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The Fall Color Finder Map is Live!🍂

The Fall Color Finder Map uses observations from state park and trail staff to estimate fall color across Minnesota. Staff report their location's color percentage weekly. Data entered at park locations is used to project estimated color nearby. Remember, the map is an estimate, and color percentages are open to personal interpretation. Happy trails!

📷: Great River Bluffs State Park, Amy Larson, 10/18/25

Prediction for the 2026 Season 🍁

Hope for frosty nights and sunny days. 

It may be September, but it doesn’t feel much like fall in Minnesota yet. Hot days and warm nights have lingered, with little of the cool weather that helps bring on fall color. You may already notice yellow or brown leaves on some trees, but some of that early color may be a sign of stress from this summer’s heat and drought, rather than the start of the usual fall show. While drought can influence fall color, especially in stressed trees, autumn temperatures play a much bigger role in the timing of color change.

What happens next will depend largely on September and early October temperatures. If unusually warm weather continues, peak color could arrive a few days later than usual, similar to what we saw during the drought year of 2023. Overall, though, conditions are still lining up for plenty of brilliant fall color across Minnesota, especially in areas that have avoided extreme drought.

⌛ 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:

Late September to early October Northwest Minnesota, including Hayes Lake, Zippel Bay, and Buffalo River state parks, often peak first. By late September, the northern third of the state ignites into color (excluding the southern half of the North Shore). Parks like McCarthy Beach and Schoolcraft will sport gorgeous contrast between yellow birch and deep green conifers.

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. Lake Carlos, Glacial Lakes, Lake Maria, and Charles A. Lindbergh state parks are all great options to explore near October's midway point.

Mid-October The second half of October is southwest Minnesota's time to shine. The rolling prairies surrounding state parks, like Camden and Split Rock Creek, burst with gold and bronze.

Mid-to-late-October Last to peak are typically the blufflands of southeast Minnesota. From the sweeping views at Great River Bluffs to the riverbends of Carley and Whitewater, 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.  

Fall Color Finder Map 🧭 

Who makes the map? And how?

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 at their location 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% fall 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.

🔄 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). The alternate color scheme can be toggled on and off with buttons near the top of the Fall Color webpage.

⚖️ Compare Colors by Year

Want to compare Minnesota's 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 Minnesota. Submit your photos through our uploader for a chance to be featured in the Fall Color newsletter or on our social media. 

📷: Erika (10/19/25)

📍: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

📷: Frontenac State Park, Steve Schreiber, 11/7/25

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.

• 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.
• Pack Out Your Trash: Keep our parks clean by putting all trash (including dog poop!) in designated garbage cans or bringing it home with you. Litter harms wildlife and diminishes the natural beauty we all come to enjoy.
• 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.
• Stay on Trail: Help protect plants, wildlife and sensitive natural areas by sticking to designated trails. Staying on trail also helps prevent erosion and keeps these special places healthy for everyone to enjoy.

"Peak color is the day that you are here."

—Don Del Greco

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