Fall Color Update * Week 2 🍂 🦋

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Map of the state of Minnesota with sections in yellow and different shades of green denoting fall color change in different regions.

Click on the map for a complete fall color report from around the state.

The colors they are a-changin'

As days get shorter and the sun is less intense, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment necessary for photosynthesis. As chlorophyll fades, other pigments appear.

Colors are starting to change throughout the state and bright leaf displays, wildflowers and grasses are signaling the beginning of the new season. Make the most of it with visits to new-to-you parks and trails. Climb a water tower or two. Bring a picnic and relax. Or with binoculars and camera in hand, see what you can spot flying around.

Read on for our top picks and tips (pst... we have an in with our amazing state park staff.)

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Fall colors from above the canopy

You can use this guide all season to make your way through the five state parks with fire towers. Keep an eye out for color change and climb up the stairs to get a POV from way up high!

Woman walking down the fire tower stairs.

Each tower requires a 100-foot climb and will reward you with stunning 360-degree views of fall colors once you reach the top. PHOTO: Connie Cox, Itasca State Park, 9/14/22

The Aiton Heights fire tower at Itasca State Park was originally built by the DNR’s Division of Forestry in the 1920s. It was moved to the park in 1937 to help spot fires and educate park visitors. Right now, the ash and basswood add a touch of yellow to the scenery, while the sumac is turning bright red. Late summer flowers are bright gold, white and purple. Look for colorful fruit throughout the understory, including highbush cranberries, blue cohosh and dogwood berries.

Trees as far as the eye can see and sky lined with black clouds, all seen from up high.

View from Big Bog SRA fire tower a week ago. PHOTO: Doug Easthouse, 9/15/22

Not far from Itasca State Park is Big Bog State Recreation Area, home to the Waskish fire tower. The tower, originally located at Pine Island, was moved to its current site and refurbished in 2011. From the perch, take in views of Upper Red Lake, the Tamarac River, and miles of trees in fall colors. This week, the bright fall colors from ash trees are popping out against the green trees. Pro tip: Park staff recommend paddling the Tamarac River "to experience wilderness, fall colors, birds and wildlife." We're having a warm fall but remember to always check water temperature and dress for immersion.

Fall colors seen through the structure of a fire tower, looking down.

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is home to a fire tower that was originally in Isle, Minn., and was moved to the park in 1981. The tower sits atop one of the highest hills on the Mille Lacs Moraine, a glacial ridge that forms the natural dam holding Mille Lacs Lake. At the top, you’ll overlook forests of oak, maple, birch and pine. Most of the forest is still green, but we'll soon have bright views like the one shown in this photo from last fall — stay tuned!

^{Photo above shows a view from the Mille Lacs Kathio fire tower in peak fall colors in October of last year. PHOTO: Yuankai Zheng,10/03/21}

St. Croix State Park’s fire tower was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1937 and served as a fire tower for more than 40 years. You’ll climb to a seven-by-seven foot platform that gives you views across Minnesota’s largest state park, and even into Wisconsin. Similar to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, trees are only starting to change colors. Make sure to save these central and east-central Minnesota destinations for a visit later this fall!

The Elba Fire Tower is located just two miles outside of Whitewater State Park. It is a hike to get to the base of the tower — there are approximately 500 uneven wooden steps — which might be a challenge for some.

Other than at St. Croix and Big Bog state parks, where you can park at the base of the tower, you'll have to walk some distance before you get to climb.

The migrant monarch, our state butterfly

Monarch on goldenrods seen with wings spread out.

The other fall colors: Goldenrod yellow and monarch orange. PHOTO: Kris Backlund, 09/13/21

Nationwide there are about 750 species of butterflies. More than 140 butterfly species call Minnesota home. Butterflies are a familiar insect to humans because of their bright colors and attraction to flowers. They are the only insects on earth with scales on their wings.

Did you know the monarch is Minnesota’s state butterfly? This is the only butterfly that migrates to a warmer climate in the fall, making it unique among all the butterflies found in our state. In mid- to late September, they begin a 3,000-mile journey to the Sierra Madre mountains west of Mexico City where they spend the winter. Until then, monarch butterflies may be found in the forests, oak savannas and prairies of Wild River State Park.

Text reads: "Give the gift of Minnesota's spectacular natural world." There's an image of a Minnesota State Parks and Trails gift card.

Old Mill State Park

Bright colors, from bright green, yellow and orange foliage to blue skies, partly concealing a historic bridge over the Middle River.

Fall colors are in full display at Old Mill State Park. Find this stone bridge off the River View Trail. PHOTO: Lori Warne, 9/20/22

Signs of fall are evident throughout Old Mill State Park. Stop in to see a steam-powered flour mill that operated from the late 1800s until 1937. History enthusiasts will enjoy the rich history of this park and structures. Pack a lunch and enjoy the 360-degree view of fall in the picnic area or take a hike along the Agassiz trail (Hiking Club trail), watching the colors change between the woodlands and the prairie. Grasses, trees and shrubs have started changing their greens for yellows, oranges and reds. Wildlife gathers by the Middle River, that provides cooling as it meanders the park.

Prairie colors

Lone green tree in rolling prairie in different colors.

Lone tree in a colorful prairie

📷 Lois Reinert, 9/13/22

Share your favorite Minnesota state park, trail and recreation area fall photos and stories. Upload your photo to our website or tag us on Instagram @mnstateparksandtrails and use #YourMNFallFavorites for a chance to be featured in the weekly Fall Color Update and our social channels.