Minnesota Fall Color Report for September 20
This week and weekend, consider traveling to Scenic, Savanna Portage, Moose Lake, St. Croix, Hayes Lake and Itasca state parks.
In general, many park officials throughout the state are reporting early fall color. 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
A recent frost has lead to a rapid transformation in the foliage. The maples are at peak, and the ash, birch, and hazel are also nearing their peak. The park is now a stunning mixture of red, orange, yellow and green! Travel the park roads, or along Hwy. 38 or Scenic Hwy. 7 for a variety of trees and fall color. The Chase Point and Osprey Nest hiking trails are also beautiful. The best estimate for peak fall color is this coming weekend, especially in the maples.
Bear Head Lake State Park -Ely
A 35 percent fall color change is being observed in the leaves, which was hastened by last week's frost. Most maples have turned wonderful shades of red and orange. The birch are golden yellow, and the basswood, aspen and Balm Of Gilead are starting to turn a shades of yellow. The hazelnut are also very yellow, but dropping leaves quickly. The dogwood, Juneberry, sumac, pin and choke cherry leaves are beginning to turn shades of yellow, orange and red. The Bear Head Lake picnic area, and the Norberg and Becky Lake loops 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, and a black bear has been spotted near Township Hall on the main entrance road. Walleye and crappie action has picked with the cooler temperatures. Peak fall color could occur as early as next week, and if weather permits, last through the first week of October.
Grand Portage State Park -Grand Portage
Some of the trees along Lake Superior are in a partial state of change, and displaying shades of yellow, orange or red. The best views, however, are away from the lake. 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. Outside of the park, take a drive along Old Highway 61 through the Grand Portage Reservation to see maple ridges that are now at 40-50 percent of their peak fall color, with a few trees already at peak. Bald eagles have been a frequent sight in the treetops along the picnic area trail, and beaver can be seen in the wider part of the river below High Falls. Fall color at Grand Portage is typically best the end of September through early October.
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, S of Grand Marais
The recent rainfall has improved the vibrancy of the fall colors, and roughly half of the trees are now displaying nice fall color. 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 and in the Sawtooth Mountains are nearing peak fall color. The big bluestem and Indian grasses are turning shades of rust and red in areas surrounding the park. Wildflowers still in bloom include purple asters, goldenrod and black-eyed Susans. Salmon are beginning to run in the river. 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 weekend in September or first weekend in October.
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. The sugar maples are at their peak and very colorful along Highway 1 near Finland. An overall 20 percent change is being reported in the park foliage. Peak fall color in all of the trees 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.
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
Park officials report that roughly 10 percent of the leaves have changed color, with nice fall color appearing in the maples and mountain ash. Inland, many of the maples are full of beautiful red and orange leaves. The native grasses are turning 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. The inland maples should reach peak sometime next week. Along the shore, the birch and aspen should be most colorful the first week of October. 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 fall color change has accelerated over the last few days, with a 50-70 percent color change being reported. The sugar and red maples are now at their peak shades of yellow, red and orange, and the silver maples are nearing peak shades of gold and coral. The small birch trees are also approaching peak fall color. The larger birch, basswood and aspen trees continue to turn shades of yellow, and the ash trees are now entirely golden and beginning to lose leaves. Some oak trees are even showing signs of color change, with hints of gold, burgundy and red. The tamarack show hints of gold. The sumac and hazel shrubs are at peaks shades of reddish-rose, gold and purple. The goldenrod and grasses look like seas of gold. The best fall color views are along the Beaver Pond, Lake Shumway and Loon Lake trails, and near Wolf and Shumway lakes. Peak fall color has arrived early this year, and park officials expect this weekend to be best for fall color viewing!
Jay Cooke State Park -Carlton
Roughly 30 percent of the trees and shrubs have changed color, with pink and orange developing in some of the maples, and shades of yellow appearing in ash trees and birch. Recent rainfall may hasten the overall fall color change. Some of the goldenrod, and purple and yellow asters continue to bloom. The park roads and trails offer the nicest views of the fall transformation. Visitors to the park this weekend, September 21-23, will also want to consider a trip into Duluth for Hawk Weekend, when special programs, bird banding and field trips will be offered at Hawk Ridge. Park officials expect peak fall color to arrive sometime in the next two weeks.
Moose Lake State Park -Moose Lake
Approximately 50 percent of the park foliage has changed color, with the maples displaying orange and red leaves, and the ash and birch turning shades of yellow. The field grasses are maturing earlier than usual, and turning beautiful shades of rust and gold. Wildflowers still in bloom include asters, goldenrod and blazing stars. For the nicest fall color views, take a stroll along sparkling Echo Lake to see beautiful fall color reflections and occasional patches of fog and mist. Also be sure to stop in at the new Agate and Geological Center to see interpretive displays on Minnesota's rich geological heritage, a large agate collection, and many other rock and mineral displays. On average, the maples and birch trees peak the end of September, and the oaks and aspen are most colorful the beginning of October. Park officials expect peak periods to arrive earlier this year, with this weekend and next being best for fall color viewing within the park and along Interstate 35 between Banning to Moose Lake state parks.
Banning State Park -Sandstone
Park officials report that the recent frost has lead to more rapid changes, and roughly 50 percent of the trees and shrubs are now displaying fall color. Beautiful red and yellow leaves can be found in the maples, birch and aspen. The big bluestem grasses are nearing peak shades of reddish-gold. Most of the goldenrod, bottle gentian and asters continue to bloom. 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. And, Minnesota Highway 23, from Banning State Park to Nickerson, offers stunning fall color. Peak fall color is projected to occur the week of September 24, and linger for roughly 10-15 days.
Father Hennepin State Park -Isle
Nearly one-quarter of the trees are turning nice shades of yellow, orange and red, including ash, aspen and maple trees. A recent light frost has resulted in increased fall color throughout the park. The chokecherries along the entrance road and along the lakeshore by the public boat landing are full of deep red leaves tinged with dark green. The goldenrod, white snakeroot and sunflowers remain in bloom. Nearly all of the native grasses have turned shades of bronze, rust and gold. The roads and trails throughout the park offer the nicest views of the emerging fall color. A hike along the lakeshore or through the forest offers a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. Fish are becoming more active on Lake Mille Lacs. Peak fall color is projected to occur around the last week of September or first week of October.
St. Croix State Park -E of Hinckley
While the oaks, aspen and tamarack are just beginning to change color, all of the maples, birch and underbrush are at peak fall color. The prairie grasses are very colorful, and turning shades of rusty gold. Wildflowers now in bloom include goldenrod, asters, woodland sunflower and gentian. The best places to view fall color within the park are the entrance road, and in the hardwoods near the firetower. Fall color continues to develop rapidly in the trees, and peak fall color should occur this weekend.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Zipple Bay State Park -Williams, NW of Baudette
A 40 percent change in the trees and shrubs is being reported. The birch, mountain maple and hazel bushes are turning nice shades of yellow. The sumac is now mostly red, crimson and orange. A few asters and other wildflowers remain in bloom within the park. Many roads and trails offer nice views of the emerging fall color. Peak fall color should occur the last week in September.
Lake Bronson State Park -Lake Bronson, far NW corner of Minnesota
Park officials report an overall 40 percent change in the leaves. The boxelders and green ash are displaying vibrant shades of yellow. The smooth sumac are very red along the road near the east boat landing and along the Aspen Parklands Interpretive Trail. The hazel in the understory are blazing red and orange. Even the quaking aspen and bur oak trees have begun to change. The Indian and big bluestem grasses are at their peak shades of red and gold in the prairies. Any the park's roads and trails will offer good views of the emerging fall color. A drive along Highway 175, west of the park along Two Rivers, is also very colorful. Peak fall color typically occurs around October 1.
Hayes Lake State Park -S of Roseau
Most trees and shrubs are now at their peak shades of fall color. Many of the paper birch, ash, and elms are yellow in the overstory. The understory is full of red, orange and yellow leaves. The tamarack and aspen have begun to turn yellow and gold. The big bluestem grasses are at full growth and displaying shades of rust and bronze along the roadsides. 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. Hayes Lake State Park is now at its peak!
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.
Itasca State Park -NW of Park Rapids
Two hard frosts have lead to an overall 55-60 percent change in the leaves. The maples are now turing rapidly, with the red maples almost entirely red-violet and deep maroon. The sugar maples are quikcly turning shades of orange-red to peach. The basswood and paper birch are turning shades of yellow and gold. The hazel, cherry, dogwood and arrowwood are full of pink, peach, crimson and deep purple leaves. Even the aspen, bur oak and red oak trees are changing color. Numerous trails and roads are now spectacular for fall color viewing. Also consider a drive along Wilderness Drive to see an abundance of bright maples. Douglas Lodge will remain open for lodging and dining through October 7. Peak fall color for the maples, basswood and birch will probably occur between this week and next week. And some of the oaks and aspen are nearing peak as well!
Buffalo River State Park -Glyndon, E of Moorhead
Roughly 50 percent of the leaves have turned color, and nearly all of the big bluestem grasses have turned shades of rust and gold. Nice fall color can be viewed throughout the park. Fall color should reach peak roughly the first week in October.
Maplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
An overall 30-40 percent fall color change is being reported. Fall color is rapidly spreading throughout the park. The sumac is almost entirely crimson, and over one-half of the ash trees are yellow and gold. Some of the maples are even at peak shades of red, orange or yellow. The prairie grasses are now at their peak shades of rust and gold. The last week of September should be best for overall fall color within the park. 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, September 29 & 30 and 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 beautiful fall colors.
Glendalough State Park -Battle Lake
Some of the maple trees near the lodge are one-half green, one-half orange-red. The sumac is now beautiful shades of red, and yellow leaves are appearing in the ash trees in some areas. The prairie grasses have turned nice shades of red, orange, purple and brown. Lots of white heath asters, bottle gentians, sunflowers and goldenrod can be seen in the prairie, and purple asters are abundant in the woods. Nice fall color in the park foliage should be viewable along the lakeshore and in the Old Camp area near the lodge by this weekend. Please note that all campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and many 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 last week of September or the first week of October.
Lake Carlos State Park -Carlos, N of Alexandria
Most trees are showing some signs of change, and recent winds have brought down some of the leaves. The sumac is almost completely red, and the hazel bushes are beginning to change. The ash and boxelder are turning shades of yellow. The Indian grass, and big and little bluestem grasses are bronze and gold. The top of Inspiration Peak is beautiful at this time of the year. Peak fall color is projected to occur sometime in late September.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park -Onamia
The red maples are nearing peak shades of red. The sugar maples, basswood, and aspen are developing red, orange and yellow leaves. The oaks remain green, and ash trees are now past peak. Park officials report an overall 25 percent change in the park foliage. Wildflowers that remain in bloom include asters, goldenrod, tall sunflower and marigold. Peak fall color is projected to occur roughly October 1. Visitors will also enjoy Archaeology Day, held Saturday, September 29, with archaeological excavations, chidlren's activities, demonstrations of flint-knapping, pottery-making and spear-throwing, and of course an abundance of beautiful fall color!
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Lake Maria State Park -Monticello
Park officials report a 30 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. Some maples have turned orange and red. 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. An otter was recently observed in Lake Maria, and many fall warblers can be seen migrating through the park. Deer are also a common sight. Peak fall color typcially occurs the first 10 days of October.
Three Rivers Park District parks -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
Autumn color is still in its early stages. The aspen, paper birch, and green ash leaves are turning yellow. Butternut leaves are a rusty/brown. The red maples are starting to turn a deep red. A few sugar maple leaves are turning a bright orange. The sumac and Virginia creeper are turning burgundy to scarlet red. The nannyberry and gray dogwood are exhibiting rich burgundy and maroon leaves. Fall asters and grasses of the meadows and prairies add to the spectrum of autumn color. A few wooly bear caterpillars are appearing. Many hawks, bluebirds, and common flickers are passing through the area.
Interstate State Park -Taylors Falls
Park officials report an overall 35 percent change in the leaves, with fall color developing in the St. Croix River Valley each day! The sugar maples are turning bright yellow and red. The sumac along the roadsides range from a bright crimson to a rich burgundy. Basswood, elm, birch and ash are turning 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 26 through October 7.
Afton State Park -Afton, N of Hastings
Isolated small maples in the wooded areas, along with some Virginia creeper vines and sumac are turning red. The tops of the birch, cottonwoods and box elders are beginning to show a hint of yellow. The big bluestem grasses are taking on a bluish tinge, and the Indian grasses are turning a rich brown. Overall fall color change is at less than 10 percent. The asters and goldenrod remain in bloom in the prairie. A variety of migrating birds can still be seen, including bluebirds, warblers, sparrows and an occasional late hummingbird. 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.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park -Nerstrand, S of Northfield
Park officials report a 25 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 are also in bloom. Bright yellow can be seen in sunflowers and some goldenrod. The nicest fall color views are along the woodland edges and in the open areas. Fall color should reach its peak roughly the first week of October.
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, S of Red Wing
A 20 percent change in the trees and shrubs is being reported. The ash trees in the picnic area are starting to turn yellow. A few of the early maples are just beginning to show some color. The sumac are at peak, and now a bright 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, offers nice views of the transformation. Fall color is typically best between October 6 and October 14.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park -Preston
There is an early display of orange leaves in the sugar maples, and some box elder, green ash, basswood, and black walnut are dropping their leaves. The sumac and Virginia creeper vines have turned a bright red. The prairie grasses in the meadows are ripening and look like fields of gold. Several types of wildflower are at peak bloom, including stiff and bottle gentians, and various species of asters and goldenrod. There are also some late woodland sunflowers that remain in bloom. These flowers provide a splash of yellow and purple against the backdrop of green and gold prairie grasses 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 will most likey occur as early as the first or second week of October. Park officials report that roughly 30 percent of the park foliage has changed color.
Minneopa State Park -Mankato
Approximately 25 percent of the green ash, cottonwood, poplar, elm, sumac and maple leaves are turning shades of yellow, orange and red. The prairie grasses are at peak shades of gold and rust. The goldenrod, aster and liatrus are full of bright yellow, blue and purple blooms. The soybean fields look like seas of gold. A good observation point for fall color is the Seppman Mill Overlook. Peak fall color is projected to occur October 6.
Sibley State Park -New London, N of Willmar
A 55 percent change is being reported in the park foliage. The ash, cottonwood, ironwood, basswood and oak trees are now mostly gold and yellow. The hazel, gooseberry, prickly ash and dogwood are at their peak and beautiful in the wooded understory. The sumac is a glowing red along the roadsides and in the grasslands. 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. Peak fall color is projected to occur roughly October 10.
Upper Sioux Agency State Park -Granite Falls
Nice fall color is appearing in the trees, and the sumac and Virginia creeper vines are now a beautiful red and orange. Among the grasses, little bluestem and big bluestem have turned their customary reddish tone, and the rest are golden. Asters, goldenrods, and gentians are in bloom. The best areas to see the prairie grasses are the scenic overlook and the knolls above the horse campground. Geese, other waterfowl and raptors have started their migrations and are a common sight. Bald eagles and their young are frequently seen along the Minnesota River. Peak fall color is projected to occur in early October.
Lake Shetek State Park -Currie, N of Slayton
Ten percent of the park foliage has changed color. The prairie is beautiful, with rust and gold colored grasses, and bright yellow prairie dandelions, goldenrod and sunflowers in bloom. Blue and white asters are also showing up. The sumac is turning a wonderful burgundy color. Some maples are turning orange, and pale yellow is emerging in the cottowwoods. The massive oak trees remain very green. Yellow-shafted flickers are active in the park, and visitors are also enjoying the many pelicans that remain on the lake. Peak fall color is still a few weeks away.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
