Minnesota Fall Colors 2024

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Oberg Lake in Tofte, Minnesota

Lorie Shaul

Fall in Minnesota is a charming period to enjoy the sunshine, clear skies, and fantastic fall colors of sugar maples, birches, and ash trees. Whether you take a stroll through the Minneapolis–St. Paul region parks or take a road trip in the countryside, fall is a great time to explore Minnesota.

The best time to see fall colors in Minnesota

Leaves start changing leaves in Minnesota in early September, and by the third week of the first month of fall, it's possible to see stunning foliage displays, which typically last through mid-October. Fall colors appear first in the northernmost part of the state and on higher elevations, moving southward. Thus, the North Shore Region reaches peak fall foliage in mid-September. Meanwhile, The Twin Cities region, St. Peter and Mankato usually display the best fall colors in late September to mid-October.

North Shore

Duluth and North Shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota is known for its stunning natural beauty. Stop by Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and Duluth for the best fall foliage vistas. Relish brightly toned trees in the Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth or Jay Cooke State Park, about a half-hour from the city. Take a ride on the North Shore Scenic Byway along Highway 61, which takes you from Duluth to Grand Portage. You can also enjoy coastline views on the Superior Hiking Trail, suitable for biking or hiking. If you travel up to Grand Portage, visit Grand Portage State Park to see the highest waterfall in Minnesota or climb Mount Josephine for spectacular foliage-filled views.

Lutsen Mountains

Lutsen Mountains ski area, located in the North Shore Region, is the premier leaf-peeping destination in Minnesota. Lutsen is famous for its red maples, which paint the area in stunning scarlet shades in late September. The famous maple ridge stretches from Superior National Forest to the shore of Lake Superior. One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage views is to ride the Summit Express Gondola to see the area from above. You can also take some scenic hiking trails, which will take you to higher elevations: Superior Hiking Trail, featuring Oberg Mountain, Moose Mountain, and Lutsen, or White Sky Rock Trail with stunning views of Lake Agnes.

For more spectacular views, visit Tettegouche State Park with four waterfalls and Shovel Point outlook. Nearby Temperance River State Park between Schroeder and Tofte on Highway 6 offers scenic riverside trails aling the beautiful Temperance River Gorge.

Minneapolis–St. Paul

When you happen to visit in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, you can easily find magnificent fall colors in this urban environment. Drive through the Minnesota River Valley (south of Bloomington), walk around Lake Minnetonka, or stroll through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Other adorable places to take in the foliage are apple orchards or pumpkin patches during harvest time. These locations, perfect for a day trip, can be found within an hour's drive of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

St. Peter and Mankato

Consider strolling up and down Seven Mile Creek County Park halfway between St. Peter and North Mankato. The park boasts over 600 ac (243 ha) of forest and 8 mi (13 km) of trails, perfect for biking, hiking, and blading. Explore the Minnesota River Trail from Riverfront Park to Sibley Park, with marvelous views of the vivid fall hues along the Minnesota River. Another option is The Red Jacket Trail, a 6-mi (10-km) trail that stretches from Mankato straight to the Rapidan Dam.

Taylors Falls

Interstate State Park is a leafy fairyland of hiking trails and giant glacial potholes along the river bluffs' pathways. You can take a Scenic Boat Tour on the St. Croix River here to float through fall colors or board the Fall Color Express with Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway to enjoy picturesque River Valley views. Consider stopping at the Franconia Sculpture Park, on your drive to or from Taylors Falls. The park is known for its alluring art installations.

Red Wing

How about walking amid the scarlet trees of this river bluff town? Put your tracking boots on and explore Red Wing's Memorial Park that boasts excellent views of the surrounding scenery from the top of Sorin's Bluff. Bike, rollerblade, or hike for around 20 mi (32 km) on the picturesque Cannon Valley Trail between Cannon Falls and Red Wing. The section of about 5 mi (8 km) of this trail is usually closed between October and the spring period, but the trail from Red Wing to Welch remains open. You will also find fantastic hiking trails and equestrian paths that twist along Lake Pepin's shores and through prairie forests and grasses in Frontenac State Park.