In general, many park officials report early fall color appearing in trees that have been stressed by dry conditions. Fall color is also developing in the prairie grasses and fall wildflowers throughout the state. 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
Scenic State Park -Bigfork, N of Grand Rapids
Many maples in and around the park are starting to display red and orange leaves. Some of the birch trees are turning shades of yellow, primarily due to dry conditions. The hazel and other understory shrubs are full of bright yellow and orange leaves. Roughly 15 percent of the trees and shrubs are now changing color, and park officials expect an early fall color season. Various species of asters and goldenrod are in full bloom along the roadsides and hiking trails. Flickers can be seen along the main park drive, and geese are beginning to take flight between Lake of the Isles and Sandwick Lake. Campers should note that reservations are still recommended for the electric sites, and the fire ban has now been lifted. Peak fall color is projected to occur the 2nd or 3rd week of September.
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, S of Grand Marais
The birch and aspen along the shore of Lake Superior are turning shades of yellow. Many of the inland maples have turned muted shades of red and orange due to dry conditions. Maples 1- to 5-miles inland are changing rapidly, and some maples in the Sawtooth Mountains are at 25-30 percent peak fall color. The big bluestem and Indian grasses are turning shades of rust and red in areas surrounding the park. Wildflowers currently in bloom include pearly everlasting and goldenrod. The Cascade River is very low and salmon are staging, but not entering the river. The fire ban is still in effect, and no fires are allowed at Cascade River State Park. Visitors will want to consider a half-mile hike leading to most of the park’s major waterfalls, an eight-mile day hike along the Superior Hiking Trail and Cascade River, and a two-mile hike to and from Lookout Mountain for incredible panoramic views of Lake Superior! Fall color should be best roughly the last two weekends in September.
George Crosby Manitou State Park -Finland
An overall 15 percent change is being reported. The leaves on many of the birch trees, especially those on the ridge tops, have turned brown due to the lack of rain. The mountain maples are starting to turn red along the park roads. The sarsaparilla is also turning color, and the asters and fireweed are at full bloom. Nice fall color can be seen in the sugar maples located in pockets along Highway 1 near Finland. Nighthawks are just beginning to migrate and can be seen during evening hours. Some sandhill cranes have been noted in area fields. The area remains dry, and fire restrictions remain in place--please call ahead for the most current conditions and for further information. Park officials estimate peak fall color to occur the last week of September.
Tettegouche State Park -Silver Bay
The leaves on many of the birch trees, especially those on the ridge tops, have turned brown due to dry conditions. The mountain maples are starting to turn red along the park roads. Overall, a 15 percent change in the park foliage is being reported. Mountain ash are turning brown rather than turning red on Palisade Head. The asters and goldenrod are in bloom. Peak fall color along the North Shore of Lake Superior will probably take place the last week of September. The campground remains very busy, and reservations are encouraged. Please be aware that fire restrictions have been placed.
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
Park officials report approximately 3 percent of the leaves having changed color, primarily due to dry conditions. The native grasses are starting to turn rust, brown and yellow. Yellow and orange are appearing in the ferns. Blooming wildflowers include daisy, pearly everlasting, aster, brown-eyed Susan, sunflower, tansy, goldenrod, fireweed and bird's-foot trefoil. The river trails currently offer the best views of the emerging fall color. Night hawks are beginning to migrate. Trees along Lake Superior typically reach their peak in late September. Please note that the campground has been full each night, and the parking lots fill up on weekends. A mid-week visit to the park will allow more parking options.
Savanna Portage State Park -McGregor
Overall color change is at roughly 5-10 percent. The smaller sugar and red maples are almost entirely pink and red, and the silver maples are starting to turn yellow and pink. Most trees are beginning to lighten, and a slight tinge of orange, red and yellow is appearing in the larger sugar and red maples. Roughly 50 percent of the ash trees have turned yellow and brown, and shades of yellow are appearing in the aspen, basswood and birch. Most of the underbrush is starting to lighten, and turning yellow, purple and pink. The goldenrod and grasses look like seas of gold. The best fall color views are along the Beaver Pond and Loon Lake trails, and near Wolf and Shumway lakes. Wildlife sightings include trumpeter swans, hummingbirds, goldfinches, hawks, evening grosbeaks, and lots of deer. Peak fall color is expected to arrive early this year due to dry conditions, and park officials estimate that the 3rd or 4th weekend in September may be best for peak fall color.
Banning State Park -Sandstone
Some of the maple, birch and aspen trees are beginning to change color. The big bluestem grasses are also turning color, and exhibiting shades of red and gold. Blooming wildflowers include goldenrod and asters. At present, the best places to view the emerging fall color are the park roads, Quarry Loop Trail and the “Head of the Rapids” landing. Peak fall color is projected to occur October 1, and linger for roughly two weeks.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Lake Bronson State Park -Lake Bronson, far NW corner of Minnesota
Park officials report an overall 10 percent change in the leaves. The boxelders and green ash are turning vibrant shades of yellow. The smooth sumac along the road near the east boat landing and along the Aspen Parklands Interpretive Trail are glazed in red. The mid-story chokecherry leaves are a stunning red and yellow. The Indian and big bluestem grasses are now at peak shades of red and orange in the prairies. The goldenrod, prairie coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, blazing star and aster species are adding even more color to the landscape. Any of the park's roads and trails will offer good views of the emerging fall color. Sandhill cranes have been seen and heard flying over the park. Peak fall color typically occurs around October 1.
Hayes Lake State Park -S of Roseau
Some trees and shrubs are beginning to show signs of the fall season. Some of the paper birch, ash, and elms are starting to turn yellow in the overstory. In the understory, red and yellow leaves are emerging. The big bluestem grasses are at full growth and displaying shades of rust and bronze along the roadsides. Wildflowers now in full bloom include goldenrod, asters and gentians. The best viewing areas are the picnic areas, campground, roads and trails within the park. Beltrami Island State Forest, located directly east of the park, is also a great place for fall color and wildlife sightings. Fishing on Hayes Lake has been very good, with nice-sized fish being reported. There is also a chance to see lots of migrating birds, black bear and timberwolves. Peak fall color is projected to occur roughly September 16.
Old Mill State Park -Argyle, NW of Thief River Falls
Roughly 25 percent of the trees are turning bright yellow, and especially bright along the trails. The understory along the northern hiking trail is accented with pink leaves. Wildflowers currently in bloom include goldenrod, bottle gentian and aster. High bush cranberries and rose hips are adding spots of red throughout the park. The best views of the leaf transformation are along the banks of the Middle River. For blooming wildflowers, walk the self-interpretive hiking trail near the parking lot. There are seven miles of hiking trails within the park. Echoing calls of sandhill cranes can be heard most mornings. Ruffed grouse can be seen lingering on the trails, and the white flash of a flicker is a common sight. Peak fall color typically arrives the last two weeks of September.
Itasca State Park -NW of Park Rapids
There is an overall 10 percent change in the leaves. The smaller red maples are turning red, with several "blazing red" trees along Wilderness Drive. The small paper birch are showing a hint of yellow, and the ash trees continue to turn a golden yellow. In the drier areas, even the tamaracks are beginning to show signs of gold. The understory trees and shrubs are also contributing to the fall color, and adding shades of pink, yellow, orange, red, mauve and peach. Flowers that continue to bloom include various species of goldenrod and asters. Recent animal sightings include white-tailed deer and their fawns, a fox, turtles, tiger salamanders, flocks of geese, and even a black bear. Lake Itasca has two peak color periods--roughly the last week of September for the maples, basswood and birch, and the first and second weeks of October for the oaks and aspen.
Buffalo River State Park -Glyndon, E of Moorhead
Roughly 10 percent of the leaves are beginning to turn color. The majority of fall color can currently be found in the big bluestem grasses, and various wildflowers, which can be viewed throughout the park. Fall color should reach peak roughly the first week in October.
Maplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
Dry conditions seem to have lead to an early and somewhat muted color change. Many of the basswood trees were infested with forest tent caterpillars last spring, and developed a thin canopy. These trees are turning early, and exhibiting more brown than yellow. An overall 30 percent fall color change is being reported in the park foliage. The prairie grasses are now at peak shades of rust and gold.
Glendalough State Park -Battle Lake
Some patches of color are appearing in the trees. The prairie grasses have turned nice shades of red, orange, purple and brown, depending on type and location. Wild sunflowers and goldenrods are at full bloom. The pink prairie onion continues to bloom on Prairie Hill, and purple asters are blooming in the woods. The blue lobelia is at peak on the Beaver Pond Trail. There are two cabins with heat and electricity for fall camping. Peak fall color is projected to occur the first week of October.
Glacial lakes State Park -Starbuck, S of Alexandria
The ash trees are displaying more yellow leaves each morning. The sumacs along the park entrance are just starting to turn red and orange. Goldenrod and blazing star are adding beautiful yellow and purple to the landscape. A Buckthorn Bash will be offered at the park on Sunday, September 9, with crafts for the kids, guided hikes, demonstrations, and food and refreshments to celebrate the end of a ten year project to remove all buckthorn! Peak fall color typically arrives early to mid-October.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park -Little Falls
Very little fall color change is being reported. At present, visitors will enjoy the abundance of fall wildflowers blooming throughout the park, including lots of beautiful blue asters and bottle gentians. Visitors to the park will also want to consider a trip to the 35th Anniversary Little Falls Arts & Craft Fair, taking place Saturday and Sunday, September 8 & 9. This is one of the largest craft fairs in Minnesota, featuring over 700 fine artists and crafters, as well as 50 food booths, live music and entertainment.
Crow Wing State Park -Brainerd
The prairie grasses have turned nice shades of reddish-brown. Wildflowers currently in bloom include blue and white asters, many goldenrods, and dark purple bottle gentians. A tinge of fall color is appearing in the park trees and understory, however this is mostly due to dry conditions. For the best fall color views, check the restored prairie area and the Red River Oxcart Trail. Turkeys and their poults, sandhill cranes and tree swallows are becoming more active and visible. Park officials estimate the arrival of peak fall color to occur the last week in September.
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Lake Maria State Park -Monticello
Park officials report a 5 percent change in the park foliage. The cottonwood and ash trees are beginning to display yellow and gold leaves. The sumac shrubs are turning shades of red. The prairie grasses have turned golden. Wildflowers now in bloom include 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. An otter was recently observed in Lake Maria, and many fall warblers can be seen migrating through the park. A program on the health of our forests and the threats from the emerald ash borer will be offered Saturday, September 8, at 10 a.m. Peak fall color typically occurs the first 10 days of October.
Interstate State Park -Taylors Falls
The tops of sugar maples are showing patches of red. The basswood and elm are starting to turn yellow. From various overlooks, the valley appears predominantly green, however a touch of yellow, orange and red can now be observed. All of the roads leading to Taylors Falls provide views of the valley. The prominent sugar maples at the north entrance parking lot are turning nice shades of red. The Sandstone Bluffs Trail provides an excellent overlook of the valley for those that enjoy rigorous hiking. The less demanding River Trail provides beautiful overlooks of the St. Croix River. Please remember that canoe rental and Scenic Boat Tours from Wild Mountain will be offered through October 14. Peak fall color is projected to occur September 22 through October 7.
Afton State Park -Afton, N of Hastings
The wooded trails are turning yellow as the box elder and cottonwood leaves change color. Some leaves are falling before they fully change color due to dry conditions. The understory is turning nice shades of red. Isolated maple trees are beginning to show nice fall color on the tips of the leaves. Some birch trees are displaying a hint of color, with leaves falling when the wind picks up. The rich amber and gold big bluestem and Indian grasses are nearing full height and dominate the prairie. Yellow goldenrod, small purple asters and blazing star continue to bloom. The bluebirds, warblers and other migratory birds are busy feeding throughout the park. Wild turkey and deer sightings are common during early morning and evening hours. Late September and early October is typically best for fall color at Afton State Park.
Three Rivers Park District parks -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties.
Autumn colors are in the early stages. Sumac leaves are turning red and their yellow fruit is ripening. The Virginia Creeper is also starting to turn red. Trees located in areas having received the least amount of precipitation from mid-May through early August are showing signs stress, and exhibiting premature fall color--many leaves have turned brown instead of their usual bright fall color. Native prairie grasses, such as the big bluestem and Indian grasses, are turning shades of gold and rust. The stiff goldenrod and showy goldenrod are adding bright yellow to the mix. Visitors to the Crow-Hassan Park Reserve prairie will observe blazing star plants covered with monarch butterflies. Peak fall color in the native forest trees is expected to occur October 3-10. If dry conditions affect trees in the same manner as during the drought of 1988 then fall color change may be less dramatic in most tree species. The oaks, however, were spectacular in the autumn of 1988.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Great River Bluffs State Park -S of Winona
A 2 percent color change is being reported in the birch and sumac. Please note that the recent heavy rains have not damaged Great River Bluffs, and all facilities remain open. Camping reservations are recommended on the weekends during summer months and the fall color season.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park -Preston
Drought conditions have lead to early fall color changes in the sugar maples, and leaf drop is being observed in the box elder, green ash, basswood, and black walnut trees. Dry conditions have also hastened the peak in the choke cherry trees near the meadows. Virginia creeper vines and the lower leaves of the staghorn sumac are turning a bright red. The grasses in the meadows are ripening and look like fields of gold. The prairie flowers are blooming, and create a splash of yellow and purple against the backdrop of the prairie and blue skies. The trout streams have cleared, and the trico hatch is in full swing. Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville tours will be offered each Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. Peak fall color can occur as early as the second week of September, and sometimes last through the third week in October for peak fall color in the oak trees. Fall is in the air in southeastern Minnesota.
Whitewater State Park -Altura, N of St. Charles, & E of Rochester
The park has been closed indefinitely due to flooding that occurred August 19. The surrounding area, including Carley State Park and the Whitewater Wildlife Management Area, are open and great for fall color viewing. Carley State Park's camping season has been extended through October 21 to compensate for lost camping opportunities at Whitewater State Park.
Carley State Park -Plainview, NE of Rochester
Roughly 2 percent of the leaves have changed color, consisting of a few red-purple Virginia creeper vines, purple-cranberry grey dogwood, and red and maroon sumac and blue beech leaves. Some leaves are dropping early due to the hot dry summer that preceded the torrential rains of mid-August. The native prairie grasses are turning peak shades of copper. The late summer blooming wildflowers are beautiful. A variety of warblers and hawks are moving through as their migration peaks, and large flocks of white pelicans can be seen along the Mississippi River. Lots of baby turtles and snakes are now being seen, and fourteen threatened baby Blandings turtles were rescued last Saturday as they attempted to cross a busy road. Overall peak fall color will probably occur October 13 & 14, with maples reaching peak the weekend before, 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.
Sakatah Lake State Park -Waterville, W of Faribault
A few trees are displaying some fall color, most likely due to dry weather conditions earlier this summer. The younger elm trees are prematurely turning yellow in some areas. The prairie grasses are tall and producing seed, but will not reach peak until mid-September. Fall wildflowers currently in bloom include goldenrod, sunflowers, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, snakeroot, asters and jewelweed. Sakatah Lake State Park offers five miles of hiking trails, and canoe rental. Three miles of the paved, 40-mile Sakatah Singing Hills Trail run through the park. A newly renovated boat landing is also available. Recent wildlife sightings include turkeys and their poults, deer, painted turtle and sandhill cranes. Visitors will also want to check out the Farmamerica Fall Fair taking place in nearby Waseca, September 8 & 9, featuring Peddlers Grove, Pioneer Tent City, working horses, tractor displays, and more. The first or second week of October is generally best for fall color.
Minneopa State Park -Mankato
Approximately 10 percent of the green ash, cottonwood, poplar and elm trees are turning shades of yellow. The big bluestem and Indian grasses are nearing peak shades of gold and rust. Goldenrod and liatrus are full of bright yellow and purple blooms. The soybean fields look like seas of gold. A good observation point for fall color is the Seppman Mill Overlook. Monarch butterflies are now migrating, and congregating on the liatrus. Peak fall color is projected to occur October 6.
Sibley State Park -New London
Red and orange is appearing in the sumac, and a few elm trees are turning a bright yellow. The prairie grasses are beginning to turn rust and bronze. The prairies are full of bright yellow goldenrod, blue and white asters, blue closed gentian, and purple blazing star. Lots of wildlife activity is also being noted. The best vantage point is from the Mount Tom lookout tower, which offers a spectacular view of the lakes and surrounding countryside. Sibley State Park will offer an Open House this Saturday, September 8, with live music, naturalist programs, a boat and camper show, free pontoon rides and free refreshments. And Prairie Pothole Day will be held September 8 at the adjacent Stoney Ridge Farm, with seminars, exhibitors, trapshooting, archery, dog trials, artists, taxidermy, decoy carving, rock climbing, and an environmental learning tent. Peak fall color typically occurs roughly October 10th, however there are already beautiful transformations to enjoy!
Camden State Park -Lynd, SW of Marshall
Scattered sumac are starting to change color. Overall, many leaves have begun to fall due to the stress of the dry summer. Wildflowers currently in bloom include prairie blazing star, goldenrod, rough blazing star, sneezeweed, sunflowers and prairie onion. Monarch butterflies are migrating through the park, and hummingbirds can be seen at the park feeders. Chick-a-dees, juncos and cardinals are also a common sight.
Lake Shetek State Park -Currie, N of Slayton
The park foliage has not begun to change color. Goldenrod, prairie dandelions and black-eyed Susans can be seen blooming throughout the prairie. Campers and visitors are also enjoying the many pelicans that remain on the lake.
Blue Mounds State Park -Luverne
The Indian and big blue stem grasses have reached maturity, but have not yet begun to turn shades of fall color. Pink liatris, white aster and blue gentian can be found on the southwest side of the park, and along most of the trails. The goldenrod has turned many areas of the park very yellow.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
