This Week's Best Fall Color - Final Report

This is your 2021 Minnesota Fall Color Update, brought to you by Explore Minnesota.

Please note that this is the final fall color update of the 2021 fall color season. Be sure to keep your subscription active so you don't miss a beat on next year's fall color news!

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, check official event or attraction websites for possible changes or closures. Prior to travel, visit Explore Minnesota's COVID-19 Information page.

More seasonable temperatures and abundant sunshine have enhanced fall colors in areas at or approaching peak fall color. Spectacular shades of vivid yellow, orange and red can be found throughout Minnesota's southeast corner, as well as some areas of the Twin Cities. Portions of central Minnesota also offer pockets of bright yellow and rich golden-orange color.

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

Peak fall color has arrived in southeastern Minnesota! Don't miss the vibrant yellow, orange and red trees that fill the steep bluffs, deep valleys and vast forests of this region of the state. Stunning color should remain for another week or two so you'll want to head out soon. Also enjoy numerous programs at state parks in southern Minnesota over MEA weekend!

• Frontenac State Park, Frontenac/south of Red Wing
• Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, Preston
• Whitewater State Park, Altura/south of Elba
• Rice Lake State Park, Owatonna

Many areas of the Twin Cities are at or just past peak fall color. Those with maple-basswood forests are past peak but still very colorful. Areas dominated by oak trees should be at peak this weekend. Pockets of vibrant orange and red maples, as well as rich orange and red oaks should remain at their prime for the next week or so.

• Afton State Park, Afton/north of Hastings
• Three Rivers Park District, various parks throughout the Twin Cities
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska
• Wild River State Park, Center City/east of North Branch

Most areas of central Minnesota are past peak, but the forests and understory remain vibrant orange and yellow in some locations.

All areas of northeast Minnesota are past peak, but pockets of nice fall color can still be found scattered throughout the region.

Have something else in mind?
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