Fall Color Peepers Rejoice, Minnesota Leaves Are Really Taking Off

If you're feeling like the fall colors here are in Minnesota have been a bit behind schedule this year -- you're right, but that's changing.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the northern half of Minnesota will experience peak or near-peak fall colors this weekend, with parts of the arrowhead already past peak.

Looking for a little guidance for your weekend fall color drive? Anywhere from Saint Cloud north would be a best bet. The southwestern quarter of Minnesota is really starting to talk off this week too, with most of the region approaching 75% of peak color.

For the most part through, the southern third of Minnesota is still only at 25 to 75 percent of peak color.

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This fall's transition from green to brilliant has been behind schedule compared to the past couple years. As you can see below, 2023 and 2022 were a little farther along than we are here in 2024.

Compare Three Years of Minnesota Fall Colors

You can use the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' 'Trip Planner' to plan a nice little weekend road trip or getaway HERE.

Amie & I missed them this year, but eastern Minnesota State Parks like Interstate, Banning, and Jay Cooke are not to be missed in the fall. It goes without saying that the North Shore parks are also epic. So are the southeastern Mississippi river bluff parks. Nerstrand Big Woods State Park also never disappoints.

Much of northern Minnesota is at peak, it's beautiful and is my favorite time of the year. If you head out, take a lot of pics and share them with us using our station app.