There’s nothing like the crisp cool air, the vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red falling from trees, and the warm glow of bonfires. Native Minnesotan author F. Scott Fitzgerald encapsulated the sentiment of autumn in his classic The Great Gatsby, “Everything starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” This season is meaningful to many and mesmerizing almost everyone. Luckily, you don’t have to leave the Twin Cities to see some of the most stunning foliage.
We’ve created an awesome road trip map to see everything Minneapolis autumns have to offer!
It isn't necessary to leave the city if you want to see some incredible fall foliage!
Minnehaha Falls is definitively the most awe-inspiring waterfall in Minneapolis. The falls flow into Minnehaha Creek, which eventually connects to the mighty Mississippi River.
A trail adjacent to the creek is the perfect path to follow. On either side of the creek, the area is heavily wooded with sturdy maples, oaks, and other trees, making the area vibrant every fall.
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The best part about this Minneapolis fall foliage road trip: you can choose to drive or bike between destinations!
Minneapolis is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the entire world, and there are trails along many of our road trip stops. Fall colors won't whizz by as quickly as when you're in a car, making the whole day a little more leisurely.
Although you can make a trip to any of Minneapolis' 12 lakes, Bde Maka Ska is the largest and most popular in the area. With a view of the Minneapolis skyline to set the scene, you'll fall head over heels for this autumn foliage.
It makes perfect sense that trees in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden would be as vibrant and as beautiful as the sculptures within the park. The fiery red maples perfectly complement the red cherry of the Spoonbridge and Cherry. It also brings out the architectural beauty of the Basilica of Saint Mary.
Let's take a moment to just appreciate the golden glow of a sunny fall day as it illuminates the leaves of Minneapolis' trees.
If you climb to the top of the hill in the park, you can catch a gorgeous view of the tree lined Mississippi riverbank and the historic Stone Arch Bridge. Spend as much time as you want here, as it's one of the prettiest places in the entire city.
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5. Finally, make your way towards Northeast Minneapolis to see a colorful sunset along the Mississippi and catch the glow of the fall foliage towards dusk.
You can view the Mississippi from the bridge or from one of the popular restaurants in Northeast that have sublime patios. There's no better way to begin an evening in the autumn than with a warm, hearty meal and a drink!
Of course, if Northeast isn't really your style, you can catch sunset from any bridge in Minneapolis along the Mississippi.
There will be an abundance of fall colors to see along the river throughout late September and early October. This photo was captured from the Franklin Street Bridge. No matter where you go, you're in for a treat.
We can’t wait to take in all of Minneapolis’ fall foliage and hope you’re excited too. Where is your favorite place in Minneapolis to enjoy autumn? Let us know in the comments below.
