Oberg Mountain Loop Trail at Temperance River State Park; photo by Andrew Wuchter
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.
Fall color has progressed rapidly, and near peak and peak fall color conditions can now be found in all regions of the state. Parks recommended for excellent fall color this week and weekend include Nerstrand Big Woods, St. Croix and Temperance River state parks.
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 either at or past peak fall color in the northeast region of the state. This weekend, consider a trip to St. Croix and Temperance River state parks.
Temperance River State Park - Tofte
The park is glowing with vibrant yellow, tangerine, peach and crimson maple and oak leaves. For stunning peak fall color head to Heart Break Ridge or travel Cramer Road to George Crosby Manitou State Park. The 6 mile round-trip hike to Carlton Peak and Tofte Peak will reward you with broad vistas and panoramic views of the maple forests. And don't miss the breathtaking hiking trails along the Cross River.
Moose Lake State Park - Moose Lake
The poplar and birch are varying shades of yellow. The maples are adding bright pinks and reds to the landscape. The beach, fishing pier and boat ramp offer excellent views of the fall colors reflecting off the lake. The Agate Interpretive Center is still open on the weekends. Stop in and learn about agate picking opportunities at the nearby Soo Pits.
Banning State Park - Sandstone
The entrance road is a tunnel of color with trees displaying stunning red, orange and yellow leaves. The Quarry Loop Trail is an excellent choice for fall color seekers. The self-guided trail along the Kettle River Rapids and old quarry buildings is a beautiful and easy 1.7 mile hike. Be sure to check out Banning's two waterfalls. Bikers will find access to the Willard Munger State Trail just 5 miles from the park.
St. Croix State Park - east of Hinckley
The leaves changed quickly this week and the oaks are now adding to the colorful display. The fall foliage is at its peak. This is the perfect time to climb the fire tower to see sweeping views of the many vibrant red maples, yellow aspens and amber oaks. Watch for large numbers of migrating birds including hawks, cranes and swans. Include birding in your visit using St. Croix's Birding Marathon Map. And on Saturday, Oct. 13, take part in a Beadwork program at 10 a.m.
Father Hennepin State Park - Isle, southeast edge of Lake Mille Lacs
The ash trees are bright yellow, and the maples are a mixture of yellow, orange and red. The oak leaves are adding to the display with their lovely amber and maroon leaves. Enjoy a picnic under the spectacular maple trees at the Lakeview Picnic Area on beautiful Lake Mille Lacs.
Northwest Minnesota
Fall color has taken over the northwest region of the state. Stunning maples and peak conditions can be found at Itasca and Lake Bemidji state parks, as well as in the Detroit Lakes area.
Hayes Lake State Park - south of Roseau
The majority of aspen and birch trees have reached their peak shades of yellow. To view the best of the golden leaves, hike the Pine Ridge and Moose Ridge trails.
Big Bog Recreation Area - Waskish
Fall color has taken over the park, and the tamaracks are now adding a vibrant orange-yellow to the landscape. Be sure to walk the Bog Boardwalk, and climb the 1937 fire tower for a spectacular view of the Upper Red Lake shoreline and the Big Bog.
Lake Bemidji State Park - Bemidji
The park has a golden glow. The maples along the park road and Rocky Point Trail are at peak shades of red, orange and yellow. The birch and aspen trees are a vivid yellow, and the tamaracks are turning vibrant orange-gold. A stroll or drive through the campground, to the picnic area and down to the fishing pier offer the nicest views of the leaves. Consider viewing the fall colors from the water -- canoe, kayak and fishing boat rentals are available through early to mid-October. Combine a trip to Lake Bemidji with the Bemidji Blue Ox Marathon on Oct. 13
Itasca State Park - north of Park Rapids
The oaks, aspen and maples are at their peak and displaying rust, gold, yellow, orange and peach colored leaves. The paper birch are just past peak but continue to show off their deep gold. The trembling aspen are turning golden-yellow and pockets of vibrant orange-red are appearing in the big-tooth aspen. Hike to the Aiton Heights Fire Tower to enjoy the spectacular range in color from above. The Main Park and Wilderness roads are also recommended. All hiking trails are spectacular at this time. On Saturday, Oct. 13, enjoy an Autumn Hike at 12:30 p.m.
Buffalo River State Park - Moorhead
Most of the trees are at their peak, turning the landscape shades of yellow, orange and red. For the nicest views, hike the River View and Hiking Club trails. The big and little bluestem grasses are gold, rose and purple, and stunning in the Bluestem Prairie on the south side of the park. Attend Theatre B Presents "Church & State" in nearby Moorhead through Oct. 20.
Central Minnesota
Park staff report rapidly changing colors, with peak fall color conditions at a number of central Minnesota parks. For some of the nicest fall color this week and weekend, visit Maplewood and Savanna Portage state parks.
Maplewood State Park - Pelican Rapids
The maples are displaying beautiful scarlet, orange and yellow leaves. Contributing to the colorful landscape are the golden birch trees, maroon and gold oak trees, and vibrant maroon, gold, purple and bronze prairie grasses. Hike to Hallaway Hill for impressive views of the park's lakes, prairies and hardwood forests, and be sure to take 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. And from Oct. 10-13, be sure to visit downtown Pelican Rapids for the Pelican Rapids Oktoberfest!
Sibley State Park - north of Willmar
The big bluestem and Indian grasses are at peak shades of reddish-purple and gold. The sugar maples are displaying red, rust and orange in their tree tops. The understory trees are yellow, bronze and maroon. The ash and basswood have shed most of their bronze-colored leaves, but the golden hiking trails look and sound wonderful. 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. Consider spending the night -- the camper cabins at Sibley are available year round.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park - Little Falls
Park staff indicate that this may be the best weekend to take in the fall beauty of the park foliage. The maples are nearing peak shades of yellow, coral and tangerine, and nearly all of the trees are displaying bright fall color. The trees are spectacular along the campground loops and Pike Creek.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Onamia
Most of the maples and aspen are vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. The paper birch, black ash and oak are contributing lovely yellow, gold, bronze and rust hues to the forest canopy. The main park drive is a great autumn tour. Walk the Landmark Trail to visit two archaeological sites and learn about the area from interpretive signs along the way. And be sure to stretch your legs by climbing the 100 foot observation tower to view fall color from above the tree line.
Savanna Portage State Park - McGregor
The park has taken on a brighter look and feel with all of the golden leaves in the trees and understory shrubs, and the maples are at or just past peak shades of red, orange, coral and gold. Travel the park roads, hike Beaver Pond Trail or visit Loon and Shumway lakes for the nicest fall color views. Also enjoy great fishing from the fishing pier.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Fall color is rapidly taking over the trees and understory shrubs in the Twin Cities area. Interstate State Park and the "Big Woods" parks within the Three Rivers Park District should offer some of the nicest fall color this weekend.
Wild River State Park - Almelund, east of North Branch
The maple trees are nearly at peak and providing the majority of fall color. The ash and basswood trees, some of birch and a few of the oaks are adding to the colorful display. Driving the park roads will provide great views of the existing fall color. Also enjoy a sweeping view of the St. Croix River Valley from the Visitor Center deck. For a hilly hike to high vistas, travel 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. A 5K Wild River Otter Trotter Walk/Run will be held within the park on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8:30 a.m.
Interstate State Park - Taylors Falls
Peak fall color is fast approaching in the St. Croix River Valley. The hillsides have huge patches of yellow and orange trees interspersed with the remaining green trees and towering pines. Hike along the Glacial Potholes Area, as well as the River Trail and Sandstone Bluffs Trail for stunning views. On Saturday, Oct. 13, enjoy The Secret Life of Trees at 10 a.m., a Guided Glacial Pothole Tour at noon, and a Get Ready for Fall: Investigation Station at 2:30 p.m.
Fort Snelling State Park - St. Paul
The ash and silver maple trees are bright shades of gold and yellow. The cottonwood leaves are turning a light golden-brown and starting to fall. 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. A Fall Color Walk will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. And consider touring some of the 30 open artist studios during the St. Paul Art Crawl, Oct. 12-14.
Three Rivers Park District - Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott & Wright counties
Parks throughout the Three Rivers Park District are nearing their peak. This weekend will offer great fall color opportunities at the Big Woods parks including Lake Rebecca, Baker, Carver, and Elm Creek park reserves, as well as Kingswood Park. While the oak-dominated parks (Hyland & Murphy-Hanrehan park reserves, Eagle Lake & Bryant Lake regional parks, and Silverwood Park) are lagging a bit, you can still find nice fall color. The recent stretch of cloudy weather may have muted the colors a bit, but you can easily find stunning maple color throughout the parks. The non-native amur maples can easily be seen with their vivid red colors in the understory. On Oct. 12-13, head to Hyland Hills Ski Area within Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington for Chairlift Rides to the top of Mount Gilboa and enjoy the picturesque views from one of the highest elevations in Hennepin County. Then at sunset, listen to live folk music from Northern Aire, make s’mores by a campfire, and walk down a lantern-lit trail to the bottom of the hill. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Lake Maria State Park - Monticello
The park is full of brilliant yellow trees, along with a few bright orange and peach maples scattered here and there. The oaks are starting to add their rich golden and rust tones to the landscape. A drive to the Little Mary Lake Picnic Area is recommended. Enjoy canoe and kayak rental, as well as a fishing pier on Little Mary Lake.
Southern Minnesota
Peak and near peak fall color has arrived in some parts of southern Minnesota. This weekend, consider a trip to Nerstrand Big Woods or Whitewater state parks.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park - Nerstrand, south of Northfield
Fall color is nearing peak conditions in this "Big Woods" park which is known for its spectacular fall color. Most maples are bright shades of yellow, orange and red, and the oaks are turning gold and orange. The vivid yellow basswood leaves create a glow throughout the park with patches of orange and red in the understory shrubs. Take a walk to the Hidden Falls waterfall and enjoy the beautiful maple-basswood forest. A drive towards the group camp on the County 29 gravel road will reveal a tunnel of fall color. Birding kits are available at the park office. And don't miss the Studio ARTour this weekend, Oct. 13-14, with open houses at roughly 20 artist studios in the Northfield vicinity!
Frontenac State Park - Frontenac, southeast of Red Wing
The prairie grasses are beautiful shades of gold and rust. Most trees are turning yellow, but there are pockets of maples and oaks that are adding vivid red and orange to the forest canopy. A hike through the prairie and along portions of the Hiking Club Trail will offer the nicest views of the bright red-orange sumac against the stunning prairies. And Frontenac's numerous bluff top overlooks are excellent for vast views of fall color on a larger scale. A Nature Hike will be offered at 10 a.m. each Saturday from Oct. 6-20. Learn about the environment from a local naturalist while taking photos of the fall colors.
Whitewater State Park - Altura, north of St. Charles
The maples are vivid shades of red, orange, apricot and yellow, and the oaks are contributing shades of red, orange and gold to the landscape. The prairie areas in the park are beautiful shades of gold and rust. A hike from Chimney Rock to Inspiration Point will offer breath-taking overlooks. Enjoy a Caving Field Trip this Saturday, Oct. 13 at 10 a.m. This weekend will be ideal for fall color!
Minneopa State Park - Mankato
Most trees are displaying various shades of yellow, orange and red leaves. With recent rains, the waterfall is flowing nicely and it is a beautiful backdrop for all of the fall colors. A stroll to the Seppmann Mill overlook is a popular way to view the bison herd and fall colors. Check out the historic windmill at the end of Mill Road, and the WPA buildings and historic railings and bridge in the waterfall area. Take time to visit History Fest in Mankato, in Oct. 10-13.
Camden State Park - south of Marshall
Park trees and shrubs will soon be at peak fall color, and the native grasses are very colorful. Camden is probably the most westerly example of a naturally-occurring sugar maple/basswood forest in the state, and possibly the country. The Redwood River Valley within the park is a great place to catch spectacular maple color in the fall. For the best views of the rust and gold grasses, head to the prairies on the west side of the park. And venture up the Dakota Overlook trail for a view of the Redwood River Valley all the way to Marshall.
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!
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