10 Spots for Fall Foliage in Minnesota, 2022

Photograph by Alyssa Hei/Discover Minnesota

Should you’re prepared for the colourful oranges, burnished golds, and wealthy reds of autumn, you may wish to begin planning your journey locations for fall foliage now. In keeping with the Nationwide Climate Service, peak instances to see fall colours in Minnesota normally fall round mid- to late September and into early October. This summer time was exceptionally scorching, which signifies that the shows of coloration might take longer to succeed in peak brightness. You should use the Minnesota DNR’s on-line Fall Colour Finder to get insider data on the perfect instances to view fall colours.

North Shore

Alongside the North Shore of Lake Superior are many parks and sight-seeing locations, with a wide range of locations to remain. Make a journey to Duluth, Two Harbors, or Grand Marais. Head to Cut up Rock Lighthouse, plan to remain at Gooseberry Falls State Park, or drive by way of the Superior Nationwide Forest. Fall colours peak mid-September to early October.

Itasca County

Go to Minnesota’s oldest state park and residential of the Mississippi River headwaters, Itasca State Park, or make a journey into the Chippewa Nationwide Forest. In keeping with the Park Rapids Fall Colour Finder, you could wish to benefit from the colours early within the morning or within the night, when the solar illuminates the leaves alongside the japanese shorelines. You may as well head over to Lake Bemidji or take a drive alongside Freeway 38. Colours peak mid-September to early October.

Mississippi River Valley

Within the Winona space alongside the Mississippi River, ensure to take a look at the Elba Fireplace Tower and cease by the Inspiration Level and Chimney Rock overlooks in Whitewater State Park for views of oak, maple, and evergreen forests. Enterprise out to one of many many different state parks within the space, together with the Nice River Bluffs, John A. Latsch, and Perrot State Parks, or head over to the apple orchards in Rochester. Colours peak mid-October.

Douglas and Ottertail Counties

The realm of Alexandria and Fergus Falls has the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway, which is able to take you thru Kensington Rune Stone Park and Lake Carlos State Park. Whilst you’re sightseeing, cease by any of the lakes within the area, together with Lake Geneva, Lake Le Homme Dieu, and Lake Victoria. Colours peak late September to early October.

St. Croix River Valley

Observe the St. Croix River between cliffs and wooded hillsides, stopping by the scenic cities of Taylors Falls and Stillwater, and venturing all the way down to the charming group of Hastings. State parks alongside the river valley embrace William O’Brien, Afton, and Wild River, or you possibly can go to the St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park. Colours peak late September to early October.

Iron Vary

Nearer to the Boundary Waters Canoe Space Wilderness and among the many forests and parks by Hibbing, Ely, Virginia, and Hoyt Lakes is the Mesabi Iron Vary, a preferred space to go to for fall foliage. Take a look at the Laurentian Divide Recreation Space, Lookout Mountain, and the Pike River Dam in Tower. The Iron Vary Tourism Bureau additionally recommends the Mines and Pines Tour, beginning at Hibbing, and the Northern Lights Tour, from Eveleth to Hoyt Lakes. Colours peak mid-September to early October.

Lake Mille Lacs Space

Enterprise to the middle of Minnesota. The Lake Mille Lacs space affords many driving routes nestled amongst forests of assorted wooden varieties, together with oak, aspen, and birch. Observe the street round Lake Mille Lacs, or take a tour of the Pillsbury State Forest and observe a drive that can take you west to the Brainerd Lakes area. Colours peak late September to early October.

Lake of the Woods County

Head up close to the northern border to go to the cities of Angle Inlet, Baudette, and Williams. The Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau recommends touring down the Wilderness Drive south of Baudette by way of the Beltrami Forest to go to the second-largest state forest in Minnesota. Or you possibly can go to Zippel Bay State Park, which is closely embellished with poplar and birch timber. Different locations embrace Pine Island State Forest and Franz Jevne State Park. Colours peak mid- to late September.

Twin Cities Space

Observe the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway across the Twin Cities and drive by way of among the most colourful components of the world. Take a tour of the Chain of Lakes, together with Harriet, Lake of the Isles, and Nokomis, head over to Minnehaha Falls, and go to Theodore Wirth Park. Colours peak late September to mid-October.

Minnesota River Valley

Go to Mankato, New Ulm, and St. Peter within the Minnesota River Valley, stopping by Minneopa State Park or taking a drive alongside the Minnesota River Scenic Byway, which begins close to the South Dakota border and travels to Belle Plaine. You’ll discover Minnemishinona Falls in Mankato alongside the drive. Colours peak late September to mid-October.