Minnesota Fall Color Report for October 11
Some of the nicest fall color can currently be found at Afton, Beaver Creek Valley, Blue Mounds, Carley, Flandrau, Frontenac, Kilen Woods, Minnesota Valley, Myre Big Island, Nerstrand Big Woods, Sakatah Lake and Wild River state parks, as well as parks within the Three Rivers Park District.
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
Cascade River State Park -Lutsen, S of Grand Marais
Approximately 50 percent of the leaves are on the ground. Some paper birches and moose maples are still colorful, but will likely lose their leaves within the next week. The recent rains has raised the river levels and increased the volume of water going over the waterfalls. On October 9 & 10, the Cascade rivers were the highest they've been since the spring runoff. Other temporary creeks have developed in the area, as well as along Highway 61. These are a rare sight, and fun to see. Many trails remain wet, but are very passable. 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 is now past peak.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park -Two Harbors
The maples are past peak, and many are nearly bare. The birch and aspen trees are slightly past peak along the Lake Superior shoreline. Large yellow and orange aspen and birch pockets and ridges remain, along with a splash of burgundy in the understory. The native grasses are displaying a lot of yellow, brown and gold tones. The inland areas are now one week to ten days past peak. The shoreline areas are just past peak, with lots of leaves falling each day.
Savanna Portage State Park -McGregor
The area is now past peak. The roads appear to have turned to gold now that most of the maples, birch and basswood have lost their leaves. The Aspen Ridge tops have finally changed and are beautiful shades of yellow and gold. The oaks are also holding onto their yellow, gold, rust and burgundy leaves. The tamarack are just starting to show hints of yellow. The yellow colors are very pretty against the dark green of the pines. Pockets of good fall color can still be found along the Continental Divide, Anderson Road and Wolf Lake trails. Aitkin County Road 14 leading into the park remains very pretty due to many the oak trees and aspen ridges.
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NORTHCENTRAL/WEST MINNESOTA
Old Mill State Park -Argyle
Trees are past peak, but some nice fall color remains. The best views of the remaining fall color are from the banks of the Middle River, and along the park trails.
Lake Bemidji State Park -Bemidji
The fall color show is wrapping up for the season. Birch trees in sheltered areas are holding onto their leaves. Most of the maples and white oaks have dropped their leaves. The aspens and tamaracks remain at full color, and depending upon weather conditions, should remain colorful through the weekend. From the boardwalk, the golds and greens of the tamarack and spruce are a stunning contrast across Big Bog Lake. The bird feeder remains full of activity since the rainy weather, with siskins, chickadees, purple finches, nuthatches, hairy woodpeckers and a downy woodpecker all making regular visitors. Juncos are feeding under the feeder in large numbers. Although the park is now past peak, nice color remains.
Maplewood State Park -Pelican Rapids
Most trees are now bare, however, a few pockets of color remain in the golden aspen. Check the park drive and main campground area for the nicest views of the remaining fall color.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park -Onamia
Most of the park foliage is now past peak. The ash trees are mostly bare. The red maples and sugar maples are just past peak, however some very colorful leaves remain above ground. The quaking aspen, large-toothed aspen and oak trees are approaching peak fall color, although the oaks are turning mostly shades of brown. The best fall color views are along the park roads and trails.
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TWIN CITIES METROPOLITAN VICINITY
Three Rivers Park District -Hennepin, Scott, Carver, Dakota and Wright counties
The silhouettes of many trees are now visible, now that recent wind and rain have brought down many of the colorful leaves. Most of the oaks have turned a deep mahogany or russet. Sugar maple leaves have an orange-yellow hue. Some ash, hickory and birch have mossy-green to yellow leaves. Many sumac are holding on to their flame orange leaves. The woodbine, wild grape and bittersweet vines are beautiful as they wind their way through the interior of the small trees and shrubs. The bright-yellow leaves of the tall cottonwood trees are a stunning contrast with the rich-green grasses. Adult cedar waxwing and their young are feeding on the red cedar berries. More waterfowl are being observed in the rivers and lakes as water levels rise throughout the area. Most parks in the western and northern suburbs within the Three Rivers Park District are now at their peak, however the color is not as vivid as in previous years. Peak fall color for the oaks will occur roughly October 14-17 in the southern suburbs.
Minnesota Valley State Park -Jordan
The trees and shrubs are rapidly changing color, and fall color is reported to be at 50 percent. Many trees are now bright yellow and orange, with some maples adding shades of red to the landscape. For excellent views of the fall color, consider canoeing the Minnesota River, or traveling the hiking or horseback riding trails along the Minnesota Valley State Trail near Jordan.
Wild River State Park -Center City, E of North Branch
Approximately 85 percent of the trees have changed color, with many trees losing their leaves. The oaks are nearing peak shades of orange, red and russet, and should remain colorful at least through mid-October. Some of the maples are holding onto their bright yellow, orange and red leaves. Most understory trees and shrubs are losing leaves. The prairie grasses are at peak shades of rust and gold. Any road or trail in the wooded parts of the park will provide close-up views of remaining fall color. The fields along the park road and hiking trails between the trail center junction and the campground are full of beautiful prairie grasses, and offer panoramic views of the oak woodlands. Visitors will also enjoy occasional flurries of late-migrating yellow-rumped warblers and bluebirds. Wild River's campground continues to fill most weekends--reservations are recommended. And, an astronomy program will be offered Saturday evening, October 13, followed by stargazing with a powerful telescope.
Interstate State Park -Taylors Falls
Park officials now report past peak conditions. Various heavy rainfalls and strong winds have taken many leaves off the trees. Some sugar maples continue to color the forest yellow and orange, and seeding maples that cover the forest floor are contributing shades of gold in some areas. Some of the sumac along the roads are hanging onto their bright crimson leaves. The oaks are adding many shades of brown to the scenery. A walk or hike along the park trails offers the best fall color at this time. Please remember that canoe rental and Scenic Boat Tours from Wild Mountain will be offered through October 14.
William O'Brien State Park -Marine on St. Croix, N of Stillwater
Roughly 80 percent of the leaves have changed color, however nearly half of the trees are now bare due to recent heavy winds and rain. Some of the oaks have turned color, and peak fall color should occur this weekend. For some of the nicest fall color views, hit the Prairie Overlook Trail, which travels through hardwoods, oak savanna and upland prairie, and offers spectacular views of the St. Croix River valley. The valley looks like a patchwork quilt of different colors.
Afton State Park -Afton, N of Hastings
Park officials report a 75-100 percent change in the leaves. Peak fall color is expected to occur this coming weekend, October 12-14, however a fair number of leaves have already fallen due to recent rains. The high overlooks across the river valley offer the nicest and most colorful views.
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SOUTHERN MINNESOTA
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park -Nerstrand, S of Northfield
Park officials report an overall 75 percent change in the park foliage. Most maples are past peak, however some are just beginning to turn. The yellow canopy is thinning. The oaks are just beginning to turn shades of rust and maroon. The prairie grasses have turned a rich gold and bronze. The nicest fall color views are along the woodland edges and in the open areas. Hidden Falls are offers nice fall color, and the waterfall is impressive since the recent heavy rains.
Frontenac State Park -Frontenac, S of Red Wing
An overall 70 percent change is being reported in the trees and shrubs. Some of the maples have turned nice shades of yellow and orange. Soon the maples throughout the park will be stunning. There are pockets of cottonwood and aspen that remain very yellow and gold, however recent wind and rain have taken their toll and leaves are falling rapidly. Most of the ash, walnut and sumac are already bare. The oak trees remain mostly green. The big and little bluestem and the Indian grasses are still nice shades of bronze and rust, and are abundant in the park’s prairie and along the main park road. The prairie area across from County Road 2 is very colorful, and the picnic area overlook allows views of a very yellow landscape with emerging orange pockets. Park officials expect peak fall color to arrive October 14-19. Visitors to the park this weekend will also want to check out the Fall Festival of the Arts in Red Wing, held October 13 & 14.
Great River Bluffs State Park -S of Winona
A 50 percent color change is being observed in the park foliage. The ash and box elder trees have dropped most of their golden leaves. Most of the sumac is now fully red, maroon or orange. Some species of maples have turned yellow, orange or red, and others remain very green. No changes have been observed in the oak trees. The native grasses are turning a copper tone. Peak fall color is projected to occur the 2nd and 3rd weekend in October.
Beaver Creek Valley State Park -Caledonia
Trees in the bluff areas are at roughly 40 percent peak fall color. Approximately 80 percent of the leaves on the trees in the valley areas have changed color, with many now falling. For the best fall color views, hit the park roads and trails. The best fall color will be visible this week and next.
Carley State Park -Plainview, NE of Rochester
Roughly 50 percent of the leaves have changed color. Most sugar maples and ash trees are at or past peak, and losing leaves. The oaks are beginning to turn their warm fall colors. The native grasses are past peak, but remain beautiful shades of gold and copper. Migration continues to increase. Lots of hawks are being seen, and good numbers of white pelicans and egrets are still visible on the Mississippi River. Overall peak fall color will probably occur October 13 & 14, with color lingering into next week. Due to flooding at Whitewater State Park, Carley State Park's camping season has been extended through October 21. Whitewater State Park remains closed.
Myre Big Island State Park -Albert Lea
Park officials report a 75 percent change in the park foliage. The maples and sumac are displaying nice shades of yellow, orange and red. The leaves on most of the red oak trees are just beginning to change, with a few displaying a lot of rich orange and rust fall color. Recent heavy winds have caused a lot of leaves to fall. The green leaves that remain are changing color rapidly. The native prairie restoration areas, located east and just south of the park office, offer wonderful views of the grasses and remain wildflowers. Peak fall is expected to arrive either this weekend or next week.
Sakatah Lake State Park -Waterville, W of Faribault
Three-quarters of the trees have changed color. The forest has a golden glow, however there is a surprising number of bare trees. Many maple trees are adding splashes of bright red, yellow and salmon, especially near the campground. Some understory species continue to display nice yellow, salmon, orange, red and maroon leaves. Sakatah Lake State Park offers five miles of hiking trails, and canoe rental. A portion of the paved Sakatah Singing Hills Trail runs through the park. A newly renovated boat landing is also available. Peak fall color has probably already arrived now that many of the most colorful leaves have fallen. Still, there is some very nice fall color throughout the park. Visitors to the park this Friday and Saturday, October 12 & 13, should also take in the HAUNTED CORN MAZE & FEED MILL--LOST IN THE DARK held at nearby Farmamerica in Waseca. For rates and times, dial 507/835-2052, or check out
www.farmamerica.orgFlandrau State Park -New Ulm
Park officials report a 50-75 percent change in the park foliage. Many of the maple trees are at peak shades of bright red, gold and yellow. The bright red sumac leaves are starting to fade. The oak trees are just starting to change color. Most of the ash and black walnut trees are past their peak. As the maples begin to fade, look for the oak trees to take over the fall color show. Prairie grasses are at peak shades of gold and rust. The best locations to view the fall transformation is along the Cottonwood River trail, which is lined with maples, oaks and cottonwoods. Waterfowl can also be seen over the river banks as they travel south. To experience the prairie, its grasses and the remaining wildflowers, take a hike on the Bluebird or Grassland trails. Peak fall color has arrived. Visitors to the park this weekend will also want to check out the 26TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST celebration on Friday and Saturday, October 12 & 13, at the Holiday Inn and downtown New Ulm.
Fort Ridgely State Park -Fairfax, NW of New Ulm
Park officials report mostly past peak conditions due to the abundance of leaves on the ground, however the oaks, maples and hackberry trees should reach the height of their fall color this weekend, October 13 & 14. The Big bluestem grasses are at peak shades of purple, and the Indian grass heads are also very colorful. The sumac ranges from entirely bare to green. The view across the Minnesota River Valley offers a variety of color, although it is somewhat subdued.
Sibley State Park -New London, N of Willmar
The peak was short-lived now that recent wind and rain have brought down many of the colorful leaves. Beautiful scenery remains, with peak fall color in the red oak and aspen trees still to come. In addition, the cottonwood, cherry, birch, maple and burr oak continue to display some nice fall color. The prairie grasses are at or just past their 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. The park is now past peak.
Blue Mounds State Park -Luverne
The Indian and Big bluestem grasses are now at peak shades of rust and tan. While there are more prairie areas than trees within this prairie park, those trees that do reside within Blue Mounds are now approaching peak fall color. The nicest fall color can be seen along the hiking trails and the Cliffline bike trail.
Kilen Woods State Park -Lakefield
The grasses in the area are a variety of beautiful yellow and brown hues. The trees have turned a golden color, with some adding nice shades of red and orange. The sumac leaves are contributing a deep burnt umber. Roughly 60 percent of the park foliage, and 75 percent of the native grasses, have now turned shades of fall color. Kilen Woods will reach peak sometime between this weekend and next.
"The information in this report is provided courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism."
