Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Minnesota's Fall Foliage In 2023
By Trent Jonas|Published September 06, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
It’s about the time of year when we begin to wonder, “When do leaves change color in Minnesota?” One tool that helps me make decisions about where and when to go to see fall colors in Minnesota is the Fall Foliage Prediction Map from SmokyMountains.com.
The map offers county-level predictions for the progression of fall colors across the United States. To see when and where colors will approach and reach their peak in Minnesota, simply use the slider at the bottom of the Fall Foliage Prediction Map. As you move the date later, you’ll see the Minnesota fall foliage map’s 2023 forecast for the state’s counties.
Fall in Minnesota is getting started early this year in the northern part of the state, as areas along the North Shore had already reported color changes in the first week of September.
Oberg Mountain to Lutsen, for example, are already beginning to turn. Look for the Arrowhead and areas near the Boundary Waters to peak by the end of the month.
So, if you’re looking for fall colors in September, I recommend heading for the North Shore.
Summit Express Gondola, Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN, USA
Take a hike in Cascade River State Park or from one of the Superior Hiking Trail trailheads northeast of Minnesota Hwy. 1. Another great way to experience fall colors along the North Shore is a ride on the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains resort.
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By late September and early October, start looking for colors a little farther south.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway north of Taylors Falls is always beautiful for autumn colors. Other good options for the middle part of the season include Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids and Schoolcraft State Park.
Personally, Lake Maria State Park is one of my favorite places to go for mid-autumn tree bathing.
The Mississippi River valley tends to hold onto its fall colors for a little longer than other parts of the state - it’s those stubborn oak trees - but Forestville/Mystery Cave and Camden State Parks are also solid late-fall contenders.
You could even use the Foliage Prediction Map to make your plans for packing up the car and heading out on a fall colors road trip. Do you have plans for leaf peeping this fall? Let us know in the comments!
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