Fall Color Update * Season Finale ❤️ 😎 🍁

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Map of the state of Minnesota with different areas in shades of red and yellow denoting fall color changes.

Last call for fall

Snow's been falling in the northwest corner of the state, with a winter weather advisory and a forecast of up to 6 inches of snow, with winds gusting as high as 40 mph. The rest of the state is getting rain.

On the other hand... there's still plenty of fall colored foliage, mostly in southern Minnesota and some pockets here and there. Here's your last call for a fall outing, before leaves are underfoot: Wear layers and a rain coat and get outside for one more fall-color photo shoot, stroll or roll. Or simply pick a favorite park bench and take it all in.

We're wrapping up (kind of) another bright fall. Take a look at the best images of the season shared via the uploader for some armchair leaf-peeping and a bit of brightness on this gray day.

Inspiration Peak is about half-way between Lake Carlos and Glendalouh state parks. Shanthi Wilson made it up the peak to capture this breataking sunset photo last weekend.

What's next?

This is the last Fall Color Update delivered to your Inbox, at least for this season. Until then, here are some ideas for time outside:

🥾 Join the popular Hiking and Passport Clubs to visit all 75 state parks and recreation areas and get rewards.

⛺ Go camping sans mosquitoes.

🚴 + 👨‍🦽 With over 13,000 miles of state trails, including paved and railroad-grade, there's a trail section near you to roll on your bicycle, rollerblades or wheelchair, or push your favorite young human in a stroller.

❄️ It's only a matter of time until fallen leaves are covered with snow at your favorite cross-country ski destination. Be prepared — get your Great Minnesota Ski Pass, good through the end of the season.

🌲 If you've enjoyed the Fall Color Updates, subscribe to the Trailblazer, a monthly newsletter with insider's tips, trip ideas and more.

Fall 📷 album

Fall delighted us with all of its brilliant colors.

Sweeping vista from a high point, with a mix of bright fall colors.

The view from the Bear Lake overlook at Tettegouche State Park is worth the long hike any season. Now, add some fall colors and you can call it spectacular. PHOTO: Joanna Bailey, taken 9-29-23.

Forest in many fall colors seen from a distance.

You can have an immersive experience or take a step back and look at the big picture. PHOTO: Emily, taken at Scenic State Park on 9-23-23.

Mix of evergreens and deciduous trees in different shades of yellow and orange, seen from across the lake.

The Wildlife Pond Trail at Moose Lake State Park flaunted a mix of colors from different tree species. PHOTO: Cindy Sullivan, taken 10-4-23.

The season was golden.

A mix of yellow and green trees against a bright blue sky.

Golden trees shone brighter against a perfectly blue sky at Frontenac State Park. PHOTO: Trevor Dulka, 10-22-23.

The Wetland Trail at William O'Brien State Park was bathed in gold. PHOTO: Elizabeth Nelson, taken 10-18-23.

Close-up shot of a tamarack cone on the tree, against yellow needles.

Minnesota's only native deciduous conifer, the Tamarack! PHOTO: Elizabeth Nelson, taken at William O'Brien State Park on 10-18-23.

Sumac and oak added a touch of red.

Group of red trees seen across the prairie.

Deep oak hues seen from across the field at Wild River State Park. PHOTO: Kris Backlund, taken 10-22-23.

Northern red oak leaves up close, at Jay Cooke State Park. Photographers recommend trying different perspectives of a favorite subject, and we're loving the results in the fall color gallery! PHOTO: Lorie Shaull, taken 10-19-23.

The photographer called this shot "fall lover's walk." How can one not fall in love with fall walking down this Afton State Park trail? PHOTO: Mai Xiong Thao, taken 10-22-23.

Quiet waters delivered opportunities for reflection.

With a fishing pier, ice fishing in the winter, a swimming beach and lovely fall colors, Snelling Lake at Fort Snelling State Park offers something for every season. PHOTO: David Riewe, taken 10-22-23.

Orange tree over a river that's reflecting the trees on its shores.

Early fall colors reflected at Buffalo River State Park. PHOTO: Troy A Blevins, taken 9-20-23.

Two lone trees reflected on a quiet lake.

Colorful grasses and lone trees were duplicated on the mirror-like lake at Lake Shetek State Park. PHOTO: Lois Reinert, taken 10-23-23.

Trees in fall colors reflected on a lake.

It's no longer swimming season, so the swimming pond at Camden State Park is as peaceful as it looks in this photo. PHOTO: Lois Reinert, taken 10-11-23.

Early fall colors reflected in quiet water.

That's quite the view from the campsite at Charles Lindbergh State Park. We're packing the tents! PHOTO: Kelly Schustak, taken 9-30-23.

Keen observers noticed wildlife, big and small.

Pollinator hard at work at Lake Carlos State Park in early fall.

A few visitors spotted an albino white-tailed deer at Father Hennepin State Park. PHOTO: Mike Roberts, taken 10-2-23.

Pelicans stopped at Albert Lea Lake in Myre Big Island State Park, adding another band of color to the scene. PHOTO: Tanya Phillips, taken 9-25-23.

Owl perched on a tree with yellow leaves.

Who, who, who's watching me? The bare branches make it easier to spot wildlife perched on trees. PHOTO: Melissa Hillyer, taken at Sakatah State Park on 10-20-23.

Early season wild fruit added pops of color before foliage changes. Park naturalists shared these photos.

See what programs they have planned for this month.

Hawthorn fruits at Itasca State Park.

Rose hips at Glendalough State Park.

Gray dogwood berries at Carley State Park.