The Devil’s Kettle: Where Does the Water Go in Minnesota?
Exploring the Mysterious Waterfall Phenomenon
Perched within Judge C.R. Magney State Park in Minnesota, Devil’s Kettle Falls has intrigued visitors for years. The Brule River splits in two at the falls—one side plunging over the rocks as expected, while the other seemingly vanishes into a deep hole known as the “Kettle,” leaving many to wonder where that water goes.
Researchers determined that the water disappearing into the Kettle rejoins the river not far downstream, ultimately flowing into Lake Superior just like the rest of the river. Despite early theories of mysterious underground tunnels or never-ending caverns, studies using dyes confirmed the water’s path is less mysterious than once thought.
Devil’s Kettle continues to attract hikers and curious minds with its unique geology and the legacy of its once-enigmatic reputation. Its unusual appearance and history make it one of Minnesota’s most talked-about waterfalls.
Overview of The Devil’s Kettle
The Devil’s Kettle is a distinctive natural site in northeastern Minnesota, best known for its puzzling waterfall where the Brule River splits in a rare geological formation. Its location, formation, and appearance draw both tourists and researchers interested in unusual hydrological phenomena.
Location and Setting
The Devil’s Kettle is found within Judge C.R. Magney State Park, roughly 14 miles north of Grand Marais, Minnesota. The park lies along the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, making it accessible from towns like Duluth and other nearby destinations. Visitors often reach the site by hiking designated trails that feature dense forests and scenic river views.
This waterfall is part of the Brule River, which originates inland and flows toward Lake Superior. The river traverses rocky gorges and forested landscapes before reaching the park’s centerpiece—the Devil’s Kettle Falls. The surrounding area is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring that trails, overlooks, and informational signage are maintained for public use.
Physical Characteristics
At the Devil’s Kettle, the Brule River encounters a unique rock formation. The water splits at the waterfall’s crest: one segment continues down a standard 50-foot drop, while the other half disappears into a deep, pothole-like hole called the kettle. This split creates two parallel waterfalls in close proximity.
The enigmatic “kettle” has baffled visitors for years. Observers notice that objects dropped into the hole seem to vanish from sight. The exact path the water takes underground has been subject to research and curiosity. The surrounding rocky ledges and turbulent waters give the site a dramatic appearance, distinguishing it from typical Minnesota waterfalls.
Geology and Formation
Devil’s Kettle Falls is shaped by the region’s volcanic history and unique water flow patterns. Its striking landscape is the direct result of ancient geological processes.
Underlying Rock Formations
The area around Devil’s Kettle is dominated by rhyolite, a hard and ancient igneous rock. Rhyolite forms when volcanic lava cools rapidly at the Earth's surface, creating a durable base that resists erosion.
Over time, the Brule River has carved a channel through this rock. Basalt and limestone are present elsewhere in Minnesota, but the pot of Devil’s Kettle is mainly rhyolite. Rhyolite’s resistance ensures the pothole maintains its distinct shape despite the constant river flow.
Table 1: Local Rock Types and Features
Rock Type Presence at Devil’s Kettle Characteristics Rhyolite Yes Hard, volcanic, erosion-resistant Basalt Limited Volcanic, denser, dark-colored Limestone Rare Sedimentary, softer
The stone’s composition means other formations like lava tubes are uncommon here, setting Devil’s Kettle apart from similar features elsewhere.
Creation of the Devil’s Kettle
The formation of the Kettle’s famous pothole began as river water exploited weaker fracture zones in the rhyolite. Over thousands of years, swirling water, sand, and pebbles acted as a drill, carving out the deep vertical shaft known as a pothole.
Unlike lava tubes that result from cooling lava flows, the Kettle’s cavity owes its existence to persistent water flow. One side of the Brule River plunges directly into this pothole, seeming to vanish underground.
From the overlook, visitors can see how the remaining river flows over the main falls, while the rest disappears into the Kettle. The mechanism is a natural example of how geology and river hydraulics interact to produce unusual landforms.
The Mystery of the Disappearing Water
For years, Devil’s Kettle Falls in Minnesota was known for an unusual phenomenon: a portion of the Brule River vanished into a large pothole, leaving visitors unsure of where the water went. The mystery drew both public fascination and scientific inquiry, leading to many hypotheses and several direct investigations.
Early Theories and Speculation
Early visitors and researchers proposed a range of explanations for the fate of the water. Some believed that the water from Devil’s Kettle flowed through an underground river and might resurface far away or even empty into Lake Superior at a hidden point. Others imagined vast recirculating currents beneath the rock.
Popular Theories
Escape through cracks to Lake Superior
Formation of underground channels
Existence of a hidden cave system
Despite the speculation, no one could locate an obvious reentry point for the water. This absence of evidence kept the mystery alive and made Devil’s Kettle a subject of debate both locally and among geologists.
Notable Experiments and Investigations
To solve the mystery, several notable experiments were conducted at Devil’s Kettle. Early on, people dropped objects such as ping pong balls and dyes into the hole, but most efforts were informal and the results were inconclusive. Scientists later performed rigorous dye trace and dye test procedures.
In 2016, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) used biodegradable dye and modern stream gauging equipment. They found that the volume of water going into the Kettle matched what returned to the river downstream. The dye test confirmed that water reemerges not far from where it enters, indicating that it does not take a significant detour or connect to Lake Superior.
This careful, evidence-based approach demonstrated that while the water appears to vanish, it actually rejoins the Brule River a short distance downstream through visible and measurable pathways.
Resolution and Scientific Findings
After years of speculation and experiments about Devil’s Kettle, recent investigations have produced clear answers based on scientific measurements. Research by hydrologists and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) addressed the central mystery: the fate of the water disappearing into the Kettle.
Key Research and Discoveries
Several exploratory efforts were made over the years, including dye tests and object drops, but these provided no definitive answer. In 2017, hydrologists with the Minnesota DNR, including Jeff Green, used advanced springshed mapping and flow measurement techniques.
They measured the water flow rates both above and below the falls of the Brule River. The research indicated that water volume directly above Devil’s Kettle matched the flow volume just downstream. This evidence contradicted past theories about the water disappearing into a hidden channel or exiting far from the river.
The team also determined that the geology in the area did not support the existence of a long underground tunnel to Lake Superior. Their methods combined field measurements, geological assessment, and established hydrological models.
Current Understanding of Water Flow
Based on these findings, the current consensus is straightforward: the water entering Devil’s Kettle does not vanish, but reenters the river a short distance downstream. The DNR confirmed that the water flows underground through fractures or porous rock, then rejoins the main channel of the Brule River.
Key Points:
Water entering the “Kettle” reemerges below the waterfall.
Flows measured above and below are nearly identical, confirming continuity.
There is no evidence of a subterranean route leading directly to Lake Superior.
This solution resolved one of Minnesota’s most persistent natural mysteries, closing decades of speculation while demonstrating the effectiveness of detailed hydrological study.
Visiting The Devil’s Kettle
Devil’s Kettle Falls is a unique natural site that requires effort to reach but rewards visitors with distinctive scenery and a memorable hike. Judge C.R. Magney State Park provides maintained access, while dedicated overlooks and platforms give clear views of the phenomenon.
Access and Trails
The primary access point for Devil’s Kettle is within Judge C.R. Magney State Park, located near Grand Marais, Minnesota. Visitors begin at the trailhead parking area, which includes informational signs and restroom facilities. The hike to the falls is about two miles round trip, with much of the route weaving through a well-marked wooded trail.
A series of over 170 stairs descends toward the Brule River, making the final approach steep but manageable for most hikers in decent shape. Sturdy shoes are important, as parts of the trail can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Pets are allowed, but leashes are required throughout the park.
There are no water fountains along the trail, so bringing your own supply is important, especially on warm days. In winter or after heavy rainfall, some areas may become challenging to navigate due to ice or mud.
Best Viewing Points
The main overlook for Devil’s Kettle is constructed above the falls, offering a clear line of sight directly over both the traditional waterfall segment and the mysterious kettle. A sturdy railing provides safety for viewing and photography.
At the overlook, visitors can observe how the Brule River splits, with one portion pouring into the visible plunge pool and the other vanishing into the rock cavity known as the Kettle. Secondary viewpoints along the trail give glimpses of the river’s upper cascades, but the main platform offers the most direct view of the geological feature.
Signage at the overlook explains the site’s natural history and the ongoing curiosity about where the disappearing water emerges. The overlook area is typically crowded during peak season, so those seeking quiet should consider visiting early in the day or on weekdays for a less congested experience.
Ecological and Cultural Impact
Devil’s Kettle Falls plays a role in both the region’s natural environment and its cultural lore. The site’s unique geology and connection to the Brule River and Lake Superior influence the surrounding North Shore ecosystem and local identity.
Regional Significance
The unusual split in the Brule River at Devil’s Kettle affects water flow patterns before both streams eventually rejoin and enter Lake Superior. This dynamic shapes the riverbank erosion rates, sediment movement, and nearby vegetation along the North Shore.
Due to its distinctive hydrology, Devil’s Kettle has long fascinated researchers, drawing scientific attention to groundwater systems in Minnesota. For residents and visitors, the falls serve as a landmark and feature in regional stories, contributing to local tourism and cultural pride.
The area’s reputation as a mystery spot has boosted visitor numbers, which supports small businesses in communities along the North Shore. However, increased foot traffic also brings ecological stress, leading to ongoing discussions about conservation versus accessibility.
