Zippel Bay State Park
The 2018 Minnesota Fall Color Update is brought to you by Explore Minnesota and the Department of Natural Resources. This update will be sent out each Thursday afternoon during the fall color season. Before you travel, be sure to check the Fall Color Finder for the most current updates.
Last week's warm temperatures seemed to stall fall color development, but this week's more seasonable temperatures appears to have restarted transformation. Recent rains should help enhance fall color down the road.
Parks recommended for good fall color in the prairie grasses, wildflowers and some of the trees can be found this week at Beaver Creek Valley, Tettegouche and Zippel Bay state parks.
Peak fall color typically arrives in the northern one-third of the state in mid-September to early October. The central third of the state is most colorful between late September and early October. Southern Minnesota trees reach the height of their fall color late September to mid-October. One exception is the North Shore of Lake Superior, where peak fall color arrives about a week later than inland areas due to the warming effect of the lake.
The Hike MN Sweepstakes is underway now through Oct. 21, with an array of prizes available including Minnesota getaways and gift cards for Mall of America and Minnesota State Parks. For information on hiking in Minnesota and to learn about 10 must-see fall hikes, visit Hike MN.
As a result of teaming up on this year’s fall color updates, some of you may get two copies of this e-newsletter—one from Explore Minnesota and one from Minnesota State Parks and Trails. Feel free to unsubscribe from one or the other if you only wish to receive it once.
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Northeast Minnesota
Fall color is developing more rapidly in the far northeast region of the state. This weekend, consider a trip to Scenic and Tettegouche state parks.
Scenic State Park - Bigfork, north of Grand Rapids
A few shrubs, black ash, basswood and red maples are showing fall color, particularly in the lowland areas. This week's more seasonable temperatures should restart the transformation. All trails at Scenic are in great shape for hiking. Rent a canoe, kayak or rowboat to explore Coon and Sandwick Lakes, or do some fishing from the wheelchair accessible fishing pier. Kids' Discovery Kits, Birding Kits and Fishing Kits can be checked out at the park office.
McCarthy Beach State Park - Side Lake, north of Chisholm
Fall color is starting to spread throughout the park. The maples and aspen are turning beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. In addition to nice fall color, enjoy a paddle on the Sturgeon River channels which connect the chain of lakes within the park. Keep a look out for eagles, loons, migratory ducks and other wildlife.
Bear Head Lake State Park--Ely
Change in the forest canopy can be seen daily. Bear Head Park Road has started to pop with peach, red and yellow maple and paper birch leaves. It won't be long until Bear Head Road is a tunnel of brilliant color. The ash trees are lightening the canopy with bright yellow leaves, and the understory is taking on various shades of red. The maples in the lowland on Eagles Nest Three Road are turning burgundy, generally a sign that the rest of the park will soon follow. The Norberg Lake Loop is a wonderful 3.5 mile loop starting at the Trail Center. It offers beautiful overlooks of Norberg and Bear Head lakes. Fishing, GPS and Birding kits are available to check out free of charge at the park office. While in Ely on Sept. 22, don't miss Chocoholic Frolic in downtown Ely with merchants serving up chocolate samples and opportunities to win door prizes.
Tettegouche State Park--Silver Bay
An unusual fall color progression is being observed at Tettegouche. Some of the aspen trees along Lake Superior turned color early and are already dropping their leaves. Most of the shoreline trees, however, remain very green. The sugar maples further inland are changing sporadically, with some entirely green and others losing leaves. Since the inland hills will offer the most fall color this week and weekend, hike to Tettegouche Camp from the northern trailhead and enjoy a stroll through tunnels of maples. Canoe rental is available through mid-October.
Jay Cooke State Park--Carlton
Most of the ash trees and many of the aspens and birch are displaying bright yellow leaves. A few patches of red and orange can be found in some of the maples. The late summer flowers are at full bloom and lovely. Fall visitors will want to stop at the Swinging Bridge to see the river, and check out Oldenburg Point for panoramic views of the park and river valley. The Oldenburg Point Shelter offers a fireplace and electricity. Visitors may also want to head north a bit to the city of Duluth for the Hawk Ridge Weekend Festival, Sept. 21-23, and the Fall Color Train Tours, Sept. 21 - Oct. 14.
Northwest Minnesota
The fall transformation is well underway in the northwest region of the state with good fall color now visible at Itasca and Zippel Bay state parks.
Zippel Bay State Park--Williams, northwest of Baudette
A lack of moisture this summer has caused many trees and shrubs to change color prematurely and drop their leaves. Most birch and aspen have turned various shades of yellow with leaves now falling. The sumac along the drive to the harbor and back by the Birch Campgrounds are beautiful shades of red. There are 2 miles of white sandy beach along Lake of the Woods, offering nice fall color views of the shoreline trees. Travel the roads around the park to see a variety of foliage and fall color.
Old Mill State Park - Argyle, northwest of Thief River Falls
The shrubs in the understory are turning nice shades of yellow, orange and red. The leaves of the box elder in the picnic area are various shades of yellow. The prairie trails offer great views of wildflowers at full bloom, as well as fully developed prairie grasses. The trails along the Middle River are showing the most color at this time. Be sure to visit the Old Mill site featuring a log cabin and steam-powered flour mill.
Lake Bemidji State Park--Bemidji
While most leaves remain green, lots of red, orange and yellow leaves are spreading through the trees. Fall wildflowers such as pearly everlasting and asters are blooming throughout the park. The maples along the park roads are starting to pop, as are the maples along Rocky Point Trail. Bike, canoe, kayak and fishing boat rentals are available through early to mid-October.
Itasca State Park - north of Park Rapids
Vibrant red and orange-yellow pockets are beginning to appear as the red and sugar maples continue to change color. The paper birch are just starting to turn a deep gold. The ash, balsam poplar, ironwoods and larger basswoods are turning lovely shades of yellow, but some of the trees lost their yellow leaves during last weekend's strong winds. Adding to the beauty are the many understory shrubs filled with deep red, purple-red and golden leaves. The big bluestem is a spectacular purple hue. While autumn color can be seen throughout Itasca, routes recommended by park staff include a drive along the Main Park Drive or Wilderness Drive, or a hike along the Ozawindib, Aiton Heights and Deer Park trails for views of the maples. Touring by boat, kayak or canoe is always good for viewing the fall transformation. Anglers will find 2 fishing piers and 4 boat accesses. The restaurant at Douglas Lodge is open through Oct. 7. On Saturday, Sept. 22, don't miss Itasca's 11th Annual Autumn Harvest Festival and Lantern Lit Hike at 6 p.m., and a performance by Jim and Molly Bauer at 6:30 p.m. And on Sept. 22 & 23, enjoy the fall color on a driving tour of 22 artists' studios and other cultural destinations in the Park Rapids area during Art Leap 2018.
Buffalo River State Park - Moorhead
The big and little bluestem grasses are stunning this year. The prairies are filled with gold, rose and purple grasses, with some sections more than 6 feet tall. Many late season wildflowers compliment the color in the prairies. Be sure to check out the Bluestem Prairie on the south side of the park, as well as the River View and Hiking Club trails for the nicest views. The Picnic Area Trail will bring you to some great fishing spots on the Buffalo River. On Sept. 22, enjoy Watercolors on the Prairie: Paint the Fall Colors! from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and National Public Lands Day: Bluestem Seed Collection from 3-5 p.m.
Central Minnesota
Park staff report some fall color change in the trees, but abundant color in the wildflowers and grasses. Two of the most colorful parks this weekend include Maplewood and Savanna Portage state parks.
Maplewood State Park - Pelican Rapids
The sugar maples are displaying vibrant patches of orange and red, with some trees turning color very quickly. The ash trees are rapidly taking on shades of golden-yellow. The sumacs are nearing peak shades of crimson red and vibrant orange. The native prairie grasses are at their peak and displaying a varied palette of bright maroon, gold, purple, blue and bronze. The purple asters and yellow goldenrod add to the colorful landscape. Hike to Hallaway Hill for impressive views of the park's lakes, prairies and hardwood forests, or take a drive on the 4.5 mile park drive through the heart of Maplewood's forests and prairies. A fishing pier and two boat accesses are available in the park. On Sept. 22, enjoy the NorthStar Travelers Family Fun Walk & Festivities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, then choose any or all of three walks. Meet at Maplewood Lutheran Church at the south end of the park.
Sibley State Park - north of Willmar
The big bluestem and Indian grasses are rich shades of reddish-purple and gold, but the little bluestem has yet to peak. The Pond View Trail is a favorite for taking in both the prairie and woodland colors. Hike the Mount Tom Trail then climb to the Mount Tom Lookout for a panoramic view of Sibley and beyond. The camper cabins at Sibley are available year round.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Onamia
While most of the trees remain green, the maples and oaks are in the process of turning various shades of red and orange. The paper birch and black ash are adding lots of yellow to the mix. Rent a canoe or kayak from the park office (or bring your own) and paddle the scenic Rum River for an opportunity to enjoy fall color from a different vantage point. Walk the Landmark Trail to visit two archaeological sites and learn about the area from interpretive signs along the way. This trail also takes you along Ogechie Lake where you can see the golden wild rice growing in the lake. While at Mille Lacs Kathio on Sept. 22, bring the kids to Makin' Tracks at 2 p.m. And on Sept. 23, enjoy the nature film Wolves at Our Door at 10:30 a.m.
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area - Crosby
Hints of yellow are starting to pop throughout the park, with lovely red and orange colors taking over the sumac, dogwood and Virginia Creeper vines. The primary tree species of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area are cottonwoods, aspen and birch so expect to see lots of brilliant yellow and gold when the area approaches peak fall color. There are also scenic overlooks from the paved Cuyuna Lakes State Trail and the mountain bike trail system. Bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy the fall colors surrounding the crystal clear mine lakes, and consider renting one of the yurts with woodstoves. On Sept. 21-22, just to the southwest at the city of Brainerd, take part in the Weaving Waters Fiber Arts Trail Fall Tour.
Savanna Portage State Park - McGregor
Good fall color is scattered throughout the park. The small maples are turning beautiful shades of red, orange, coral and yellow. The ironwood, cherry and ash are yellow, gold and brown. The underbrush is very golden but starting to thin. Travel the park roads or visit Loon Lake or Lake Shumway for the nicest fall color views. Enjoy fishing from the fishing pier. On Sept. 22, enjoy a Fall Color Hike through Savanna Portage at 10 a.m.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Fall color is becoming more visible in the understory shrubs, grasses and wildflowers. Parks along the St. Croix River such as Wild River and Interstate state parks should offer the nicest fall color this weekend.
Wild River State Park - Almelund, east of North Branch
The sumac and other understory shrubs are becoming very colorful, adding shades of red and maroon to the landscape. While the ash, basswood and grape vines are turning yellow and gold, the most obvious change is an overall lightening of tree color. The wildflowers are nearing full bloom including sunflowers and a variety of asters. The big bluestem and Indian grasses are tall and picturesque, with little bluestem displaying white tufts of seeds. Driving the park roads will give you some good glimpses of color in the trees, flowers and prairie grasses. Enjoy a sweeping view of the St. Croix River valley from the Visitor Center deck. For high vistas and a hilly hike, try the Highland Hills Trail. Consider renting a canoe or kayak to view the fall colors from the river; shuttle service is offered on the weekends. Check out Harvest Time on the Prairie on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.
Interstate State Park - Taylors Falls
Park staff report that roughly 10 percent of the trees and shrubs have changed color in the valley, with small pockets of gold leaves here and there in the ash and hackberry trees. A few sumacs are adding a bit of orange to the mix. Migrating warblers have been spotted in the park this week. Cooler evening temperatures later in the month will coax more fall colors into the St. Croix Valley. Experience beautiful green vistas from the pothole area, the River Trail and the Sandstone Bluffs Trail. On Sept. 22, enjoy an Adventure Hike on the Sandstone Bluffs Trail at 10:30 a.m., Guided Glacial Potholes Tour at noon, and an Aquatic Invasive Species Investigation Station at 3 p.m. On Sept. 23, don't miss the Guided Glacial Potholes Tour at noon, and a Secrets of Skulls: Investigation Station at 2:30 p.m.
Fort Snelling State Park - St. Paul
While the trees are mostly green you can enjoy a crisp walk under a cottonwood canopy on Pike Island and along the Minnesota River. The first-to-change ash trees will soon turn yellow and may begin to lose their leaves on windy days. Park staff recommend hiking around Pike Island, renting a Nice Ride bike to tour the main park, or renting a canoe for a paddle on Snelling Lake. On Sept. 22, enjoy an Autumn Walk & Program at 1 p.m., and check out Whitetail Ways on Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.
Three Rivers Park District--Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott & Wright counties
A few scattered maples are changing color and displaying bright red, orange or yellow leaves. Numerous ash and honey locust trees are turning shades of yellow. Some of the sumac have turned a lovely red and can be seen along the woodland edges and open fields. Parks that hold the most potential (albeit very low) for nice fall color this weekend are Elm Creek, Lake Rebecca, Baker and Carver park reserves. Plan ahead for Spring Lake Trailgate at Spring Lake Regional Park on Sept. 29. Visitors will enjoy miles of stunning fall trails and forests, and they can try rock climbing, slacklining and geocaching, learn about pollinators, sample apple cider and meet live raptors.
Lake Maria State Park - Monticello
The sumac has turned beautiful shades of red, orange and maroon, and some of the trees are speckled with yellow leaves. A drive to the Little Mary Lake Picnic Area is recommended for the best views. Anglers will enjoy canoe and kayak rental, as well as a fishing pier on Little Mary Lake.
Southern Minnesota
While park staff report minimal changes in the leaves, the prairie grasses are stunning. Big Stone Lake State Park should offer the strongest display of prairie grasses this weekend. For nice fall color in the bluffs, consider a trip to Beaver Creek Valley State Park.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park - Caledonia
The bluffs are taking on nice shades of red, orange and yellow with trees beginning to pop. Water pouring out of the bluffs is the beginning of Beaver Creek. The babbling of the spring is very serene. Visitors will also enjoy excellent trout fishing on Beaver Creek when water levels are normal and clarity is good.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park--Preston
The Virginia creeper vines are turning a lovely crimson red. Some of the wildflowers are at their peak, and the prairie grasses gold and red. The River Bottoms Trail across from Historic Forestville Village meanders through the prairies in the park. It also travels along the South Branch of the Root River, a popular destination for trout anglers. Check out the tours of Historic Forestville offered each Saturday through the end of October, as well as the Mystery Cave tours offered each Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 21. Consider a trip to nearby Lanesboro where History Alive Pop-Up Plays: 1918 will be offered Sept. 22 -23, and check out Girls' Day Out on Sept. 22.
Sakatah Lake State Park--Waterville, west of Faribault
Shades of yellow are becoming more prominent in the ash and basswood trees. Bike along the Sakatah State Trail that runs through the park or grab your fishing pole and fish from the park's fishing pier which offers a great view of the shoreline. A drive down Leroy Avenue along the park's east boundary offers nice views of the grasses and native flowers.
Fort Ridgely State Park - Fairfax, northwest of New Ulm
The prairie grasses are tall and lush, and filled with rich shades of gold and maroon. The native flowers and grasses are lovely and abundant throughout the park. The southern and eastern overlooks offer beautiful views of the river valley. The Fort Ridgely Historic Site grounds are open for self-guided tours.
Big Stone Lake State Park - Ortonville
The colors of the prairie grasses and wildflowers are very vibrant this year due to the abundant rainfall. Check out the tunnel of gold in the Meadowbrook area, the towering sunflowers along the entrance road, and the tall big bluestem, Indian grasses and switchgrass along the prairie hike. The Bonanza Area hillsides seem to glow in the morning and evening sun from the fiery red sumac.
Don’t miss the spectacular fall color show! Plan ahead with a customized travel planner from our Explore Minnesota Travel Counselors at 888-VISITMN (888-847-4866), or request your planner at Contact a Travel Counselor. Before you go, be sure to check out these 10 spectacular fall color routes in Minnesota, and plan a stop at an apple orchard or pumpkin patch along the way!
Subscribe here to receive any or all of our updates by email.
And be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
