In general, 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
McCarthy Beach State Park -Side Lake, N of Hibbing
Drought-stressed maples are turning red and orange earlier than usual, and the aspen leaves are turning brown at the tips. The ash are turning yellow in the low-lying areas. Roughly 10 percent of the trees and shrubs are displaying fall color. The campground should be beautiful in a few weeks, and campsites are typically available for a last minute trip.
Bear Head Lake State Park -Ely
Most trees and shrubs are showing signs of stress due to drought conditions. The maples are turning red and orange, especially on the higher ridges. Ash, paper birch and hazelnut are turning yellow, and beginning to lose leaves. The tamaracks are shutting down early in an effort to survive--most trees are turning yellow early and some trees are entirely bare. The arrowwood, pin and choke cherries are maroon and bright red, and the sumac is beginning to turn vivid shades of red. The greater goldenrod and pearly everlasting remain in bloom. The Bear Head Lake picnic grounds and the Hiking Club Trail at Norberg Lake are excellent locations to view different species of trees and various stages of leaf transformation. Moose and lots of ruffed grouse have been seen throughout the park. Peak fall color typically occurs the last week of September or the first week of October. Due to dry conditions, peak fall color is expected to arrive roughly one to two weeks earlier.
Grand Portage State Park -Grand Portage
Due to a dry summer, early fall color changes are being observed, with some leaves in a partial state of change, and displaying shades of yellow, orange or red. A walk along the High Falls and Middle Falls trails will offer quite a bit of color in the understory. Although most leaves are turning shades of yellow, the Middle Falls Trail has quite a bit of orange and red developing in the foliage. The tops of the taller trees are also starting to show signs of change. Outside of the park, take a drive along Old Highway 61 through the Grand Portage Reservation to see maple ridges that are now at 35-45 percent of their peak fall color, with a few currently at peak. Bald Eagles have been a frequent sight in the treetops along the picnic area trail, and a great blue heron has been seen almost daily fishing in the gorge below High Falls. Fall color at Grand Portage is typically best late September or early October, however peak fall color may arrive earlier due to this summer's dry conditions.
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, S of Grand Marais
The recent rainfall has improved the vibrancy of the fall colors. The moose maples and sugar maples are turning red, and mountain ash are turning red and maroon. The paper birches are turning yellow. Maple trees located one to five miles inland are changing color rapidly, and some maples in the Sawtooth Mountains are now at 35-40 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, purple asters and goldenrod. Salmon are beginning to run in the river, and a yearling black bear was recently seen in the 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.
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
Park officials report that roughly 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. Birds can be seen migrating along the Lake Superior shoreline. 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.
Savanna Portage State Park -McGregor
An overall 10-15 percent color change is being reported. The smaller sugar and red maples are almost entirely pink and red. Most trees are beginning to lighten, and a slight tinge of orange, red and yellow is appearing in the larger sugar and red maples. Most 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, hawks, Canada geese, and lots of deer. Peak fall color is expected to arrive early this year due to dry conditions, however recent rainfall has relieved some of the stress on the trees. Park officials estimate that the 4th week in September should be best for fall color viewing.
Father Hennepin State Park -Isle
The tips of the leaves on the ash and maple trees are turning nice shades of yellow, red and orange. Most of these early turning trees are located near the lake. The majority of the forest shows no sign of fall color change. Roughly 50 percent of the native grasses have turned shades of bronze, rust and gold. The goldenrod, purple prairie aster, and white snakeroot remain in bloom. Various hikes along the lakeshore and through the forest offer a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. And, fish are becoming more active on Lake Mille Lacs.
St. Croix State Park -E of Hinckley
Fall color in the park foliage is reported to be at roughly 5 percent. Some of the birch and maple trees are already changing color, and many of the birch leaves are on the ground due to dry conditions. The prairie grasses are very colorful, and turning shades of rusty gold. Wildflowers now in bloom include goldenrod and asters. This area typically reaches peak fall color the last week of September or first week of October.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
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-size 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 17.
Old Mill State Park -Argyle, NW of Thief River Falls
Roughly 35 percent of the trees are turning bright yellow, and are 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. The high bush cranberries and rose hips are adding patches 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.
Lake Bemidji State Park -Bemidji
There is a noticeable increase in fall colors throughout the area. Scattered maples are displaying beautiful fall color, and the birch, black ash, and basswoods are well on their way to peak shades of yellow. The understory plants are very colorful, with many deep red leaves in the cherry trees and Virginia creeper. A few asters continue to bloom along the woodland trails and the bog walk. Fall color should be at peak the end of September or early October.
Itasca State Park -NW of Park Rapids
There is an overall 15 percent change in the leaves. There was a frost early on September 12, and fall color changes should become more obvious. Many trees have already begun to change, and changes can be seen in the yellow-brown balsam poplar, fiery red maples, and soft orange sugar maples. Small paper birch and basswoods are turning varying shades of yellow. The dogwoods and cherries are displaying wonderful shades of peach, violet and deep purple. The waterfowl migration is in full swing, and can be seen and heard throughout the park. Lake Itasca has two peak color periods--roughly the last week of September for the maples, basswood and birch, and the first two weeks of October for the oaks and aspen. The the best fall color views by car are along the Main Park Drive and Wilderness Drive.
Buffalo River State Park -Glyndon, E of Moorhead
Roughly 20 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.
Glendalough State Park -Battle Lake
Some patches of color are appearing in maple leaves near the lodge. The sumac is turning beautiful shades of red, and yellow leaves are appreaing in the ash trees in some areas. The prairie grasses have turned nice shades of red, orange, purple and brown, depending on type and location. Lots of white heath asters can be seen in the prairie, and purple asters are abundant in the woods. Bottle gentians, wild sunflowers, goldenrod and white snakeroot also continue to bloom. Please note that all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a large selection of sites remain open. Boat, canoe and kayak rentals are also available daily. There are two cabins with heat and electricity. Peak fall color is projected to occur the first week of October.
Crow Wing State Park -Brainerd
The bluestem prairie grasses have turned nice shades of reddish-brown. Wildflowers currently in bloom include blue and white asters, and many goldenrods. 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 are a common sight. A light frost in the area, along with shortened daylight hours, should hasten the fall color changes. Park officials estimate the arrival of peak fall color to occur the last week in September.
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Interstate State Park -Taylors Falls
The tops of sugar maples are showing patches of red. The basswood, elm, birch and ash are starting to turn yellow. From various overlooks, the valley appears predominantly green, however the amount of red and yellow increases each day. All of the roads leading to Taylors Falls provide views of the colorful 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
Walks along the wooded trails offer views of the emeraging yellow leaves in the box elder and cottonwood trees. 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 big bluestem grasses are taking on a bluish tinge, and the Indian grasses are turning a rich brown. Yellow sunflowers and goldenrod, and small purple asters and blazing star continue to bloom. The bluebirds, warblers and other migratory birds are busy feeding throughout the park. Wild turkey, pheasant 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. The sumac and Virginia creeper are turning a bright red. The chokecherry, hazelnut and grey dogwood are exhibiting copper, apricot, burgundy and maroon leaves. The green ash trees are starting to turn yellow, and a few sugar maples have started to turn their peak shades of yellow, orange and red. Native prairie grasses are turning shades of gold and rust. The stiff goldenrod and showy goldenrod are adding bright yellow to the mix. The blazing star plants are 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
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, S of Red Wing
The ash trees in the picnic area tend to be the first trees to turn yellow, but remain very green. A few of the early maples are just beginning to show some color. The sumac have begun to turn red. The big bluestem and Indian grasses are developing their peak shades of bronze and rust, and are abundant in the park’s prairie and along the main park road. Wildflowers, such as black-eyed Susans and goldenrod are a stunning yellow throughout the grassy areas of the park. Some blue and purple aster, gentian and blazing star are in bloom in the prairie across the road from the park entrance. A walk along the Sandpoint Trail, located along the Hwy 61 wayside rest area, is also recommended. Nature hikes will be offered Saturday, September 15 & 29 beginning at 9 a.m. at the park amphitheatre. Fall color is typically best between October 6 and October 14.
Great River Bluffs State Park -S of Winona
A 2 percent color change is being reported in the birch and sumac. Some of the walnut, ash and box elder are dropping their leaves. The Indian and big bluestem grasses are turning gold and bronze. Yellow black-eyed Susans and goldenrod, and purple asters and blazing star are beautiful along the entrance road and in the goat prairies. Camping reservations are recommended on the weekends during summer months and the fall color season. Peak fall color is expected to occur roughly the 2nd and 3rd weekend in October.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park -Preston
Drought conditions have lead to an early display of orange leaves in the sugar maples, and some box elder, green ash, basswood, and black walnut leaves are now dropping. 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 are now crystal clear. Mystery Cave and Historic Forestville tours will be offered each Saturday and Sunday through the end of October. Fall is in the air in southeastern Minnesota. 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. A special Walnut Program and Walk will be offered at 10:00 a.m. September 15 & 22, when visitors can find out how to identify, collect, and prepare nuts for eating.
Sibley State Park -New London, N of Willmar
A 25 percent change is being reported in the park foliage. Red and orange is appearing in the sumac, and a few elm trees are turning a bright yellow. In the woodlands, the understory is more vivid than the trees, with gooseberry, hazel, dogwood and prickly ash offering a glimpse of the fall color show to come. 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, 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. Peak fall color is projected to occur roughly October 10.
Monson Lake State Park -Sunberg, NW of Willmar
Some nice fall color is emerging within the park, and park officials estimate a 25 percent change in the trees and shrubs. The ash and aspen trees are beginning to turn yellow. The sumac, dogwood and hazel are dazzling shades of orange and red in the understory. The wildflowers in the nearby Ordway Prairie Scientific and Natural Area are at peak, with beautiful blooms found in the blue asters, harebell and gentians, yellow goldenrods, and purple blazing star. The flowers are especially stunning against the gold and rust native prairie grasses. For the best views of the emerging fall color, hike the trail that travels along Monson and West Sunburg lakes. Or, consider a drive along portions of the Glacial Lakes Scenic Byway to see wildlife, natural beauty, interesting towns and villages, and the many lakes that dot the landscape. Fall color should be best roughly October 10.
Camden State Park -Lynd, SW of Marshall
Scattered sumac are turning red, and some of the cottonwoods are turning a pale yellow. Some leaves have begun to fall due to the stress of the dry summer. Wildflowers currently in bloom include purple prairie and rough blazing star, and vivid yellow goldenrod, sneezeweed, sunflowers and prairie onion. The prairie grasses have reached their full potential in height and turning their customary shdes of fall color. The overlook off of the Indian Creek Trail offers a spectacular view of the surrounding park lands, and nearby trails offer wonderful views of the trees, shrubs, flowers and migrating birds. Monarch butterflies are migrating through the park, and hummingbirds can be seen at the park feeders. Chick-a-dees, juncos, yellow-shafted flickers and cardinals are also a common sight. Turkey vultures can often be seen in large numbers. Peak fall color typically occurs around the first week of October.
Lake Shetek State Park -Currie, N of Slayton
The park foliage has just begun to change color. The prairie grasses are just beginning to turn shades of rust and gold. The massive oak trees remain very green. Campers and visitors are also enjoying the many pelicans that remain on the lake.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
