Fall is finally here. It’s time to enjoy cooler weather, plan our Halloween costumes, and pretend winter isn’t around the corner. But one of Minnesota’s best fall activities? The leaves – jumping in them, raking them and plain old admiring them. Leaf season starts a little earlier in the north and a little later in the south, but most of the state enjoys peak leaf season from mid-September to mid-October. Here’s a fall foliage road trip that you can use to find the most beautiful colors in Minnesota. Check out driving directions here.
The Route
Google Maps This fall foliage route starts in the Twin Cities and travels north towards Lake Superior. At just over 300 miles, you’re probably going to want to do this one over a weekend. Luckily, there’s plenty to see in the towns along this route.
Fort Snelling State Park
Nature Nerd/Flickr St. Paul’s Fort Snelling State Park is known for the historic military fortification, but it also features some of the most beautiful sights in the Twin Cities. Located where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet, this is a great place to start your Minnesota leaf tour.
Interstate State Park
m01229/Flickr This park shared by Minnesota and Wisconsin is situated on two sides of the St. Croix River. From either side, you can peek at the vivid colors of fall against the backdrop of the stunning river dalles. Stop at Franconia Sculpture Park on the way out if you want to add a bit of whimsy to your trip.
Chengwatana State Forest
Justin Meissen/Flickr Pine City’s Chengwatana State Forest boasts some of the most beautiful fall colors in the area. Also be sure to check out the city’s cute downtown area before you leave. You’ll find cute shops, a rare drive-in A&W, and a giant redwood statue.
Banning State Park
Phil/Flickr Banning is one of my favorite spots to visit when I’m in the East Central Minnesota area. The rushing falls of the Kettle River are a can’t-miss experience, and the fall foliage will only add to your enjoyment of the place.
Jay Cooke State Park
Garret Voight/Flickr This park is famous for its swinging bridge. But during peak season, the real star of the show is the park’s beautiful colors. With Duluth just 10 miles north, it might be a good idea to find a spot to stay around there. The view from Duluth’s Enger Tower on Skyline Drive would be an amazing spot to catch one last glimpse of the leaves (and Lake Superior) before the day is done.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Loring Loding/Flickr Gooseberry Falls is gorgeous all year, but those oranges and yellows really make the waterfall pop. You can easily make this a quick stop, or you can take your time and see Two Harbors before you hit the waterfall. It’s is a cute town with lots of shops, and I always make sure to stop at Betty’s Pies when I’m in the area.
Tettegouche State Park
Brett Whaley/Flickr Up the road on scenic Highway 61 is Tettegouche State Park. The 70-foot High Falls are a stunner, especially surrounded by peak-season leaves. Climb Palisade Head overlooking Lake Superior if you want a bird’s-eye view of fall.
Temperance River State Park
Kat B./Flickr The thick forests of Temperance River State Park make it a prime leaf peeping spot. Take a walk along the trail that winds alongside the river gorge, or take a bit longer and climb high on Carlton Peak to see the leaves from above.
Cascade River State Park
Tony Webster/Flickr End your fall road trip by climbing Lookout Mountain. From the top, you’ll see miles of mixed forest in vivid fall colors, plus a peek of beautiful blue water. And because you’ll already be in Lutsen, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend one last night up north. There are plenty of hotels and lodges to choose from in this classic retreat town.
One good thing about this route is that, especially as you drive along Highway 61, you’ll be able to see bright leaves without ever stopping the car. Better yet? You’ll be able to see it all again when it’s time to go home. Be sure to use the DNR’s Fall Color Finder to find more information about peak seasons around the state, and let us know when you spot gorgeous fall leaves.
Google Maps
This fall foliage route starts in the Twin Cities and travels north towards Lake Superior. At just over 300 miles, you’re probably going to want to do this one over a weekend. Luckily, there’s plenty to see in the towns along this route.
Nature Nerd/Flickr
St. Paul’s Fort Snelling State Park is known for the historic military fortification, but it also features some of the most beautiful sights in the Twin Cities. Located where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet, this is a great place to start your Minnesota leaf tour.
m01229/Flickr
This park shared by Minnesota and Wisconsin is situated on two sides of the St. Croix River. From either side, you can peek at the vivid colors of fall against the backdrop of the stunning river dalles. Stop at Franconia Sculpture Park on the way out if you want to add a bit of whimsy to your trip.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Pine City’s Chengwatana State Forest boasts some of the most beautiful fall colors in the area. Also be sure to check out the city’s cute downtown area before you leave. You’ll find cute shops, a rare drive-in A&W, and a giant redwood statue.
Phil/Flickr
Banning is one of my favorite spots to visit when I’m in the East Central Minnesota area. The rushing falls of the Kettle River are a can’t-miss experience, and the fall foliage will only add to your enjoyment of the place.
Garret Voight/Flickr
This park is famous for its swinging bridge. But during peak season, the real star of the show is the park’s beautiful colors. With Duluth just 10 miles north, it might be a good idea to find a spot to stay around there. The view from Duluth’s Enger Tower on Skyline Drive would be an amazing spot to catch one last glimpse of the leaves (and Lake Superior) before the day is done.
Loring Loding/Flickr
Gooseberry Falls is gorgeous all year, but those oranges and yellows really make the waterfall pop. You can easily make this a quick stop, or you can take your time and see Two Harbors before you hit the waterfall. It’s is a cute town with lots of shops, and I always make sure to stop at Betty’s Pies when I’m in the area.
Brett Whaley/Flickr
Up the road on scenic Highway 61 is Tettegouche State Park. The 70-foot High Falls are a stunner, especially surrounded by peak-season leaves. Climb Palisade Head overlooking Lake Superior if you want a bird’s-eye view of fall.
Kat B./Flickr
The thick forests of Temperance River State Park make it a prime leaf peeping spot. Take a walk along the trail that winds alongside the river gorge, or take a bit longer and climb high on Carlton Peak to see the leaves from above.
Tony Webster/Flickr
End your fall road trip by climbing Lookout Mountain. From the top, you’ll see miles of mixed forest in vivid fall colors, plus a peek of beautiful blue water. And because you’ll already be in Lutsen, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to spend one last night up north. There are plenty of hotels and lodges to choose from in this classic retreat town.
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