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 The season we've all been waiting for has arrived and with it, the weekly Fall Color Update. For the next few weeks, we'll share colorful photos and trip ideas to make the most of fall at Minnesota State Parks and Trails.
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Click on the map for a complete fall color report from around the state.
Change is in the air
With days getting shorter, photosynthesis is slowing down. Which means plants are producing less chlorophyll (green pigment) making way for other pigments to show.
The brilliance, timing and duration of fall color are, however, affected by other factors, such as drought and climate change.
"Septembers have been warming substantially in Minnesota since 1970, slightly delaying the peak of fall colors," explained senior climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld. "As the driving factor behind color change is day length, the shift in fall colors from climate change will be subtle,"
Whatever this season has in store for foliage colors, there's one thing we're certain of: Sunshine and nature will invigorate your soul.
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 Relax lakeside! Lake Bronson is a reservoir from a dam in South Fork Two Rivers. Photo taken 9/13/23
Get a bird's-eye view of aspen parkland habitat from the largest observation tower in our state park system at Lake Bronson State Park. History buffs can't miss the 1930s-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) buildings and historic sites throughout the park. Park staff reported the first splashes of color, with some reds (yay sumac!), yellows, a few oranges and some browns.
Adjacent to the state park, Lake Bronson Parkland SNA (scientific and natural area) offers visitors a more rustic experience in the tallgrass aspen parkland biome. This SNA and Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge are excellent locations to look and listen to the thousands of sandhill cranes traveling through Minnesota on their southern fall migration.
 Immerse yourself in the changing colors at Old Mill State Park. PHOTO: Jeremy Neste, taken 9/7/23
More historic structures await at Old Mill State Park! Stop to see the steam-powered flour mill that operated from the late 1800s until 1937. Walk the Agassiz trail (Hiking Club trail) along the edge of the prairie, where grasses have changed to fall colors. Woodlands trees are also starting to show some fall hues.
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 "Peregrine" means "wanderer" and that's exactly what these falcons do, as they have one of the longest migrations of any North American bird.
Hawks, peregrine falcons, and northern goshawks are some of the raptors that begin their fall migration towards Central and South America as early as September. Watch for these migrants along the North Shore, from the Gitchi-Gami State Trail or George Crosby Manitou State Park.
Read how MN DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program has played a role to ensure many of these raptors are still around. Stay tuned with the FalconCam, live from the nest come spring.
What do you do with a decommissioned mine? You turn it into a playground.
 Off-the beaten path. off-highway adventures in a North Woods setting. Photo taken 9/27/2017
In Gilbert, MN, there's a premier off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area, with riding opportunities for many skill levels on varied terrain. Features left after mine operations ended in 1981 include iron ore pits, ore stockpiles and tailings basins. Bring your all-terrain vehicle (ATV), off-highway motorcycle (OHM) or off-road vehicle (ORV) to enjoy 36 miles of OHV trails at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area.
This week, you'll find most of the fall color in cooler lowland terrain, where aspens are radiating their golden hues and maples their dazzling reds. You can't go wrong with the overlooks, either, even while green still prevails.
This other reclaimed mine is a world-class mountain biking destination. Its clear, quiet lakes beautifully reflect early fall colors.
 Pennington Mine Lake as seen on 9/13/23.
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Share your favorite Minnesota state park, trail and recreation area fall photos and stories. Upload your photo to our website for a chance to be featured in the weekly Fall Color Update and our social channels.
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