Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Minnesota Like Never Before
By Betsy Rathburn|Updated on August 02, 2023(Originally published September 19, 2016)
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
As the last bit of summer fades, it’s time to enjoy cooler weather, plan Halloween costumes, seek out the best pumpkin-spiced everything, and pretend winter isn’t around the corner. But one of Minnesota’s best fall activities? The leaves! Jumping in them, raking them, and just plain old admiring them. Fall in Minnesota comes a bit earlier than in other states, but we’ve got you covered! Plan ahead and get ready to load up the car as soon as those leaves start to change; this fall foliage road trip will help you find all of the most beautiful colors in Minnesota.
Grab the official Google map and note our additional recommendations and side trips below.
This fall foliage road trip 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 and oodles of places to stay, so you can truly take your time enjoying all of the amazing fall colors in Minnesota.
1. Fort Snelling State Park, St. Paul
Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul, MN 55111, USA
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.
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2. Interstate State Park, Taylors Falls
Interstate State Park, 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Interstate State Park may boast phenomenal colors, but it's also pretty unique too! 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.
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3. Chengwatana State Forest, Pine City
Chengwatana State Forest, Pine City, MN 55063, USA
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.
4. Banning State Park, Sandstone
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Banning State Park 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 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.
6. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lake County
Gooseberry Falls State Park, 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
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 you'll definitely want to make sure to stop at Betty's Pies too!
7. Tettegouche State Park, Lake County
Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota 61, Silver Bay, MN, USA
Just 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.
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8. Temperance River State Park, Schroeder
Temperance River State Park, 7620 West MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613, USA
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. Minnesota in the fall is absolutely gorgeous no matter what region you're in, but Temperance River SP offers a little extra magic!
9. Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park, West, 3481 MN-61, Lutsen, MN 55612, USA
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, like the gorgeous Lutsen Resort!
Be sure to bring a camera for this gorgeous fall foliage road trip in Minnesota! (But these binoculars will do just fine as well!) Our state is absolutely brimming with phenomenal beauty in autumn, and this journey is just the start of everything it has to offer during the leaf-peeping season. Who will you bring along to ogle the prettiest fall colors in Minnesota?
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!
This is definitely one of my favorite Minnesota road trips, but feel free to add on a few more to get a full MN experience. Or, if you need a few more ideas of things to do in Minnesota, we have plenty of seasonal destinations, trips, and fun activities to choose from.
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More to Explore
Fall Foliage Road Trip in Minnesota & Related Info
Jennifer|August 01, 2023
When is the best time to see fall colors in Minnesota?
Peak 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. Be sure to use the DNR's Fall Color Finder to find more information about leaf hotspots around the state, and share your photos with us as you tackle this gorgeous journey!
Are there any caves in Minnesota?
Minnesota may not be known for its caves the same way it's known for its abundant lakes and fall foliage, but you can bet this gorgeous Midwest state has a few hiding in its recesses. In fact, Minnesota doesn't just have lakes, caves, and waterfalls... we also have an underground river! Here are just a few of the caves in Minnesota:
