Minnesota Fall Color Report for October 4
Some of the nicest fall color can currently be found at Camden, Gooseberry Falls, Lake Maria and Wild River state parks.
On average, peak fall color arrives in the northern one-third of the state the middle of 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 Drive, where trees along Lake Superior turn color a week later than inland trees due to the warming effect of the lake.
Please note that fall color conditions can change rapidly due to wind, rain and frost. Please call ahead for the most current conditions.
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NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
Franz Jevne State Park -Birchdale, W of International Falls
The ash and balsam poplar trees are a golden yellow, and maples vary in color from orange to red. The sphagnum mosses, shrubs and forbes have turned shades of red, orange and yellow along the bog boardwalk. For the nicest fall color views, travel the park trail that runs just above the Rainy River shoreline. Other excellent viewing locations can be found hiking up on the rock outcroppings. Songbirds are migrating through in good numbers. Anglers report that fishing has been excellent on the Rainy River and on Rainy Lake.
McCarthy Beach State Park -Side Lake, N of Hibbing
The maples are just past their peak, with many trees holding onto their bright red and orange leaves. The aspen and birch are almost entirely yellow, and the oaks and dogwoods are adding splashes of red to this golden backdrop. Roughly 90 percent of the trees and shrubs are displaying fall color, and the park is now at its peak. For the nicest fall color views, check out the bay at the end of Side Lake, and the trail along the north side of Pickerel Lake. Eagles can be seen at the beach. McCarthy Beach State Park should remain colorful through this weekend.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park -NE of Grand Marais
Park officials report an 80 percent change in the park foliage. The golds and yellows of the paper birch and aspen are the dominant fall colors at this time. The understory remains full of bright yellow, orange and red leaves. The nicest views are along the Devil’s Kettle Trail close to Lake Superior. And views along Highway 61 are spectacular, especially from the overlooks between Grand Portage and the Canadian Border. Inland roads good for vivid fall color include County Roads 14 & 17, and the Arrowhead Trail. Most of the trees have reached peak fall color. Although leaves are beginning to fall, quite a bit of beautiful fall color remains.
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
The birch, mountain ash and aspen along the Lake Superior shoreline are changing rapidly, and roughly 70 percent are now at peak shades of yellow and orange. The inland maples are past peak, and most of the leaves have now fallen to the ground. Hiking and driving along Highway 61 is beautiful, with lots of yellow and orange trees, interspersed with some bright red in the maples. This coming weekend will be best for the Lake Superior shoreline. Water levels remain high in the North Shore rivers, and the waterfalls are breathtaking. Please note that the campground is typically full each evening, and the parking lots tend to fill up on weekends.
Savanna Portage State Park -McGregor
The area is slightly past peak. Most of the red leaves have fallen, however lots of golden and rust-colored leaves remain above ground. The aspen ridge tops are turning yellow, and should be very nice by the weekend. Most of the oak leaves are now yellow, gold or burgundy, and the fully yellow birch and basswood trees are losing their leaves. The silver maples are holding onto some of their yellow and coral leaves. Pockets of good fall color can still be found along the Continental Divide, Jacobson, Beaver Pond and Lake Shumway trails.
Banning State Park -Sandstone
Park officials report that peak fall color has passed, and roughly 50 percent of the leaves have fallen to the ground. Pockets of nice fall color can still be found along the park roads, Quarry Loop Trail, the “Head of the Rapids” landing, and Minnesota Highway 23 from Banning State Park to Nickerson.
Father Hennepin State Park -Isle
While recent rains and windy weather have accelerated fall color change, they have also caused many leaves to fall. The park is now at or just past peak, and excellent fall color can found throughout the park, especially along the roads, trails and lakeshore.
St. Croix State Park -E of Hinckley
Fall colors are slightly past peak. Most of the maples and all of the birch trees are now bare. The oaks and aspen are now providing the majority of fall color, and full of gold, russet and deep crimson leaves. The best places to view fall color within the park are the entrance road, and in the hardwoods near the firetower.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Old Mill State Park -Argyle
Peak fall color has arrived, and the trees throughout the park are now a variety of colors. Areas of understory shrubs are accented with pink leaves. The best view of the transformation is from on the banks of the Middle River, and along the park trails. This is a great time of year for a picnic, and to travel the seven mile hiking trail through the park. The drumming of the ruffed grouse can be heard echoing through the trees--be prepared for a sudden flash of brown and thumping wing beats as you navigate the trails.
Zipple Bay State Park -Williams, NW of Baudette
The trees and shrubs are now at or slightly past their peak. The aspen trees are at peak shades of yellow and gold. The birch trees are past peak and dropping their leaves. This is a beautiful time of the year to visit the park and hit Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River for some exceptional fall fishing.
Big Bog State Park -Waskish
Peak fall color has arrived. The ash and balsam poplar trees are now golden yellow, and a wonderful contrast to the dark greens of the black spruce. The walk along the bog boardwalk is very colorful due to the sphagnum mosses, shrubs and forbes having turned various shades of orange, red and yellow. The Old Caribou Camp Trail in the North Unit of the Park is also excellent for fall color viewing. Large numbers of songbirds are migrating through the park. Anglers are enjoying good fishing action on Upper Red Lake and in the Tamarac River. Five camper cabins with gas fireplace heat and electricity are available year-round, and great for fall color visitors. The campground along the Tamarac River will remain open all fall with electrical hookups. Although the park is at its peak, the bog boardwalk area will not reach peak for another week or so.
Itasca State Park -NW of Park Rapids
The oak and aspen are now at peak, roughly one to one and one-half weeks early! The big tooth and trembling aspen are turning lovely shades of gold, with hints of peach in some trees. The red oaks have developed more burnt brown and red tones this year. Overall, the landscape is stunning shades of yellow, brown and burnt red. The maples, birch, basswood, ash and balsam poplar are past peak, with many trees now bare. The best views of the tall overstory aspens and oaks are from any vista, lake or pond. The South Entrance offers gorgeous views overlooking Josephine, Arco and Mary lakes. Also check out the vistas along Itasca, Ozawindib and Elk lakes. If the winds subside, good fall color should linger through the weekend. Please note that Douglas Lodge will remain open for lodging and dining through October 7.
Maplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
Peak has come and gone, but some spots of some nice color remain throughout the park. The park drive, in particular, has some very nice pockets of yellow and orange trees and shrubs. Maplewood State Park is reknowned for its brilliant orange, gold, and red maple forests during the fall season, as well as its eight lakes and many ponds. The Friends of Maplewood State Park will celebrate Leaf Days, October 6 & 7, when visitors can enjoy a variety of foods and refreshments after a hike, bike or canopy-covered wagon ride through the park to view the remaining fall color.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park -Little Falls
An overall 75-80 percent change is being reported. The maples, ash and sumac are just past peak, and starting to lose their leaves. The native grasses remain very golden. Travel the park roads and trails for the nicest fall color views.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park -Onamia
Most of the park foliage is now past peak, with the nicest fall color occurring last weekend. The ash trees are mostly bare. The red and sugar maples are past peak, with some trees holding onto their bright red and orange leaves. The quaking aspen trees are almost fully yellow and gold. One-half of the large-toothed aspen have turned yellow, and most of the red oaks have changed color, however many are primarily brown.
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Lake Maria State Park -Monticello
Park officials report a 75 percent change in the park foliage. The cottonwood and ash trees are displaying yellow and gold leaves. The sumac shrubs are now shades of red and maroon. Many maples have reached peak, and are now entirely bright red, orange or yellow. The prairie grasses are at peak shades of gold and rusty red. Wildflowers now in bloom include white and purple asters, and yellow goldenrod. For the best fall color views, hit the forest edges, lakeshores and wetlands. Trumpeter swans are common in the park, and otters can be seen in Lake Maria. Many fall warblers are migrating through the park. This weekend may be best for fall color viewing.
Three Rivers Park District parks -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
Beautiful fall colors are emerging in the forest trees and shrubs, and peak fall color is expected to arrive sometime between October 10th and October 15th. At present, roughly 30 percent of the sugar maples are exhibiting flame-yellow, fluorescent-orange or vibrant red leaves. The oaks are turning earlier than normal, with some red oaks now a deep red, and the white oaks turning their honey-russet and auburn hues. The ash, birch, basswood, hickory, hackberry and ironwood are at varying stages of mustard-yellow to soft-wheat tones. The sumac, dogwoods, high-bush cranberry and nannyberry frame the woodland edges with a mosaic of green to bright red. Woodland songbirds and waterfowl continue to migrate through the area.
Fort Snelling State Park -St. Paul
There is an overall 60 percent change in the park foliage, with some species of trees now at their peak. Various shades of yellow are visible throughout the river valley, however many of the leaves have already fallen due to recent heavy rains.
Wild River State Park -Center City, E of North Branch
Approximately 85 percent of the trees have changed color. The maples are currently at peak shades of yellow, orange and red. The oaks are developing hints of orange, red and russet, and could be very nice by this weekend. Most understory trees and shrubs are now fully yellow, orange or red. The prairie grasses are nearing peak shades of rust and gold. The Visitor Center deck is an excellent observation point. Also check out the river trail, Amik's Pond loop, and the Amador Prairie loop trails. The minimum maintenance road, County Road 81, running south from the park entrance, passes through some of the best sugar maple stands. Park officials also report that the first Dark-eyed Juncos to be noted migrating through the park were seen Monday, October 1. Wild River's campground continues to fill most weekends--reservations are recommended, especially for electric campsites. The end of this week and this weekend should be best for peak fall color at Wild River.
William O'Brien State Park -Marine on St. Croix, N of Stillwater
Roughly 70 percent of the trees and shrubs have changed color. Most leaves have turned yellow or brown, but some trees are adding red and orange to the mix. Unfortunately, recent winds have brought down many of the leaves. The little and big prairie bluestem grasses are adding a bluish tint to the open areas. For some of the nicest fall color views, hit the Prairie Overlook Trail which travels through hardwoods, oak savanna and upland prairie, as well as offering spectacular views of the St. Croix River valley. Peak fall color typically occurs the first weekend in October, and it appears this will be the case this year.
Afton State Park -Afton, N of Hastings
Park officials report a 10-25 percent change in the leaves. A few of the sugar maples have turned red and orange, however many of the colored leaves have now fallen due to recent rainfall. High overlooks across the river valley offer views of mostly light green and yellow forests, speckled with occasional red and orange trees. Visitors will also want to check out the ST. CROIX VALLEY APPLE FESTIVAL taking place at various apple orchards in the area on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 & 7, with apple- and pumpkin-picking, crafts, music, apple cider-pressing demonstrations, face painting, a corn maze, hayrides and farm animals. To find out more, dial 651/436-8385, or check out
www.aftonapple.com=====================
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park -Nerstrand, S of Northfield
Park officials report a 30 percent change in the park foliage. Some of the upper canopy has turned shades of yellow and orange. The sumac and Virginia creeper vines are at peak, and range from red to purple. The Indian grasses are at peak shades of bronze and rust. The New England asters are at full bloom, with beautiful deep purple blooms on a 4-foot stem. Other varieties of asters also continue to bloom. The nicest fall color views are along the woodland edges and in the open areas. Also head to Hidden Falls, where trees are now at peak shades of yellow, orange and red. And on Saturday and Sunday, October 6 & 7, visitors will also enjoy an Autumn Adventure, Flea Market and Woolen Mill Fall Festival in nearby Faribault.
Great River Bluffs State Park -S of Winona
A 30 percent color change is being observed in the park foliage. The ash and box elder trees are dropping their golden leaves. Most of the sumac is now fully red, maroon or orange. Some species of maples have turned yellow, orange or red. The oaks remain green. The native grasses are turning golden. Coneflower and showy goldenrod mixed with asters line the entrance road, and are beautiful in the goat prairies. Peak fall color is projected to occur the 2nd and 3rd weekend in October. Camping reservations are recommended on the weekends.
Carley State Park -Plainview, NE of Rochester
Roughly 45 percent of the leaves have changed color. Most sugar maples are at their peak. The oaks are beginning to turn their warm fall colors. The native grasses are fully gold and copper, and now at their peak. The late summer blooming wildflowers are beautiful. Migration continues to increase. Wood duck numbers are high. Sharp-shinned hawks can still be seen heading south. Good numbers of white pelicans and great egrets are visible on the Mississippi River, and the first tundra swans should arrive within the next two weeks. Screech owls and great-horned owls have been vocal as they establish their wintering territories. Overall peak fall color will probably occur October 13 & 14, with maples reaching peak the weekend prior, and the oaks peaking the weekend after. Due to flooding at Whitewater State Park, Carley State Park's camping season has been extended through October 21. Whitewater State Park remains closed.
Myre Big Island State Park -Albert Lea
Park officials report a 60 percent change in the maples, ash, cottonwoods and sumacs. The native prairie restoration areas, located east and just south of the park office, offer wonderful views of the grasses and flowers. Peak fall is expected to arrive roughly October 10-15. Visitors to the park this weekend will also want to head to the Freeborn County Fairgrounds in Albert Lea for the 21ST ANNUAL BIG ISLAND RENDEZVOUS & FESTIVAL, held Saturday and Sunday, October 6 & 7. This award-winning early America and fur-trade living history reenactment features over 1000 costumed participants, 250 tents, demonstrations, arts and crafts, children's games, live entertainment, and colonial cuisine! For more information, dial 1-800-658-2526, or visit
www.bigislandfestival.orgSakatah Lake State Park -Waterville, W of Faribault
Over one-half of the trees are now displaying fall color. Most of the trees have turned shades of yellow and gold. Some maple trees are adding splashes of bright red, especially near the campground. The canopy continues to thin due to recent rain and strong winds. The sumac is now past peak, however red and orange leaves remain above ground. Other understory shrubs and vines are adding shades of yellow, light salmon, red and maroon. Sakatah Lake State Park offers five miles of hiking trails and canoe rental. A portion of the paved Sakatah Singing Hills Trail runs through the park. A newly renovated boat landing is also available. Peak fall color will occur roughly October 8-17, with the maples reaching peak earlier, and the oaks peaking somewhat later. Visitors to the park on Friday and Saturday, October 12 & 13, should also take in the HAUNTED CORN MAZE & FEED MILL--LOST IN THE DARK held at nearby Farmamerica in Waseca. For rates and times, dial 507/835-2052, or check out
www.farmamerica.orgSibley State Park -New London, N of Willmar
Wind and rain have brought down many of the colorful leaves, and quite a few ash trees are now bare, along with some basswood, cottonwood and ironwood trees. Many trees also continue to change color, including oaks, maples and aspens. The prairie grasses are at peak shades of rust and bronze. The best vantage point is from the Mount Tom lookout tower, which offers a spectacular view of the lakes, golden fields and surrounding countryside. Fishing has improved now that water temperatures have fallen, with reports of many walleyes, northern pike and panfish being pulled from area lakes. Although the area is not yet at its peak, much of the existing color is now on the ground.
Camden State Park -Lynd, SW of Marshall
Peak fall color has arrived. The transition to fall color is nearly complete for the maples, which are displaying beautiful yellow, orange and red leaves. The cottonwoods are past peak. Most of the oaks remain green. Some areas of sumac are past peak, and some are just beginning to change color. The prairie grasses are fully rust and gold. Many trees in each species have lost their leaves due to recent high winds. To view the remaining fall color, travel to the overlook off of the Indian Creek Trail, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. A number of hummingbirds continue to visit the feeders. Blue birds are migrating through the park. Yellow Shafted Flickers are scouring the ground for insects.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
