William O'Brien State Park, photo by Friends of William O'Brien 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.
Fall color has progressed rapidly, and most of northern and central Minnesota is now past peak. Peak fall color can be found in the southern region of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities vicinity.
Parks recommended for excellent fall color this week and weekend include Frontenac, Interstate and William O'Brien 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
While most areas of northeast Minnesota are now past peak, pockets of vivid fall color can still be found in areas protected from the wind. One state park that remains very colorful this week is Father Hennepin. And the birch and aspen along the Lake Superior shoreline continue to display stunning yellow leaves.
Father Hennepin State Park - Isle, southeast edge of Lake Mille Lacs
The ash trees have dropped their bright yellow leaves, but most maples remain vivid yellow and orange, and the oaks are a lovely rusty red-orange. Enjoy a picnic under the spectacular maple trees at the Lakeview Picnic Area on Lake Mille Lacs. This week will be good for fall color viewing.
Northwest Minnesota
Fall color is past peak in most areas of northwest Minnesota. Pockets of stunning leaves remain above ground, but high winds have brought down the majority of colorful leaves.
Central Minnesota
Peak fall color graced most of the parks in central Minnesota last week. High winds have since brought down a large percentage of the colorful leaves, causing once colorful landscapes to appear muted. Pockets of colorful trees can still be found, especially in the Battle Lake and Little Falls areas at Glendalough and Charles A. Lindbergh state parks.
Glendalough State Park - Battle Lake
Pockets of beautiful yellow and orange maples can still be found but fall color in the remainder of the trees is mostly past peak. For views of the remaining fall color, travel the Glendalough Bike Trail on the north side of Annie Battle Lake. Watercraft and bike rentals are available until Oct. 21.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park - Little Falls
Park staff indicate that the colors won't get any better this year since most of the leaves have changed color. Some trees are already bare due to recent high winds and rain. The trees on the way to the campground, and along the Pike Creek and Mississippi River trails are still colorful.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Fall color is rapidly taking over the trees and understory shrubs in the Twin Cities area.
Interstate and William O'Brien state parks, along with 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 overall leaf change is roughly 75%. The maple trees continue to provide some nice fall color, and the oaks are gaining in color each day. Other species adding yellow hues to the landscape include ash, basswood and birch. The understory is adding additional fall color. Recent high winds have brought down quite a few leaves. Driving the park roads will provide great views of the remaining 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. On Saturday, Oct. 20, check out the Owl Puke program at 10 a.m., and Snakes of Wild River State Park at 1 p.m.
Interstate State Park - Taylors Falls
The peak fall color will soon be past its prime. The St. Croix River Valley is a patchwork of subtle yellows, oranges, reds, browns and greens. Leaves will continue to fall as the week progresses. This week, consider hiking the Sandstone Bluffs Trail to see the bright yellow maples, but be prepared for the 400+ wooden stairs along this trail. On Saturday, Oct. 20, enjoy a Guided Glacial Pothole Tour at noon.
William O'Brien State Park - Marine on St. Croix/north of Stillwater
Near peak conditions can be found at William O'Brien. The maples, oaks and basswood are stunning shades of gold, orange, peach and red. The upper hiking trails are spectacular as trees approach their peak. The hiking club trail, a 5.3 mile loop, travels through a variety of terrain including wetlands, native prairies, hardwood forests and oak savanna. On Saturday evening, Oct. 20, take part in Happy Falloween!
Lake Maria State Park - Monticello
The trees at Lake Maria are in various stages of transformation. Many trees are full of brilliant yellow trees, others are mostly bare and some remain mostly green. A drive to the Little Mary Lake Picnic Area is recommended. On Saturday, Oct. 20, head to the nearby town of Buffalo for Ladies Day Out - Birthplace of Occasional Shoppes to visit over 20 occasional shoppes with a chance to win prizes.
Southern Minnesota
Peak color has arrived in many areas of southern Minnesota.
This weekend, consider a trip to Nerstrand Big Woods, Frontenac 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.
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.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park - Preston
Wet, heavy snow brought down lots of colorful leaves earlier this week, however, some of the trees are holding onto their beautiful gold, orange and red leaves. Palisade Trail is a looping trail on the outskirts of the main park. This trail will lead you along the popular South Branch Root River and the bluffs that frame it. Mystery Cave Scenic Tours are offered Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of October. Tours will also be offered Thursday and Friday, Oct. 18 & 19.
Whitewater State Park - Altura, north of St. Charles
Many of the maples are holding onto their vivid red, orange, apricot and yellow leaves, and the oaks are glowing with color. A hike from Chimney Rock to Inspiration Point will offer breath-taking overlooks. Enjoy a Fossil Field Trip this Saturday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. This weekend will be ideal for fall color!
Minneopa State Park - Mankato
With the recent rains, the waterfall is flowing nicely and it is a beautiful backdrop for all of the fall colors. While most trees are displaying various shades of yellow, orange and red, the oaks are turning brown and many trees have lost their leaves. A stroll to the Seppmann Mill overlook is a popular way to view fall colors and the bison herd.
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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