7 Places You Can’t Miss For Fall Foliage in Minnesota
Fall foliage in Minnesota is spectacular. So vivid and colorful, it looks like someone filtered the view and bumped the saturation right before your very eyes.
So often people take fall foliage trips to Vermont or the Great Smoky Mountains but maybe consider heading to the Midwest because Minnesota is sure to dazzle you in the fall!
You can track the peak color times using this Fall Color Finder map.
Here are just a few of my favorite places around the state to view fall colors.
Lutsen Mountain
Do yourself a favor and have Lutsen Mountain be your first stop on your Minnesota fall foliage tour!
This ski resort and the entire area make for a beautiful stop along Minnesota’s North Shore.
I highly recommend taking the gondola to the top for an absolutely breathtaking view. The hills are an uninterrupted sea of red and orange!
The alpine slide is equally as fun. You can book single tickets or an unlimited day pass for a day of adventuring on Lutsen Mountain.
The Superior Hiking Trail
If you’re the adventurous type, do yourself a favor and plan a backpacking trip on the Superior Hiking Trail during peak fall foliage.
It’s one of my favorite things I’ve ever done in Minnesota. Ever.
The trail in the fall is absolutely wild with vivid colors.
If you need an itinerary, you can follow this 3 day itinerary. Complete with a packing list for you to use!
Oberg Mountain
This loop is truly jaw-dropping in the fall. It’s a spur trail on the Superior Hiking Trail but a very popular short hike for all ages.
You don’t need to be backpacking the SHT to enjoy this loop, just park at the trailhead and prepare to be amazed by the fall foliage.
Read: 8 AMAZING REASONS TO TRY BACKPACKING IN MINNESOTA
Winona River Bluffs
Winona is beautiful town during any season of the year but fall is when this charming city really shines! The towering bluffs are polka-dotted with crimson, yellow and orange in an incredibly scenic fashion. No tree left unturned practically!
Whether you hike up to the top of the bluffs and gaze over the rolling hills or if you’re down at water level pearing up, the effect is the same. A complete wash of fall colors!
Favorite Spot: Garvin Heights Overlook
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Sugarloaf Bluff in Winona
Winona is so stunning it makes this list twice. While you’re there be sure to hike to Sugarloaf Bluff for breathtaking fall views over the town and river.
Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES IN WINONA
John A. Latsch State Park
It’s a steep but worthwhile climb to ascend all the stairs at this state park!
Not to worry, the views make it totally worth it.
This state park is just 20 minutes away from downtown Winona, Minnesota.
Read: THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA
North Shore Scenic Byway on Highway 61
The entire North Shore is spectacular in the fall. The vibrant colors against the lighthouses, beaches and scenic byways make for an amazing road trip!
Start in Duluth and head north to see countless state parks, lighthouses, hiking trails and charming small towns.
Read: THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES ALONG THE MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is practically BEGGING you to come experience fall foliage on the cool, breezy shore.
Although this is a blog post on Minnesota, you can also cross into Wisconsin to experience fall foliage from cute little town like Bayfield.
Read: 10 THINGS TO DO IN BAYFIELD WISCONSIN FOR THE PERFECT WEEKEND GETAWAY
St. Peter Arboretum
If you’re in Southern Minnesota and looking for a great spot, check out the arboretum on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus!
While St. Peter is often passed over as a destination because it’s a small town, the arboretum packs a lot of punch in the fall!
Seven Mile Creek Park
Located in southern Minnesota between Mankato and St. Peter, this park really shines each fall!
It’s less popular too so you’ll often find yourself alone on the trails under a canopy of yellow or orange leaves.
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SOOOO SOO SOOO pretty!! Wow. Does make me miss MN a bit (that is… until it starts snowing, then it’s NVM!!) The leaves are JUST starting to change here in NYC, so it is really delayed! I can’t wait to go to Central Park when the leaves change.
Ahh thank you Emilee!! I so appreciate your support and Minnesota misses you too 😉 Wow, I’ve never seen fall colors in New York. I bet Central Park is just to die for!