Two things that folks in the Land of 10,000 Lakes adore are waterfalls and autumn leaves. That’s why it’s so exciting when, for just a few weeks every year, waterfalls become even more beautiful thanks to their autumnal surroundings. Fall colors in Minnesota are stunning – from the maples and oaks of the Big Woods to the aspen, birches, and tamaracks of the North Woods, it’s a season of exceptional splendor in the Bold North. While just about any waterfall in our state is a striking sight when fringed in fall foliage, one of our favorites is located at Minneopa State Park in Mankato. Minneopa Falls will soon be surrounded by beautiful fall colors, and believe us when we tell you that don’t want to miss it.

Minneopa State Park is a beautiful natural area of more than 4,600 acres in south-central Minnesota, just outside of Mankato.
jpellgen/Flickr
While perhaps best known for its bison herd - a portion of the Minnesota state herd - Minneopa is also home to beautiful woodlands along the Minnesota River and Minneopa Creek, from which the park gets its name.
Wisconsin Denizen/Flickr
The park is a gorgeous natural setting any month of the year, but it is truly breathtaking come fall. Maple, elm, oak, and many other tree species thrive here in the riverine bottomlands. And when summer turns to fall, their leave burst and blaze with color.
Valery Andre/Google Reviews
You can tree bathe amid the foliage along more than four miles of trails that wind throug the park, making it easy to to luxuriate in the colors. This part of Minnesota in the fall usually hits peak color within the first couple weeks of October.
Deb Chinander/Google Photos

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Of course, as you've likely surmised by now, trails aren't the only thing to see in this state park. There's also a spectacular double waterfall on Minneopa Creek that is a must visit - especially when fall rolls around.
Trent Jonas/Google Photos
The upper cascade of Minneopa Falls is a gentle drop, and it's easy to see up close, thanks to a bridge spanning the creek just below it. Surrounded by the rich colors of autumn, it's simply stunning.
Dale Bohlke/Flickr
The lower falls is even more beautiful. Walk across the lovely bridge to see it the lip of the falls up close, or stroll along the paved pathways to get a better perspective and take in the entirety of Minneopa Falls. Either way, you'll love it!
Trent Jonas/Google Photos
A steep trail leads to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist as the water barrels down - when the flow is strong enough. Surrounded by the sights of the changing season, it will definitely be among the most unforgettable hikes you take this year.
Trent Jonas/Google Photos
Check out this video from YouTubers Bohemian Adventurers to get more of a taste for Minneopa State Park in the fall:

For leaf peeping, you simply can’t do much better than Minneopa Falls in Minnesota in the fall – it’s definitely one of my favorite spots to enjoy fall colors in Minnesota! If you can’t get enough of the autumn foliage in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, pack some snacks and load up the car and hit the highway with us for a fabulous fall foliage road trip!

Have you visited Minneopa State Park and seen Minneopa Falls in the autumn? Would you agree that it’s one of the best places for fall colors in Minnesota. Let us know in the comments – and be sure to tell us your favorite places to see fall foliage in the North Star State.

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Minneopa State Park, 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001, USA