Top 10 Places To Visit In Minnesota In The Fall
Minnesota overflows with charming towns and breathtaking destinations. It is well known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" and marries a diverse collection of urban and rural landscapes, ranging from the Twin Cities to its 11,842 lakes. Minnesota's beauty erupts in fall as colorful foliage reflects off the glistening waterways, small towns come alive with autumnal festivities, and the crisp air offers a refreshing breeze, perfect for hiking and exploring. Pick your own apples, attend a harvest festival, bask in the beauty of fall colors, or take a scenic drive through the area – no matter what it may be, Minnesota offers plenty in terms of fall adventure.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is one of the best US state parks for hiking, covering 9,000 acres of land and a tranquil forest, including plenty of lookout points, 23 miles of trails, and cliffs, perfect for enjoying the fall foliage. There are also four waterfalls in Tettegouche State Park, all of which are on the Baptism River: Cascade Falls, Two Step Falls, High Falls, and Illgen Falls. Apart from hiking, travelers may partake in rock climbing, reaching some amazing viewpoints of the surrounding land and reveling in the fresh fall air. There are also several campgrounds and cabins, perfect for extending a fall hike into a fall getaway, warming up by the campfire, and roasting marshmallows for s'mores.
Duluth
Duluth, one of Minnesota's most gorgeous towns, sits on Lake Superior's shores. It is home to breathtaking fall foliage through September and October, as well as migratory birds – perfect for birding – and is especially inviting to outdoor adventurists as the weather cools. The town encompasses 9,168 acres of parkland, alongside 300 miles of trails, as well as the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. Leaves crunch beneath travelers' feet on a fall adventure, while the foliage paints the town in shades of red, orange, and yellow. A trip to Enger Tower offers scenic views of the surrounding area, as well as proximity to several hidden waterfalls. Around Halloween, visitors may enjoy a trip to the town's haunted spots, such as the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse is a stop along the North Shore Scenic Drive, one of the most scenic road trips to take in Minnesota, alongside Tettegouche State Park and the town of Duluth. Visitors may enjoy a self-guided or guided tour of the historic grounds and lighthouse, which is especially beautiful during the fall. There are several camping sites where travelers can extend their stay, enjoying a more rustic autumn getaway. The area also houses some of the best fall hikes in the state, where visitors can traverse up Day Hill, revel in views of the lake, or walk along the shores of Pebble Beach, taking in views of Ellingsen Island and the lighthouse.
Sawtooth Mountains
Though Minnesota is not known for its towering peaks, it is home to an impressive and beautiful mountain range: the Sawtooth Mountains, which stretches 30 miles from Tofte to Grand Marais. The range, with peaks and valleys resembling a saw's blade from a distance, overlooks Lake Superior, offering a breathtaking view of the pristine water and fall foliage in autumn. Carlton Peak, accessible via Temperance River State Park, is one of the range's most notable peaks. There are five state parks within the mountain range where travelers enjoy fall hiking, mountain biking, and camping: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Judge C. R. Magney State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Superior Hiking Trail, and Superior National Forest.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, found within the Sawtooth Mountain Range, is one of the best locations in Minnesota to view scenic waterfalls. Travelers enjoy hiking along the Lake Superior shoreline, exploring the historic log and stone structures, and traversing along the Superior Hiking Trail. It is also a great destination for trout fishing, so be sure to pack a fishing rod and some bait! The aspen, cedar, spruce, and pine forests create a breathtaking scene of green, orange, red, and yellow. The state park sits just 13 miles northeast of the town of Two Harbors, one of the most scenic Minnesota towns, home to an 1892 lighthouse. There are also several campsites for visitors to extend their stay, marveling at the scenery for an extra few days and looking up at the stars that bring the sky to life at night.
New Ulm
New Ulm, one of the most picturesque towns in Minnesota, is just 90 minutes from the metropolis of Minneapolis. The town boasts plenty in terms of beautiful outdoor destinations, including the Cottonwood River and Flandrau State Park, often considered summer vacation spots though they also offer plenty of fall attractions, such as the opportunity to hike, bike, or explore. Fall events include HermannFest and Oktoberfest, dedicated to the town's German roots, with plenty of live music, good food, and fresh brews to enjoy. A tour of August Schell Brewing Company is a great way to indulge in some local beer and get a taste of the town's history at the same time, while Morgan Creek Vineyards, a scenic area, is ideal for wine tasting.
Winona
Winona is one of the prettiest towns in Minnesota, nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River. All Things Sugar Loaf is a rock pinnacle sitting about 500 feet above the city, ideal for rock climbers and hikers looking for amazing views. One of the best places to enjoy fall color is the nearby Great River Bluffs State Park, overlooking the Mississippi River Valley with plenty of hiking and biking trails to enjoy. Travelers also visit the Holzinger Trails, home to breathtaking hues of yellow and gold, brought to life as the sun dapples through the treetops. A wander along the shores of the Mississippi River offers visitors a chance to take in the town's beauty, as well as the changing foliage and crunching fall leaves beneath their feet.
Stillwater
While Stillwater comes alive in summer, it is also a popular fall destination. The town sits along the banks of the St. Croix River, boasting a collection of historic buildings from the 19th century. Travelers enjoy a boat ride, such as the Fall River Cruise, along the river, ideal for gazing at the surrounding bluffs and woodlands as the foliage shifts in color from green to yellow, orange, and red. The St. Croix River Loop 4.7 mile Trail is another great opportunity to marvel at the town's fall foliage. Get into the harvest spirit with a trip to Aamodt's Apple Farm, picking fresh fruits, taking a hay ride, and making your way through a hay maze. The Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off is an enticing fall festival, famous for its Guinness Book of World Record pumpkin competitions.
Northfield
Northfield is one of the most underrated Minnesota cities, vibrant with autumn colors and events. There are plenty of charming farms to visit, such as Windy Willow and Shepherd's Way Farms, perfect for a wagon ride or corn maze. Fireside Orchard is a popular apple orchard, featuring fresh fruits, pies, ciders, and caramel dips, while the Outlaw Trail Tour offers visitors a chance to experience the stories of the famous James-Younger Gang. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park is a great place to hike and check out the surrounding fall foliage, and there are also several races in October: a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K. After the races, participants enjoy homemade soup and cookies.
Banning State Park
Banning State Park sits on one of the most beautiful rivers in Minnesota, the Kettle River. Travelers enjoy canoeing along the river as the surrounding fall foliage reflects off of the picturesque waters, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The historic sandstone quarry is another scenic spot, as well as the rushing Wolf Creek Falls. Hiking is especially popular in the fall, along the banks of the river and the sandstone rock formations, with plenty of overlooks and lookouts perfect for a photo op. Quarry Loop Trail, stretching beneath a canopy of colorful trees, is an especially gorgeous fall destination. Campsites are reservable until mid-November, perfect for a fall getaway in the woods. There are 33 campgrounds from which to choose, scattered deep in the woods or along the shores of the river.
Enjoy A Fall Getaway In Minnesota!
Embrace the charm of fall and the beauty of the state of Minnesota with a trip to (at least) one of these awe-inducing destinations. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon perusing through the streets of Duluth or delve into a fall-focused camping trip in Banning State Park, and don't forget to pay a visit to the bluffs overlooking St. Croix and Stillwater. Whatever it may be, an autumnal adventure awaits in the state of Minnesota.
