Table of Contents
Check Out the Resources
Fall Color Guide MN
If you are wondering where to find the best places for fall colors in Minnesota be sure to visit the Minnesota DNR website’s Fall Color finder, which lists all the State parks and at what stage the leaves are in. Depending on whether you are looking for a day trip or spending the weekend, you are sure to find something to fit your needs but plan ahead so you don’t miss peak!
Visit the North Shore
North Shore Scenic Drive
From Canal Park in Duluth along the shore to the border of Canada at Grand Portage. This is a beautiful drive at all times of the year! Visit northshorevisitor.com for ideas of where to stay and what to do on the way.
Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway
Another great place for MN Fall Colors is the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway. The Minnesota Rivery Valley Scenic Byway spans 287 miles from Browns Valley to New Prague. The Byway Corridor includes 10 miles on each side of the Minnesota river. South of the twin cities you can visit riverside parks in Le Sueur, St. Peter, Mankato and New Ulm. You can also find some bluff-top overlooks in New Ulm. You can visit mnrivervalley.com to find more info on where to visit and things to do along the way!
Otter Tail County
Northwest of the Twin Cities you can visit the hills of Otter Tail county. You can visit Glendalough State Park, Maplewood State Park or any of the numerous lakes including Otter Tail Lake. You can visit the Inspiration Peak State Wayside for some beautiful views.
Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
If you want to stay closer (or in) the cities you can consider the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System. It includes about 50 miles of walling trails and 50 miles of biking trails.
- Downtown Riverfront
- Chain of Lakes
- Minnehaha
- Mississippi River
- Northeast
- Victory Memorial
- Theodore Wirth
Brainerd Lakes
If you start in Brainerd you can basically go any direction for a beautiful fall drive. You can view this fall tour guide if you would like some tours already mapped out for you. This includes:
- Bay Lakes fall tour
- Gull Lakes fall tour
- Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway fall tour
- Pillsbury State Forest Fall Tour
- Round Lake Fall Tour
Brainerd area fall colors typically peak late September to early October but that can change depending on the temperature and precipitation the area has had.
Best Time for Fall Colors in Minnesota
Peak times for fall color can vary from year to year based on how much rain we recieved that year and the temperatures we get leading into fall. Fall colors typically peak in Mid-September to Mid-October starting in the northern most part of the state and working their way southward. Hopefully you find some time this fall to view them even if just for a short drive!
