 Rice Lake State Park 🌾
Enjoy the final bursts of color in southeast Minnesota.
 📷: J. Wagar, 10/22/24
For a chance to see color both down on the ground and up in the canopy, Rice Lake State Park is the place to visit in late fall.
During its October peak, golden oak trees and bright maples create an enchanting hike through the forest. Meanwhile, golden and red hues beam from the prairie, thanks to long-practiced restoration efforts.
Centuries ago, American Indians harvested wild rice from Rice Lake. Today, the shallow waters and marshy edges attract numerous waterfowl during migrations. Rice Lake is a major wetland in the area. Visitors enjoy camping under the tall hardwoods, photographing spring wildflowers and fall colors, picnicking in the fields, and birdwatching all around. For a more secluded camping experience, you can paddle across the lake and camp in a canoe site.
Rice Lake is a hiking park at its heart. Enjoy colorful views as you walk along the undeveloped lakeshore or enjoy the over five miles of hiking trails. Prairie trails consist of mowed grass; trails along the lake or through the woods are natural surface or wood chips. Visitors can also enjoy the sights from the water, with paddling providing a peaceful and beautiful view. While peeping the leaves, you can take in wildlife. Marshes, lakes, meadows, and woods attract a large number of birds, especially waterfowl, during spring and fall migrations. The forested areas attract seven species of woodpeckers, including the pileated woodpecker.
The land known today as Rice Lake State Park once formed a broad transition zone between the prairies to the west and the deciduous forests to the east. Originally, the dominant vegetation was prairie with occasional groves and scattered individual bur oak trees. Today, remnants of the oaks still remain at the park, and prairie vegetation has reappeared through restoration efforts. In October, this state park transforms into a colorful representation of Minnesota’s historic autumn landscape.
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Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail 🌈
Autumn in Minnesota's bluff country.
 📷: Park staff, 10/27/25
The Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is one of southeastern Minnesota’s most beautiful fall destinations. Winding through hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, and rolling farmland, this 22-mile paved trail connects the towns of Harmony and Preston and links to the larger Root River State Trail — offering miles of autumn color and small-town charm.
The northern portion of the trail, built on a former railroad grade, offers an easy, mostly level surface that’s friendly to wheelchairs and strollers. Here, the path meanders through oak, maple, and basswood forests that glow in shades of red, gold, and orange. The canopy creates a tunnel of color that’s perfect for biking, strolling, or photography.
As the trail follows Watson Creek, Camp Creek, and the South Branch of the Root River, the sound of rushing water complements the crunch of leaves underfoot. Anglers can stop at three accessible fishing platforms near Camp Creek, where trout are active in fall. Wildlife watchers might spot white-tailed deer, hawks or wild turkeys.
The trail offers some terrain for those looking for more of a challenge. Between County Road 16 and Harmony, the trail leaves the old rail grade and climbs through rolling hills — a section that offers some of the most dramatic fall views in the area.
The trail’s bookend communities add to its autumn appeal. In Harmony, stop to shop for handmade goods. Harmony’s cafes and bakeries are ideal for a cup of coffee before hitting the trail. Preston offers easy trail access, riverside picnic spots, and cozy places to stay. The town’s scenic valley setting makes it an inviting base for exploring more of the Root River region.
From Preston, the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail connects directly to the Root River State Trail, adding more than 40 miles of additional riding or hiking through colorful bluff country. Each connected town — from Lanesboro to Whalan and Rushford — offers its own fall events and local flavors.
Work is underway to extend the Harmony-Preston Valley Trail south toward the Iowa border, opening even more scenic opportunities for visitors in coming seasons. Portions of this new section of trail are paved already and the entire 5.7-mile addition will officially open in spring 2026.
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