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Click on the map for a complete fall color report from around the state.
Maples have a magical glow in many places around Minnesota where they are still holding on to their red and orange and yellow leaves. Where, you ask? Scroll down.
As usual, we have the latest on fall happenings, including two itineraries to help you plan this weekend's time outdoors with spectacular views.
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Magical glowing fall light on the Maple-Basswood Trail at Lake Carlos State Park. PHOTO: Ben Eckhoff, taken 10/1/21
Begin your fall adventure at Glendalough State Park in west-central Minnesota. Take the paved Glendalough Trail loop around Annie Battle and Mollie Stark lakes to get your fill of fall color – the maple trees are at peak color this week, showing off their red, orange and yellow leaves. Visit the historic Glendalough Lodge, which hosted past U.S. presidents and dignitaries.
Ride or hike through the prairie, wetlands and rolling hills of forests along the 55-mile (88 km) Central Lakes State Trail, which stretches from Fergus Falls to Osakis where it connects to the Lake Wobegon Regional Trail. Along the way, stop at Inspiration Peak State Wayside near Brandon, Minn. for breathtaking views that inspired literary giant Sinclair Lewis. Rising 400 feet, Inspiration Peak is one of the highest points in Minnesota. Continue along the Central Lakes Trail until you reach Alexandria, Minn., and head north to Lake Carlos State Park.
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Look for yellow warblers (left) and yellow rumped warblers (right) as they stop at Kilen Woods State Park in their migration journey. PHOTOS: Monica Bryand
Kilen Woods State Park was created to preserve vanishing natural features in the Des Moines River Watershed. The beautiful Prairie Bush Clover Scientific and Natural Area (SNA), located within the park, protects the federally threatened prairie bush clover along with hundreds of prairie plants, pollinators and wildlife. The park provides a glimpse into the birding habitat as it existed in pre-settlement times.
Seventeen species of warblers and 15 species of sparrows were recorded on the SNA. Yellow warblers spend winters in Central and northern South America. Some yellow rumped warblers spend winter in the Pacific Coast, while other populations migrate to Central America. They'll return north in the spring, following the same route as other migrants from South America.
Members of the Dakota Nation, the Wahpekute tribe inhabited the area that is now the park. They named the area "Sakatah," which translates to "the sights and sounds of children playing on the hill," or loosely translated as "Singing Hills."
Sakatah Lake, a natural widening of the Cannon River, lures anglers to catch walleye, large mouth and white bass, northern pike, and panfish. PHOTO: Sweetie, taken 10/1/21
Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail offers 39-miles (63 km) of beautiful scenery through hardwoods, connecting Mankato and Faribault, Minn. The trail runs through Sakatah Lake State Park, where you can stay the night (bike-in campsites available!), hike, look for wild turkeys, or drop a line at the eponymous lake. Some of the forest is still green, with a few pops of red and orange from the maples. Virginia creeper has turned bright red over the last few days.
Get a bird's-eye view of a state park and try your stamina by exploring an observation tower or scenic overlook.
Where are some of your favorite views? Share your stories and photos.
📷: Yuankai Zheng
Taken: 10/3/21
Destination: 100-foot observation tower at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
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Share your favorite state park, trail and rec area autumnal pics and stories. Tag us on Instagram @mnstateparksandtrails and use #YourMNFallFavorites for a chance to be featured in the weekly Fall Color Update and our social channels.
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