855 by county surveyor S. A. Hart. The village was incorporated in 1857. A post office was established as Cannon River Falls in 1855, and the name shortened to Cannon Falls in 1889. Cannon Falls was reincorporated as a city in 1905.
An abundance of water power from the big Cannon River and the Little Cannon River attracted manufacturers and capital investment. The first flouring mill was built by R. C. Knox & Co., in 1957. Other manufacturers, such as a wool mill, a grist mill and a mill producing syrup from amber cane, used power generated from the Little Cannon River starting in 1861.
Get in
Cannon Falls, Minnesota is located on Highway 52 just 35 miles south of Saint Paul/Minneapolis and 40 miles north of Rochester.
Get around
Cannon Falls is 4 square miles and has public transportation on demand, through Hiawatha Transit Bus service. Due to its small size, however, it is a very walk-able and friendly community.
- Hiawatha Transit Bus Service, +1-866-623-7505, Convenient bus service available to everyone who lives in Cannon Falls. Call ahead for service.
See
See Cannon Falls Historical Museum
The Cannon Falls Historical Museum opened in 1979 in the historic old Fireman Hall. Many interesting displays in this museum depict the past of Cannon Falls. Walk through downtown and look for signs that tell of many, early twentieth century brick buildings that replaced the originals destroyed in a fire.
Do
- Cannon River Falls, The Cannon River Falls are located right in downtown Cannon Falls. A nice walking trail and duck pond complete the dynamic vista.
Buy
Eat
Eat Brewster's Bar & Grill
Featuring hamburgers to steak and nightly specials.
Eat Cannon Golf Club
Featuring hamburgers, salads and wraps. At the golf course club house.
Eat Dudley's Pizza and Sandwich Shop
Featuring pizza, sandwiches, lasagna, soups, salads. Available as eat-in, take-out or delivery.
Eat Mill Street Tavern
Featuring lunch and dinner selections, hamburgers, appetizers and desserts.
Sleep
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My experience
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