The Under-The-Radar Destination In Minnesota With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State
By Trent Jonas|Published October 08, 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.
Dakota, Minnesota is a small Mississippi River community in the state’s Driftless Area. It’s perched right on the river banks, between La Crescent and Winona, and it’s location makes it a gateway for fall adventure and an ideal autumn destination in Minnesota.
The city of Dakota was originally platted in 1855, when it was the site of a ferry service across the Mississippi River to Wisconsin. However, it did not incorporate as a city until 1955.
Located about eight miles from Dakota, in the small village of Pickwick, the mill is a scenic setting year-round that becomes even more beautiful in the autumn.
Pickwick Mill Inc, 24813 County Rd 7, Winona, MN 55987, USA
It's a popular riverfront watering hole with a few food options and a large deck that offers beautiful views of the river. Pete's Bar is less than a mile south of Dakota in the township of Dresbach.
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There are a few accommodations in the Dakota area, like the charming and rustic Spring Hollow Cabin.
To learn more about this property or to make a reservation, visit Spring Hollow Cabin's listing on VRBO.
If you’re feeling more water than woods, there’s another vacation rental on the river just south of Dakota. It’s a former railroad depot that offers awesome river views. You’ll also find plenty of accommodation options in the nearby city of Winona, which is a charming autumn destination in its own right. Have you visited Dakota, Minnesota in the autumn or any of the nearby sites I mentioned? Let us know in the comments!
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