From picturesque hikes to scenic drives, here’s where to go leaf peeping in Minnesota this fall.
As temperatures just begin to dip and leaf tips start to turn, it’s prime time to make the most of the seasonal color change and get ready for leaf peeping in Minnesota.
By the second-to-last week of September, tree leaves are typically well on their way to their full kaleidoscopic potential across the state—so now’s the time to plan a leaf-laden hike or a scenic autumn drive!
By mid-October, the trees tend to reach their peak color for the season in the northern half of Minnesota, with the southern half to follow in the last weeks of October. Blink and you’ll miss it.
To get a sense of how far along the trees are likely to be near you, or at your destination, check out the DNR’s Fall Color Finder.
Here’s where to check out the color change, by car and by foot.
Drive the scenic byways
Across the state’s many parks, forests, and bodies of water, leaf peeping in Minnesota offers the chance to view kaleidoscopic colors from the gorgeous bluffs of southeastern Minnesota to the shores of Lake Superior.
If you want to see it all, or as much as you can, cruise along the state’s scenic byways. Scenic byways are more than just long stretches of road—most of them offer interpretive tours, historical stops, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks to make the most of the drive and the unique vantage points along the way.
Not only can you get out and stretch your legs, but you can stop and really savor the season’s scenery.
Northern Minnesota
It never disappoints to drive the shores of Lake Superior. Add fall colors into the mix, and you’ve got unforgettable views. Cruise along the North Shore “All-American” Scenic Drive, spanning 154 miles from Duluth to Grand Portage. For a change of scenery, take a left inland on the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway at Silver Bay toward Biwabik.
The Chippewa National Forest, between Bemidji and Grand Rapids, is dense with colorful trees to admire. The Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway extends for 47 miles from Grand Rapids to Effie and is one of the national forests’ premier recommended drives.
Central Minnesota
The Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway extends from Belle Plaine through Mankato to Big Stone Lake. Carving through the area’s unique geography, the drive offers diverse spots for leaf peeping in Minnesota throughout its prairie landscape, with waterfalls and outcrops along the way.
Hop on the Saint Croix Scenic Byway in Hastings and go for 124 miles to Sandstone. View the trees as you wind along the St. Croix River, along cliffs, and through hills.
Southern Minnesota
Of course, there’s the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles (the Minnesota portion being 565 miles). While you might think you’ve seen the Mississippi six ways from Sunday, the portion of the drive that goes through Bluff Country is seriously awe-inspiring. Catch the changing leaves from epic views overlooking the river as you coast along from Red Wing to Winona and beyond—choose your own adventure.
An autumn drive through the bluffs is a must. The Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway runs 88 miles from Dexter to La Crescent, on Highway 16. The drive takes you by cute towns with shops and food, historical homes and sites, and points along the Root River. Look out for horse-drawn buggies that also use this road!
For a truly fall-flavored experience, the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive is a mere 17-mile drive along Hwy 29 through orchards and the rolling hills of Minnesota’s bluffs. With opportunities to stop for apples, pumpkins, and cider, this leisurely drive is just right for fall fans.
Hike in the crisp fall air
Oberg Loop | Superior Hiking Trail
This 2.6-mile trail loop is a bucket-list North Shore hike. Featuring an astounding eight overlooks, this is the tiny piece of the Superior Hiking Trail you need to trek. Find the trailhead Superior National Forest near Tofte, and ascend to gorgeous views of Oberg Lake and the surrounding forest.
King’s Bluff Trail | Great River Bluffs State Park
The King’s Bluff Trail is one of the most picturesque spots in the state, with sweeping vantage points of the Mississippi River Valley. Set on a unique, steep topography known as “goat prairie” and covered with oaks and maples, the rare landscape is a sight to behold. The 1.25-mile hike can be accessed via Great River Bluffs State Park—which has five more Bluff Country overlooks you can hike to.
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
With 12 miles of trails, the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is an idyllic autumn destination for leaf peeping in Minnesota. Enjoy the manicured gardens, then venture out along the trails that extend into the naturalized areas of the Arb. For a full fall adventure, visit the AppleHouse, too!
Adult admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the gate (children aged 15 and younger are free). The grounds are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m in September and October.
Visit a state park
Our state parks were made for leaf peeping in Minnesota. Some of the state’s most scenic parks offer guided walks for viewing the colorful foliage. Come to learn about the landscape, stay for the scenic treasure trove!
Note: These events are free, but a permit is required for state park entry ($7 per day or $35 per year).
Lake Bemidji State Park: Wetlands are the centerpiece of this northwestern Minnesota state park, featuring a bog boardwalk. Enjoy a tranquil autumn morning in this unique landscape on its fall colors serenity stroll, Sept. 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Lake Carlos State Park: Explore the Minnesota River Valley at this park with expansive overlooks and historical sites. A 1.3-mile fall color walk takes place Sept. 26 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Nerstrand Big Woods: This park is home to idyllic falls in a serene landscape, just about an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities! Join a naturalist-led, mile-long fall color hike Sept. 26 and Oct. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Fort Ridgely State Park: The “All About Fall” nature walk is a chance to enjoy the fall landscape and to learn about other autumnal activities, like bird migration, at this Minnesota River Valley state park. The 1.5-mile walk through the hills takes place Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
William O’Brien State Park: This park is tucked into the Saint Croix River valley, with vast vantage points for taking in trees. Participate in a fall colors walk along the 1.6-mile Riverside Trail, Oct. 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., or along the 1.5-mile Beaver Pond Loop, Oct. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Sibley State Park: Enjoy high-point views of the prairie from this popular west-central Minnesota state park. Attend the lovely leaves hike along the Pondview Interpretive Trail, a loop of a little over a half mile, Oct. 3 from 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 10 from 4 to 5 p.m., and Oct. 17 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: Climb a 100-foot fire tower to take in all the fall views at this park. Half-mile fall nature walks will happen Oct. 10 and Oct. 16 from 10 to 11 a.m.
