Best Places to View Fall Colors by Swetha Shankar

Fall is in full swing now and you know what that means- dreary weather, never being able to find the perfect outfit for the hourly temperature fluctuations, and having to deal with leaves blowing on to your face for the next month.

On top of that, this fall is cold, gray, rainy, and snowy in many of the places where Minnesota's fall color is peaking. But do not fret; fall beauty is slowly appearing throughout Minnesota. So if you want to explore nature’s beauty or take some last-minute seniors pictures (you know who you are), here are some of the

best places to view it!

Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area

Located in Crow Wing County, this state park is an excellent place to see the splendid colors of cottonwoods, aspens, and birch, so expect to see lots of brilliant gold and yellows at peak. Additionally, the new maples planted in Miner's Mountain Rally Center are currently displaying brilliant reds and oranges. For this area's best view, bike, hike or drive up to the Miner's Mountain Overlook.

Saint Croix State Park

Now is the perfect time to take a scenic drive through the park and climb the fire tower. See the landscape painted with the colors of the bright red maples, the yellow aspens, and the amber oaks. Additionally, fall migration is in full swing so you will be able to spot migrating birds. Saint Croix State Park is located in Pine Country and is Minnesota’s largest state park.

Maplewood State Park

Maplewood State Park is located in Otter Tail County. The maples are currently displaying various shades of scarlet, orange, and yellow. Golden birches are turning into magnificent colors, and the maroons and golden hues of oaks are appearing. Aspens are turning yellow and peaking.

The Holloway Hill is a visitor favorite for viewing fall colors and taking in the beauty of the park's lakes, prairies and hardwood forests. Take a drive on the 4.5-mile scenic road through the heart of the park.

Afton State Park

This state park, found in Washington County, is sporting brilliant hues among its maples, ashes, and sumacs. This year’s maple and ash trees are a brilliant yellow and golden while the sumacs are a deep maroon and can be seen along the entrance road just past the camper cabin road.

Two beautiful walks remain along the Saint Croix River on the North and South river trails. The North trail has many oaks with rather muted colors, but the south trail has many maples and aspens which are now yellow. The areas around the visitor center show the most color.

To check out more areas to view fall colors, check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Fall Color Finder at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html. So what are you waiting for? Go and explore the great Minnesota fall!

Map showing the location of different fall colors.