Fall Foliage Road Trips Across Minnesota
Nestled about an hour northeast of Minneapolis, the North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior offers one of Minnesota’s most breathtaking fall foliage experiences. Starting near Duluth, travelers can follow Highway 61 north, where the vibrant reds and golds of maples and aspens splash against the deep blue of the lake. A standout stop is Gooseberry Falls State Park, where a series of waterfalls tumble through a canopy of fiery leaves. The park’s easy-to-moderate trails loop past the main falls and lesser cascades, allowing visitors to soak in the crisp air and the rustling leaves while listening to the water’s soothing rush. The contrast between rocky cliffs, water, and vivid fall colors here is truly unique to this region, making it a perfect early autumn destination when the colors just begin to peak.
Further inland, about 90 minutes southwest of Duluth in the heart of the Superior National Forest, the Border Route Trail offers a rugged alternative for more adventurous travelers craving an immersive fall trek. This 65-mile trail snakes along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and while it demands good stamina, even shorter day hikes reveal spectacular scenes. The deciduous forest here bursts into fiery hues around mid-September, and the trail’s high ridges provide sweeping views over Lake Superior and dense woodlands. Moose and deer sightings are common in this less-traveled spot, and the quiet hum of the forest in autumn sets a serene mood unmatched by more crowded state parks.
Down south, about 45 minutes west of Rochester, Whitewater State Park marks a different kind of fall adventure. The park’s rugged limestone bluffs frame the Whitewater River, which winds through groves of oak, hickory, and maple that blaze with warm colors in October. The Highway 25 Loop Trail is a favorite, offering a moderate 3.5-mile loop that climbs to lookout points revealing both the river valley and the endless sea of colorful forest. This park stands out for its geological formations, with dramatic cliffs and caves carved by ancient glaciers. The combination of geological wonder and autumn spectacle makes it a must-see for nature lovers visiting southeastern Minnesota.
Heading to the central part of the state, about an hour west of St. Cloud, Sibley State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat amid rolling hills and a patchwork of oak and maple forests. The park’s Blueberry Trail is a moderate 4.5-mile loop that weaves through dense woods and open meadows, offering stunning views of the foliage reflected in the calm waters of Sibley Lake. What makes this spot special in the fall is the abundance of wild berries and nuts that attract migrating songbirds and squirrels, creating a lively backdrop of wildlife activity. The typically mild fall weather here encourages leisurely hikes and photography, especially during late September when the color palette is richest.
On the far western edge of Minnesota, about a two-hour drive west of Fargo, the Buffalo Ridge area near the city of Luverne transforms into a patchwork of prairie grasses and hardwood groves each autumn. Blue Mound State Park crowns this region with a summit rising nearly 1,400 feet above sea level, the highest point in southwestern Minnesota. The park’s Summit Trail is a short but steep climb, rewarding visitors with expansive views over rolling farmland and forests aglow with autumn colors. What sets this park apart is its blend of prairie and woodland ecosystems, where the golden hues of prairie grasses mingle with the fiery reds of the trees. Early October is prime time here, when the contrast between the open prairie and dense woods is at its peak.
In the metropolitan south, just a half-hour south of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska offers a cultivated yet expansive palette of fall colors. Walking the Arboretum’s trails, such as the Carlander Trail that loops through a variety of tree species, gives visitors a chance to see maples, lindens, and oaks in their full autumn glory. Beyond the colors, the Arboretum’s themed gardens—like the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden—offer a cultural touchstone to the season’s beauty with their traditional design elements. Mid-September through early October brings peak color here, paired with cool, crisp days perfect for leisurely strolling and photography.
Finally, about an hour and a half north of Minneapolis, Itasca State Park, the headwaters of the Mississippi River, provides a historic and scenic backdrop to fall’s arrival. The park’s Old River Trail is a gentle 2.5-mile hike that follows the early Mississippi surrounded by towering hardwoods bursting with color. Itasca’s unique charm lies in its blend of serene waterways, ancient red pines, and broadleaf forests that shift shades from deep green to vibrant yellow and red. Early to mid-October is the best time to visit when the fall colors peak and the park’s quiet lakes and rivers mirror the dazzling canopy overhead. This is a place to slow down, reflect, and witness Minnesota’s natural heritage framed by autumn’s finest colors.