This week and weekend, consider traveling to Banning, Bear Head Lake, Cascade River, Hayes Lake, Itasca, Maplewood, McCarthy Beach, Moose Lake, St. Croix, Sibley and Tettegouche state parks, as well as parks within the Detroit Lakes vicinity.
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
Most of the maple trees have passed their peak, however a few of the maples are holding onto their vibrant orange and yellow leaves. Most of the ash, birch, aspen, and hazel are currently at peak. Travel the park roads, or follow Highway 38 or Scenic Highway 7 for a good assortment of maples, ash and aspens. The Chase Point and Osprey Nest hiking trails are also beautiful. This weekend will be best for fall color at Scenic State Park.
McCarthy Beach State Park -Side Lake, N of Hibbing
The maples are fully red and orange, and the aspen leaves are turning brown at the tips due to dry conditions. The ash trees are yellow in the low-lying areas. Roughly 50 percent of the trees and shrubs are displaying fall color. The fields are also colorful and very golden. The roadsides and campground area are beautiful. McCarthy Beach State Park is now at peak fall color, and should remain colorful through next week.
Bear Head Lake State Park -Ely
A 75 percent fall color change is being observed in the leaves, which was hastened by recent frosts. Most maples and sumac have turned a blazing red and orange. The birch are beautiful shades of yellow, and yellow and gold leaves are appearing in the basswood and aspen trees. 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. Red fox have been seen in the campground area, and several ruffed grouse have been spotted in the picnic area. Walleye and crappie action has picked with the cooler temperatures. Bear Head Lake State Park is now at peak fall color, and if weather permits, it may last through the first week of October.
Grand Portage State Park -Grand Portage
The trees along Lake Superior and Highway 61 are rapidly changing color, however, the nicest fall color views are away from the lake. The High Falls and Middle Falls trails are beautiful and lined with yellow, orange and red trees. Outside of the park, take a drive along Old Highway 61 through the Grand Portage Reservation to see the dramatic maple ridges. Bald eagles have been a frequent sight in the treetops along the picnic area trail.
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, S of Grand Marais
The moose maples are almost entirely bright red. The paper birch have turned yellow, and the mountain ash are fully red and maroon. The sugar maples located one to five miles inland from Lake Superior, and those in the Sawtooth Mountains are either at or just past peak fall color. Recent rainfall has improved the vibrancy of the fall colors. 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 birch trees along the Lake Superior shoreline are nearing their peak shades of yellow and gold. The inland maples are now past peak, but remain very colorful. The mountain maples are bright red along the roadsides. An overall 75 percent change is being reported in the park foliage. The native grasses are nearing peak shades of tan, red and gold. Ferns are a deep gold, and the tamaracks are beginning to turn gold. A hike to Palisade Head and Mount Trudee, via the Superior Hiking Trail, offers excellent views of the many migrating hawks and other raptors. Another highlight is the 11th Annual Crossing Borders Studio Tour, taking place September 28 through October 7, at 17 studios in communities along the North Shore of Lake Superior, including Two Harbors, Lutsen and Grand Marais. To learn more, dial 1-800-388-8698. The park is now at its peak, with good fall color expected to linger through next week. Please note that the campground remains very busy, and reservations are encouraged.
Gooseberry Falls State Park -Two Harbors
Park officials report that roughly 40-50 percent of the trees have changed color, however most of the birch, mountain ash and maples are turning rapidly, and should be nearing their peak this weekend. Nice fall color is expected to linger through the first week of October. Water levels in the North Shore rivers remain high, and the waterfalls are breath-taking. The river trails currently offer the best views of the fall transformation and beautiful fall color. 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 now at peak, with 80-100 percent of the leaves having turned shades of yellow, red, coral, burgundy, orange and brown. The birch trees, and the red and sugar maples, are now past peak and beginning to drop their leaves. Most of the basswood and oak leaves have turned yellow, gold, burgundy or brown. The aspen and tamarack remain fairly green, but the smaller trees are starting to turn gold and yellow, and should reach peak in a week or so. Most of the ash have lost their leaves. The sumac and hazel shrubs are at peak shades of reddish-rose, gold and purple. The goldenrod and grasses look like seas of gold. The brilliant reds and corals will start to fade toward the end of the week, but pockets of good fall color should linger for a while, especially along the Continental Divide and Jacobson trails. Wolf Lake is also still very colorful. Other good locations for fall color include the Lake Shumway and Loon Lake trails. Peak fall color has arrived!
Jay Cooke State Park -Carlton
Roughly 60 percent of the trees and shrubs have changed color, with red, pink and orange leaves covering the maples, and shades of yellow blanketing the ash and birch. The park roads and trails offer the nicest views of the fall transformation. Park officials expect this weekend to be best for peak fall color.
Moose Lake State Park -Moose Lake
Approximately 70 percent of the park foliage has changed color. The maples are past peak, but continue to display lots of orange and red leaves. Most of the birch and ash have turned varying shades of yellow. The field grasses are beautiful shades of rust and gold. 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.
Banning State Park -Sandstone
Park officials report that recent frosts have lead to more rapid changes, and roughly 80 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. The area is now at its peak.
Father Hennepin State Park -Isle
Nearly one-half of the trees are at peak shades of bright yellow, orange and red. Roughly 30 percent of the maples, basswood and oaks remain green, and approximately 30 percent of trees have lost their leaves. A recent light frost has resulted in increased fall color throughout the park. 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
The maples and understory are at full color, but some of the brightest red leaves have already fallen. This year, the oak trees are turning beautiful shades of gold, russet and deep crimson. The aspen and tamarack are just beginning to change color. The prairie grasses are very colorful, and turning shades of rust and gold. 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 or or early next week.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Hayes Lake State Park -S of Roseau
The trees and shrubs are now at peak shades of fall color. 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 are turning yellow and gold. The best viewing areas are the picnic grounds, 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, and should remain colorful through this weekend.
Itasca State Park -NW of Park Rapids
Peak fall color has arrived at Itasca--roughly one to one-and-a-half weeks early! The maples and oaks have turned color at an amazing rate. The sugar maples are now beautiful shades of yellow, gold and orange. The paper birch are golden. Surprisingly, many of the oak trees are already full of rust and red-orange leaves. The basswood and ash trees have lost most of their leaves. The hazel, dogwood and arrowwood are contributing shades of pink, crimson and deep purple. A pond near the junction of the East Entrance and Hwy 200 is stunning due to the abundance of red maple and yellow birch leaves. The South Entrance, and the Main Park Drive between Peace Pipe Vista and the vampground offers beautiful views of the maples and oaks. Also consider traveling along Wilderness Drive to see excellent fall color. Douglas Lodge will remain open for lodging and dining through October 7.
Detroit Lakes area parks
Fall color is at peak in the Detroit Lakes vicinity, with good fall color expected to linger through early October. Roadsides and trails are full of vibrant orange maples, and bright yellow birch and ash trees. Some of the aspen and most of the tamarac remain green. Pockets of crimson red sumac are stunning in the ditches. The golden brown cattails and light green to yellow canary grasses are adding to the abundance of fall color. Detroit Lakes is located in a transition zone of prairie, hardwood and conifer forests, and therefore offers a wide variety of wonderful and contrasting fall color. Visitors will also want to watch for abundant wildlife, such as trumpeter swans, Canada geese, eagles and white-tailed, that can be viewed from area roads and trails. For maps of three recommended routes which offer beautiful views of the fall transformation, check out
www.visitdetroitlakes.comMaplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
Fall color has spread rapidly throughout the park, with an overall 70 percent of the trees and shrubs now at their peak. The sumac remains crimson, and the ash trees are yellow and gold. Most of the maples are at or nearing peak shades of red, orange and yellow. Even the oaks and aspen are beginning to change color. The prairie grasses are now at their peak shades of rust and gold. This week will be best for fall color, with good color lingering a week or so longer. 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.
Charles A. Lindbergh State Park -Little Falls
An overall 30 percent change is being reported, however most the maples and sumac are at peak shades of red and orange, and the basswood and ash leaves are starting to fall. The native grasses remain very golden. Travel the park roads and trails for the nicest fall color views.
Crow Wing State Park -Brainerd
Leaves are changing rapidly. The sumac is now entirely red. Roughly one-half of the birch and aspen are yellow, and appromately 25 percent of the oaks have turned shades of brown, rust and gold. The native grasses and wildflowers are somewhat muted this year due to dry conditions. For the best fall color views, travel the Red River Oxcart Trail and the Group Camp Road. Turkeys and their poults are a common sight. Park officials estimate the arrival of peak fall color to occur the last week in September.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park -Onamia
Peak fall color is expected to arrive the weekend of September 29 & 30, however the colors are muted and many leaves have fallen. The ash trees are past peak. The red maples are now at peak, and the sugar maples are nearing their peak. The basswood are turning brown and yellow. The aspen and oak are just beginning to turn shades of yellow, gold and rust. Visitors to the park will also enjoy Archaeology Day on Saturday, September 29, with archaeological excavations, chidlren's activities, demonstrations of flint-knapping, pottery-making and spear-throwing, as well as nice fall color.
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Lake Maria State Park -Monticello
Park officials report a 60 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, and otters can be seen in Lake Maria.
Three Rivers Park District parks -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
Some of the sugar maples within the Big Woods Forest areas of Baker, Carver, Crow-Hassan, Elm Creek and Lake Rebecca Park Reserves are exhibiting flame-yellow to pumpkin-orange fall color. The ironwood, green ash, elms, American basswood, bitternut hickory, common hackberry, and paper birch are a blend of bright yellow, lime-green, mahogany and gold. Most green ash are at peak shades of bright yellow. The red maple leaves are deep red and vibrant yellow. The sumac, high-bush cranberry, nannyberry, Virginia creeper, chokecherry, woodbine and dogwoods are various shades of red, orange, crimson, salmon and maroon. The sumac is especially lovely along the woodland edges. The marsh areas are a mosaic of wheat, rust, russet and gold. The prairies and meadows are full of azure blue and creamy white asters. The turkey vultures are migrating, and a few bluebirds continue to pass through. The first week of October should offer peak fall color for most areas of the Park District.
Wild River State Park -Center City, E of North Branch
The trees and shrubs are nearing peak fall color, with most displaying some fall color in the upper limbs, and many individual trees having turned fully yellow, orange or red. The maples will probably reach peak this weekend. The oaks are expected to be the most colorful the weekend of October 6. The hazelnut, sumac and other understory shrubs and vines are contributing to the fall color show with their deep red, orange and bright yellow leaves. 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. Wild River's campground continues to fill most weekends--reservations are recommended, especially for electric campsites. Peak fall color is projected to occur sometime between September 29 and October 6.
Interstate State Park -Taylors Falls
Park officials report an overall 65 percent change in the leaves, with fall color developing in the St. Croix River Valley on a daily basis. Peak fall color may occur as early as this weekend. 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. Fall color should be best September 29 through October 7.
William O'Brien State Park -Marine on St. Croix, N of Stillwater
Roughly 25 percent of the trees and shrubs have changed color. The sumac are displaying bright red leaves, the ash leaves are turning yellow, and a few of the maples are adding red to the landscape. Unfortunately, recent rain and strong winds have already brought down some of the leaves. Many wildflowers are in bloom, including various species of yellow goldenrod, and white and blue asters. The little and big prairie bluestem grasses are adding a bluish tint to the open areas. The Prairie Overlook Trail 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. Visitors to the park this weekend, September 29 & 30, will also enjoy the Voyaguer Weekend Open House, with re-enactments, programs, a special presentation on voyageur life, and demonstrations on beading, rope-making, pipestone-carving, paddle-carving, hawk-throwing and camp-cooking. No vehicle permit will be required.
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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 sunflowers and some goldenrod are a bright yellow. 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. 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.
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, S of Red Wing
A 30 percent change in the trees and shrubs is being reported. Most of the ash trees are at peak shades of yellow. A few of the early-turning maples are beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. Sumac throughout the park are at or just past peak, and beginning to lose leaves. The big and little 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 fall transformation. Fall color is typically best October 6-14. On October 6, visitors can participate in a nature hike beginning at the park amphitheatre at 10am. And, Johnny Appleseed Days will be held October 6 & 7 in nearby Lake City.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park -Preston
Thirty percent of the leaves on the trees and in the shrubs have changed color. The sumac is fully red and orange, and Virginia creeper vines are also at peak shades of red. Most sugar maples are turning color, and displaying lots of yellow and pale orange leaves. Many of the smaller trees, such as the blue beech and chokecherries, have turned orange. The sumac is beautiful near the campground areas, and on the roads leading to Mystery Cave. The Maple Ridge Trail, the scenic overlook west of Historic Forestville, and the Big Spring Trail are best for viewing the maple trees. 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 the first or second week of October.
Minneopa State Park -Mankato
Approximately 45 percent of the green ash, cottonwood, poplar, elm, sumac and maple leaves have turned shades of yellow, orange, maroon and red. The prairie grasses are at peak shades of gold and rust. The goldenrod and asters 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. Sixty-three mile-per-hour wind gusts on September 24 blew off many of the colored leaves. Most of the remaining leaves are still green, even though the area is roughly halfway through the color change. Peak fall color is projected to occur October 13.
Sibley State Park -New London, N of Willmar
Fall color developed rapidly this past week, and a 75 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. The area is not yet at peak, but already very colorful!
Lake Shetek State Park -Currie, N of Slayton
Forty 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. The ash trees are nearing peak shades of yellow, and the sumac is a deep burgundy, especially near the monument. Two maple trees are especially beautiful, and now a brilliant red-orange. Lots of white-tailed deer and their fawns can be seen within the park. Visitors will want to consider a hike or canoe around Loon Island, which offers a variety of fall color in the basswood, ash, hackberry and oak trees. Smith Lake is also a great place to canoe, since it is sheltered from the wind and surrounded by trees turning yellow and orange. Anglers are having success fishing for walleye and panfish off the rocky points.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
