Find This Week's Best Fall Color

This is your 2021 Minnesota Fall Color Update, brought to you by Explore Minnesota. You will receive an email each Thursday afternoon during the fall color season, making it easier than ever to plan a colorful fall adventure.

Plan ahead so you don't miss the fall color show!

Many scenic routes, parks and trails across the state are popular in the fall, and travelers should consider midweek trips and lesser-known options to avoid crowds. Due to the current COVID-19 and Delta variant situation, check official event or attraction websites for potential alterations. Prior to travel, visit Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.

The fall color show has advanced rapidly. Most portions of northern and central Minnesota are past peak, however, a few areas remain at peak. Much of southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities vicinity is at or near peak fall color and very colorful. Please note that recent rain and high winds may have caused a large amount of leaves to fall in some areas.

If you are out leaf peeping, please share your photos and tag them #OnlyinMN.

Most areas of northeastern Minnesota are now past peak. Some areas, however, continue to display beautiful shades of yellow, gold, orange and red in late-changing trees and understory shrubs.

While most areas of northwestern Minnesota are now past peak, there are some areas that continue to display beautiful shades of yellow, gold, orange and red in late-changing trees and understory shrubs.

Most areas of central Minnesota are past peak, but a few areas remain at peak fall color. Look for vibrant red, orange, peach, apricot and yellow in the forest canopies and understory shrubs.

• Lake Carlos State Park, Carlos, north of Alexandria
• Crow Wing State Park, Brainerd
• Glendalough State Park, Battle Lake

Fall color has progressed rapidly and peak fall color can be found in many areas of the Twin Cities. Most maples continue to display red, orange or peach-colored leaves, and the sumac and vines are a vibrant crimson red. Landscapes are saturated with golden-yellow fall color found in the ash, cottonwood, elm, hackberry and other tree species.

• William O'Brien State Park, Marine on St. Croix
• Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

Bright yellow, orange and red leaves fill the forests and landscapes throughout southern Minnesota with many areas at or approaching peak fall color. Look for brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow, especially in south-central and southeastern Minnesota.

• Myre-Big Island State Park, Albert Lea
• Camden State Park, Lynd/southwest of Marshall
• Sakatah Lake State Park, Waterville

Have something else in mind?
OUR EXPERT TRAVEL COUNSELORS CAN HELP!