Explore Minnesota Fall Color Report for October 18
Depending on weather conditions, good fall color could linger for another week or so in southeastern Minnesota. For the most current conditions, please check out
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/current_conditions/index.htmlSome of the nicest fall color can currently be found at Beaver Creek Valley, Carley, Forestville/Mystery Cave, Frontenac, Great River Bluffs, Minnesota Valley and Nerstrand Big Woods state parks.
Please note that fall color conditions can change rapidly due to wind, rain and frost. Please call ahead for the most current conditions.
==========================
NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA
All areas within this region of the state are now past peak, with leaves falling rapidly.
================================
NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
All areas within this region of the state are now past peak, with leaves falling rapidly.
==================================
TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Three Rivers Park District -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
The sugar maples of the Big Woods Forest areas at Baker, Carver, Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek, and Lake Rebecca Park Reserves are past their peak overall, however many individual trees are retaining their yellow to pink-crimson leaves. By far the most showy of large trees at this time are the northern red oaks, which range from maroon to bright red. The aspen, silver maple and some paper birch are holding onto their bright yellow foliage. The fall colors of 2007 were relatively subdued due to summer drought conditions, but the color display has been extended beyond normal due to the recent wet and warm conditions. It is unusual to have so many trees retaining their fall color past mid-October, so this weekend is again a wonderful time to explore the forests of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. And look, and listen, for the red-winged blackbirds that are congregating in deafening numbers as they prepare for their winter migration!
Minnesota Valley State Park -Jordan
The trees and shrubs are rapidly changing color, and fall color is reported to be at 80 percent. Many trees are now bright yellow and orange, with some maples adding shades of red to the landscape. For excellent views of the fall color, consider canoeing the Minnesota River, or traveling the hiking or horseback riding trails along the Minnesota Valley State Trail near Jordan. Peak fall color is projected to occur this weekend.
Fort Snelling State Park -St. Paul
There is an overall 80-90 percent change along the Minnesota and Mississippi River valleys within the park. Unfortunately, fall color is very muted this year due to the drought this past summer. Many leaves have fallen from the trees, but yellows and green can be seen throughout the valley.
Afton State Park -Afton, N of Hastings
Park officials report past peak conditions. The maples, ash and sumac are all past peak, and most of the colorful leaves are now on the ground. The oaks, however, are turning color late this year, with more than half still green. The river valley is dominated by oak trees, therefore fall color will continue to develop in these areas for the next couple of weeks. For the nicest fall color views, check the high overlooks over the river valley. Robins, bluebirds and other songbirds can be seen in flocks as they prepare to travel south. Although the brighter colored leaves may have fallen to the ground, the oaks will be reaching their peak color over the next week or two.
==================
SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park -Nerstrand, S of Northfield
Park officials report near peak conditions within the park foliage. Most maples are past peak, however some are just beginning to turn. The yellow canopy is thinning. The oaks are turning shades of rust and maroon. The prairie grasses have turned a rich gold and bronze. The nicest fall color views are along the woodland edges and in the open areas. The Hidden Falls area offers nice fall color, and the waterfall is impressive since the recent heavy rains.
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, S of Red Wing
An overall 80-100 percent change is being reported in the trees and shrubs. The picnic area and the bluff side trails offer the best fall color views. Park officials expect peak fall color to arrive within the park, and along Hwy 61 from Red Wing to Winona, this weekend, October 19-21.
Great River Bluffs State Park -S of Winona
A 75 percent color change is being observed in the park foliage. Recent wind and rain have brought down many of the colorful leaves, however the maple trees and the late-changing sumac are holding onto their yellow, orange and red leaves. Very little color change has been observed in the oak trees. The native grasses are now fully copper in color. The entrance road and the prairie areas currently offer the nicest fall color views. Peak fall color is projected to occur roughly October 20.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park -Caledonia
Trees in the bluff areas are at roughly 75-100 percent peak fall color. The leaves on the trees in the valley areas are now past peak, with some pockets of good fall color remaining. For the best fall color views, hit the park roads and trails. Overall, the nicest fall color should be visible this weekend.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park -Preston
Seventy percent of the leaves have changed color. The red oaks are rapidly changing color, and range from yellow to orange to deep red. The oaks should be at peak fall color this weekend. The aspen are at peak shades of yellow. Some of the sugar maples are holding onto their bright yellow leaves. The dogwood shrubs are exhibiting peak shades of reddish-purple. Many beautiful orange patches of blue beech trees can also be found. Most of the trees in the valley have shed their leaves, but the hillsides are alive with color. The Sandbank Trail to the overlook, the Sinkhole Ridge Trail, the Rock Slumps Trail and Fern Loop currently offer the best color. The drive to Mystery Cave should also be good for lots of fall color in the oaks. Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville tours will be offered each Saturday and Sunday through the end of October, as well as Thursday and Friday, October 18 & 19. Peak fall color will most likely occur this weekend, October 19-21.
Carley State Park -Plainview, NE of Rochester
Roughly 60 percent of the leaves have changed color. The oaks, which dominate many hillsides, are showing more color, but have not reached their peak. The oranges and reds of late sugar maples, the yellows of the aspen, cottonwood and birch, combined with the changing oaks, make the landscape stunning. The native grasses are adding to the fall color show, and are at peak shades of copper and gold. The first tundra swans should arrive any day now on the nearby Mississippi River pools. Thousands will gather over the next few weeks as they build up energy reserves for the remainder of their trip. Overall fall color will be very good, though somewhat spotty, this weekend. Beautiful fall oak color should last through the end of October as long as the area does not experience heavy wind, rain or hard frosts.
Most other areas within this region of the state are now past peak, with leaves falling rapidly.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
