The Enchanting Village In Minnesota That Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn
By Trent Jonas|Published October 03, 2023
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
If you’re looking for an awesome place to enjoy fall in Minnesota, you should definitely consider the tiny town of Finland. It’s just minutes away from two state parks, the Finland State Forest, and the Superior National Forest. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is nearby, as well. Surrounded by trees and natural beauty, Finland is about as good as it gets for leaf peeping in Minnesota.
Finland is an unincorporated community of around 200 people in Lake County.
It’s an awesome place to visit during any season, but given it’s location, it’s particularly stunning when the leaves begin to change over to their fall colors.
George Crosby Manitou State Park, which is just east of Finland, is an excellent place for a little autumn tree bathing. Crosby Manitou is a designated wilderness park, so it’s mostly undeveloped: no gift shop, no plumbing, and no crowds.
George Crosby Manitou State Park, 7616 Co Hwy 7, Finland, MN 55603, USA
Hit one of the parks many wooded trails, which wind through mixed upland forest, along the Manitou River and the shores of Bensen Lake.
Another nearby option, just west of Finland, is Tettegouche State Park. One of the jewels of the state park system, Tettegouche has all the amenities that Crosby Manitou lacks, as well as spectacular, rugged scenery.
Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
You can enjoy the foliage along Lake Superior, but I personally recommend hitting the trail and taking a hike through the upland forest. Head toward High Falls for an autumn view with a little something extra.
Don’t limit yourself to the state parks, though. Stretch your legs out and enjoy a moderate hike on a section of the Superior Hiking Trail.
Fantasia Overlook, Superior Hiking Trail, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Starting from the trail head near Finland, you’ll hike the SHT for a little over 2.5 miles to the Fantasia Overlook. And if you time your hike with peak fall colors, you’ll understand exactly where it got its name. The hike is an out-and-back from the trailhead, for a total of 5.2 miles with just over 1,100 feet of elevation gain.
Be sure to eat at one of the eateries in Finland.
Four Seasons Restaurant & Bar, 6538 State Hwy 1, Finland, MN 55603, USA
I’m partial to Four Seasons Supper Club. Under new ownership as of 2023, this spot has been a local favorite for years, and I can personally vouch for the tasty food and potent beverages.
Try and get to Finland during the autumn, but even if you can’t make it then, definitely plan to visit this charming community. You’ll find plenty of vacation rentals, as well as a handful of lodges right in the Finland area. If you venture farther afield, down to the Lake Superior shoreline or north, closer to Ely, you’ll find even more lodging options.
Have you visited Finland? Let us know in the comments!
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