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The Fall Color Finder Map is Live!🍂
The Minnesota State Parks and Trails Fall Color newsletter is sent Thursday mornings of the leaf peeping season.
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  📷: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, 10/11/24
Hope for frosty nights and sunny days.
It already feels like autumn in Minnesota! Cooler weather has arrived early this year and golden hints are already popping up across the state. That’s a big shift from last fall when warm September days kept us waiting. This year, leaf-peeping season is likely to start right on time—or even a touch early. But when is on time? And when is early or late? The DNR's parks, trails, climatology, and forestry staff have been studying over ten years of Fall Color Finder maps and data to bring you the best predictions.
⌛ Predicting Timing and Location
While every fall is different, peak color typically rolls across Minnesota from late-September through the end of October, beginning in the northwest and sweeping southeast. As always, Mother Nature keeps her own schedule, but some trends we see season-to-season include:
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Late September to early October—Northwest Minnesota, including Lake Bronson, Old Mill, and Hayes Lake state parks, often peak first.
Late September to mid-October—By late September, the northern third of the state ignites into color (excluding the southern half of the North Shore). Parks like Scenic and Bear Head Lake will sport gorgeous contrast between yellow birch and deep green conifers.
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Early October to mid-October—During the first few weeks of October, the lower half of the North Shore and central Minnesota typically begin to peak. Glendalough, Crow Wing, Cuyuna Country, and Father Hennepin state parks are all great options to explore before October's midway point. |
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Mid-October—The second half of October is southwest Minnesota's time to shine. The rolling prairies surrounding state parks like Big Stone Lake and Lac qui Parle burst with gold and bronze. |
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Mid-to-late-October—Last to peak are the blufflands of southeast Minnesota. From the sweeping views at Frontenac to the riverbends of Forestville/Mystery Cave, color can usually still be found in the final days of October in southeast Minnesota's state parks. |
✨ What Makes the Magic Happen?
As we move into fall, bright sunshine and small temperature swings will bring out the best colors possible. We are more likely to see brilliant colors when the days are sunny and the nights are cool (between 32-45°F).
❄️ What Ends the Show Early?
A hard freeze or snow at the beginning of fall can cause trees to drop their leaves early. Wind is another sneaky spoiler—a day or two of strong gusts can strip trees of their colorful cloaks.
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 Fall Color Finder Map 🧭
A fan favorite for timing the perfect fall adventures.
The Fall Color Finder map is your go-to guide for chasing the rainbow in Minnesota's woodlands and prairies. Updated weekly throughout the season, the map shows where colors are just starting, near peak, or at their most vibrant. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous day trip or a weekend getaway, the map is a great tool for choosing a colorful location. Keep reading to learn more about how the map is made and lesser known features!
👋 Powered by Park Staff
Minnesota state parks and trails staff report the color changes they see from September through October. The reports are compiled and updated on our Fall Color Finder map every week. If you love following along with the map, give any park staff you see an extra smile, wave, or 'thanks'—they help make it all possible!
🧪 Not an Exact Science
The Fall Color Finder map is based on reports made by people (not satellites or computers). What looks like 50% color to one person might only be 25% to you! Changes in landscape and tree species can also cause color variations within an area. Using the map to plan a trip is a great tool, but it should not be relied upon as an exact timing indicator.
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🔄 Alternate Color Scheme Map
Did you know the Fall Color Finder map can be toggled to an alternative color scheme? The alternate map was developed for people who have difficulty seeing red or green (deuteranomaly). Check it out on our Fall Color website! The alternate color scheme can be toggled on and off with buttons near the top of the page.
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⚖️ Compare Colors by Year
Want to compare fall color timing across multiple years? So did we! So we built a handy comparison tool using map data going back to 2013. Check out the tool on our Fall Color website.
 Share Your Best Shot! 📸
Open call for state park selfies and scenery.
Each week we'll feature recent photos from state parks and trails across the state. Submit your photos through our uploader for a chance to be featured in the Fall Color newsletter or on our social media.
📷: Mary Thomes (10/18/24)
📍: Lake Carlos State Park
  📷: Frontenac State Park, 10/21/24
Help Protect Minnesota's State Parks 💚
State parks are some of Minnesota's most treasured spaces and we all play a role in keeping them healthy for future generations. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply going for a drive through the changing colors, please be mindful of the park rules that help preserve these special places.
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Park Responsibly: If parking lots are full, please do not park on grassy areas, roadway shoulders or other non-designated areas. Instead, consider exploring another area or returning at a quieter time.
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Pack Out Your Trash: Keep our parks clean by putting all trash in designated garbage cans or bringing it home with you. Litter harms wildlife and diminishes the natural beauty we all come to enjoy.
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Pets on Leashes: Your pets are welcome in most areas of state parks, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet at all times to ensure the safety of wildlife, other visitors, and your pet.
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Camp Only in Designated Areas: Camping is permitted only in designated campsites. Setting up camp elsewhere is not allowed in state parks and can damage sensitive environments and lead to safety issues.
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"Peak color is the day that you are here."
—Don Del Greco
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Did you get this email from a friend?
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