September 16, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fall Color Report
State forestry and climatology officials predict a stunning fall color season! Color has been subdued over the last four years due to dry conditions, however, this summer offered the right amount of precipitation and sunshine for healthy trees and good pigment development in the leaves. At present, various wildflowers are at full bloom, and the many types of native grasses are adding rich shades of gold, maroon and rusty-purple to the landscape. While most trees and shrubs are in the early stages of their fall transformation, it won't be long until the canopy is filled with glorious fall color.
Typically, peak fall color 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. Some forestry officials expect peak fall color to arrive slightly earlier than usual.
Please note that fall color conditions can change rapidly due to wind, rain and frost. This report will be updated each Thursday afternoon during the fall color season, with additional updates as conditions warrant. Information in this report has been provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, as well as Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.
Overall, most state park officials report a 10-25% change in the trees and shrubs at parks within this region of the state.
Scenic State Park -Bigfork, north of Grand Rapids
Park officials report that 10-25% of the ash and maples are beginning to turn yellow and orange. Some tamaracks are showing some signs of yellowing. Visit the historic lodge and get a good view of Coon Lake, or hike the Chase Point Tail to see the fall transformation. Watch for the river otters that can be seen playing along the shore of the esker between Coon and Sandwick lakes. And black bear have been seen on the north end of the park. Peak fall color is typically the last weekend in September and first weekend in October.
Bear Head Lake State Park -Ely
The maple trees are full of lots of bright red leaves. The birch are turning nice shades of yellow, and the underbrush ranges from green to yellow to red. The goldenrod and black-eyed Susan continue to bloom. The County Road 128 drive is very beautiful, and the many trails will provide great views of the lakes and wooded surroundings. It is a great time to camp and hike at "America's Favorite Park!"
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, south of Grand Marais
Maples are just starting to show their colors, especially further inland away from Lake Superior. Current flowers at full bloom include pearly everlasting, aster, and goldenrod. Take a short walk to the Cascade River to view the waterfalls and the first glimpse of fall color. A longer hike to Lookout Mountain will offer views of the Cascade River Valley, Lake Superior, and the inland hills filled with colorful maple trees. The salmon run will begin in the Cascade River in the next day or so, and it is an amazing sight to see!
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
Some fall color is appearing in the birch and balsam poplar, and roughly 10-25% of the park foliage is displaying fall color. Adding to the colorful display, are berries of the Mountain Ash, High Bush Cranberry, Choke Cherry, and Bane Berry, which are a brilliant red and a striking contrast to the lingering green. A hike along the Gooseberry River provides the best opportunity to view fall color at this time. Also of interest are the many blooming wildflowers, including daisy, pearly everlasting, asters, brown-eyed Susan, sunflower, tansy, goldenrod, fireweed, and birds-foot trefoil, which have turned the landscape many shades of yellow.
Jay Cooke State Park -Carlton, south of Duluth
The ash trees are starting to turn yellow. Orange and red are appearing in a few stressed maple trees, and well as in the bracken fern. Blooming wildflowers include white daisies, and yellow goldenrod and sunflowers. The best views can be found along the north edge of the St. Louis River on Highway 210, from Carlton to Fon du Lac. While in the area, September 17-19, don't miss Hawk Weekend at nearby Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve in Duluth.
Northwest Minnesota
Overall, most state park officials report a 25-50% change in the trees and shrubs at parks within this region of the state.
Hayes Lake State Park -southeast of Roseau
Several trees along the road entering the park are starting to take on shades of yellow. Some leaves are already falling and adding the smell of fall to the air. Head down to the fishing pier for an amazing view of Hayes Lake, some nice fall color, and some great fall fishing!
Lake Bronson State Park -Lake Bronson, far northwest corner of Minnesota
What a difference a week can make! Park officials report a 25-50% change in the leaves. While the aspen are nearly 100% golden, the oaks remain mostly green. Asters are still in bloom along the trails. The shores of Lake Bronson always offer a picturesque view of the fall transformation.
Lake Bemidji State Park -Bemidji
The Virginia creeper is full of bright red leaves, and asters and goldenrods are at full bloom in the open areas. The tamaracks in some parts of the bog have turned golden. The cattails and grasses are nearing peak shades of gold and rust. The park trails are best to observe the many signs of fall. Fall color at Lake Bemidji State Park is expected to reach peak in the next 10-12 days.
Buffalo River State Park -Glyndon, east of Moorhead
The prairie view trails are currently the best places to view a variety of blooming wildflowers. More than half of the prairie grasses have turned golden, including the stunning big bluestem. Park staff report that 10-25% of the trees and shrubs have now turned color.
Central Region
Overall, most state park officials report a 10-25% change in the trees and shrubs at parks within this region of the state.
Maplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
The Indian and big bluestem grasses have turned golden. Assorted goldenrods, asters, and sunflowers are dotting the landscape with bright yellow blooms. The sumac has turned brilliant shades of red. The leaves in the canopy are just starting to turn shades of yellow and orange. Head to the prairie restoration areas along the park drive, and the park road near Bass Lake for the best views of the fall transformation. And don't miss the Friends of Maplewood Leaf Days event, September 25 & 26, and October 2 & 3, when great food, beverages, nature walks, and open-air wagon rides will be offered.
Savanna Portage State Park -McGregor
A few more red and yellow patches, including some very vibrant coral colors, have emerged within the park. Wild sunflowers, goldenrods, Joe pye weed and asters continue to bloom. The underbrush is a patchwork of gold, green and brown, enhanced by pinkish-purple and gold hazel. Loon Lake, Wolf Lake, and the various park roads offer the most color. Migrating birds are stopping to rest on Wolf Lake. A moose was also been spotted here just this week!
Lake Carlos State Park - Alexandria
Seas of Indian and big bluestem grasses are lovely shades of gold and rust on the prairie trails. Wooded trails offer views of the fall leaf colors. The Virginia creeper and sumac are adding splashes of brilliant red to the landscape. The prairie restoration area on the Prairie Pothole Trail, a walk in the woods to Hidden Lake, and a trip to Inspiration Peak are recommended for the nicest fall color views. Inspiration Peak is roughly 25-miles northeast of Lake Carlos, and the 1/4-mile hike to the top of the hill offers an amazing view. And visitors will also enjoy the annual Lake Carlos Winery Grape Stomp this weekend, September 17-19.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park -Onamia
The black ash trees are at their peak, although they comprise only about 10% of the forest. Green ash are at full color, and a few red maples are beginning to display bright orange and red leaves. Some wildflowers continue to bloom. A drive along the main park road will provide a glimpse of the first fall colors. Walk the 1/2-mile Touch the Earth self-guided interpretive trail, or the 3/4-mile Kathio Landmark Trail along the Ogechie Lake shoreline for the nicest views. The red maples are usually at their peak the last week in September, and fall color should be stunning on Kathio Archaeology Day, Saturday, September 25.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Overall, most park officials report a 10-25% change in the trees and shrubs at parks within this region of the state.
Wild River State Park -Almelund, east of North Branch
The red-tinted big bluestem is nicely accented with yellow goldenrod, naked sunflower, and the last of the purple blazing star in the various park prairies. Purple asters and a few daisy fleabane can still be seen along roadsides and wooded trails. The ash trees are starting to show a hint of yellow, and a few maples are beginning to turn red, orange and yellow. It won't be long until the canopy is filled with fall color! Enjoy an easy mile walk around the Amik's Pond loop to view the remaining wildflowers, or take a stroll through the 5-foot big bluestem. The changing leaves can best be seen along the 0.3 mile walk from the picnic grounds to the old Nevers Dam site. Bring a picnic lunch or stay a while and relax along the shores of the St. Croix River. And on Saturday, September 18, enjoy a variety of fun fall activities at the park, including an Amik's Pond Hike, Lookin' at Leaves, and Whooo's Calling -Minnesota Owls.
Afton State Park -Afton, north of Hastings
The seed heads in the tall grass prairie areas are a rich golden-brown. As the season progresses, they will turn purple, and then blue. Other colors that are starting to appear include the red and violet of the sumac and cherry. Some of the maples are just beginning to display bright yellow and orange. The asters are still holding onto their blue, violet and white blooms. The drive into the park will take you past golden brown fields of tall grass prairie, and a variety of trail loops will take you through the wooded valleys along the St. Croix River. Visitors will also enjoy the increasing flocks of birds that are gathering within the park. Eagles are often seen soaring along the river valley. The apple harvest is ahead of schedule, and many varieties are available at the numerous local orchards.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum -Chaska/Chanhassen
The leaves have started to turn, and there should be a 5-15% change in color this week. The reds and yellows are equally prominent in the display. At this time, it appears that peak color will arrive the first week in October. Highlights include bright yellow, orange and red sugar maples, and various shades of yellow in the American elms, green ash and basswood. The dogwoods and viburnums are a rich maroon, and the sumac, burning bush, dwarf pear and dwarf bush honeysuckle are shades of bright and deep red. The Ohio buckeye and ironwood have turned russet in color. The prairie is bursting with color as a result of the abundant yellow goldenrod, sunflower, ox-eye and black-eyed Susans, as well as the many white, blue and purple asters. And the prairie grasses are adding gold, russet and maroon to the landscape. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a rare opportunity to view a wide variety of plants and shrubs in the midst of turning all shades of glorious fall color!
Three Rivers Park District -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
The fall color season is just underway. Look for the occasional sugar maple tinged with crimson and gold leaves, and the many golden yellow aspen, green ash, and locust. The sumac and some Virginia creeper vines are layered with burgundy leaves.
Southern Minnesota
Overall, most state park officials in southeastern Minnesota report a 0-10% change in the trees and shrubs. Parks in southwestern Minnesota are reported to have a 10-25% change in the foliage.
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, south of Red Wing
Stiff and Canada goldenrod, rough sunflowers, and blazing star are in bloom. The big bluestem grasses are at their peak shades of bronze. For flowers and grasses, hit the Prairie Loop Trail. Some of the trees are already turning color. Visitors will also enjoy a Nature Hike through wildflower areas this Saturday, September 18, beginning at the park campground at 10:00 a.m.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park -Caledonia
The ash and walnut trees are already dropping their leaves. Maples are almost at peak fall color in the valley. Fall flowers, such as asters and goldenrod, are in full bloom. For the best views of the emerging fall color, travel to the overlook on the Switchback Trail, and all along the Beaver Creek Trail. Also consider a drive to the Hwy 26 overlook near Brownsville to see the fall bird migrations.
Sakatah Lake State Park -Waterville, west of Faribault
Much of the foliage is still green, but a bit of yellow is developing in the ash and hickory, with some orange, red and yellow appearing in a few of the maples. Sumac and Virginia creeper are adding nice shades of red. A wide variety of flowers are blooming, including sunflowers, goldenrods, purple asters, snakeroot, jewelweed and blazing star. Walking or biking along the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail gives you a nice cross-section of color within the park. You can observe trees, shrubs and flowers along this trail. The fishing pier offers a panoramic view of the lakeshore. The park rents canoes, and there is good fishing from shore. You can also check out fishing poles, tackle, birding kits, and GPS units.
Flandrau State Park -New Ulm
The Bluebird and Grassland trails feature a variety of blooming wildflowers, including bottle gentian, woodland sunflower, goldenrod, New England aster, spotted touch-me-not, and blue lobelia. The two patches of spotted touch-me-nots along the Bluebird Trail which are attracting many hummingbirds. And be sure to check out Indian Point for wildflowers, native prairie grasses, and the best overlook in the park!
Kilen Woods State Park -Lakefield, north of Jackson
In the prairie you can see big and little blue stem grass, Indian grass, leadplant, goldenrod, and the park's most abundant flower, the prairie clover. On the overlook, you can see mainly oak and ash forest, with some cottonwood and American linden interspersed. The cottonwood trees are starting to show their yellow fall colors, and the sumac is developing bright red leaves. Consider a walk through the prairie to see some late summer flowers that continue to bloom, as well as the many blooming fall flowers. The overlook offers beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley.
Blue Mounds State Park -Luverne
While few of the trees and shrubs are displaying fall color, the prairie grasses have turned wonderful shades of rusty-purple. The goldenrods, asters and sunflowers are painting the trails and roadsides yellow. The hiking trails provide nice views of the grasses and blooming wildflowers. And don't miss the Bison Auction on Friday, October 1, when approximately 30 bison will be sold to bidders.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Voyageurs National Park, the Three Rivers Park District, and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum."
