Photo by Ben Stoterau
In Minnesota, prime fall foliage isn’t necessarily hard to come by—all regions of the state are decorated with vibrant hues, and getting an up-close look typically doesn’t require any more effort than simply stepping outdoors. Making a daytrip or weekend excursion of your leaf-peeping adventure can, however, take a bit more planning. This year, rather than searching endlessly for the perfect one-stop vantage point, simply let the Minnesota River be your guide.
Lined with bursts of brilliant orange, yellow, and crimson, the river’s path through southern Minnesota carves a self-guided tour of fall foliage in all its glory. The most notable drive is the Minnesota River Valley National Scenic Byway, a 287-mile route from Browns Valley to Belle Plaine that is known as one of the state’s top destinations to see autumn color displays. Watch the landscape turn into a sprawling canvas as you wind through hardwood forests, lush prairies, and rolling hills—and keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring overhead.
As you meander along the Scenic Byway, you’ll pass through charming towns and cities, each with their own stunning backroads, scenic overlooks, and outdoor adventures. To make the most of this season’s fleeting beauty, consider taking a moment to pull off and explore the road less traveled.
Henderson
Nestled between Belle Plaine and Le Sueur, Henderson is one of the first towns you’ll pass through on the Scenic Byway, if you’re heading down from the Twin Cities. And while it might be small (just 975 people), Henderson’s stunning scenery and outdoor recreation should not be underestimated.
On your way into town, stop at Kerfoot Canopy Tour for some of the best bird’s-eye views in the state. At this aerial adventure park, thrill-seekers can soar 175 feet in the air by zip line and marvel at the colorful treetops dotting the river valley below. The park also offers a self-guided high ropes course, where visitors can set their own pace and stop to soak in the views as they please.
If heights aren’t your thing, fear not. Continue south on Scenic Byway Road (or you can hop on Highway 169) to Highway 19, which leads to the Ney Nature Center—a 446-acre nature preserve that showcases rich fall hues throughout the season. Explore miles of hiking trails that pass through a variety of landscapes, from open prairies and dense forests to wooded ravines and wetlands, along with a singletrack mountain biking trail. For a slice of Henderson history, check out the two historic homesteads on-site. Plus, the nature center hosts an annual fall festival in September that typically features cider pressing demonstrations, wagon rides through the colorful landscape, a prairie maze, crafts, and more.
Provided by Kerfoot Canopy Tour
Mankato
Further south, follow the Scenic Byway to Mankato to find more outdoor adventures with stunning views. Just west of the Byway is Minneopa State Park, Minnesota’s third-oldest state park that is also home to a free-roaming herd of American Plains Bison. A drive through the 325-acre bison range provides an up-close look at North America’s largest mammals in their natural habitat—just remember to keep noise levels down, always remain inside your vehicle, and give the bison a clearance of at least 75 feet.
There’s plenty more to do and see while inside the park. Take a walk to the upper and lower waterfalls along Minneopa Creek; hike through prairie, wetland, and forest landscapes; and explore the historic Seppmann Mill, a 32-foot stone flour mill completed in 1864 that is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pro tip: Don’t miss the scenic overlook near the mill, which offers sweeping views of fall colors across the river valley and bison range tallgrass prairie.
Spend some time in Mankato proper, where the changing leaves enhance the picturesque, cozy atmosphere. It’s a college town, and one of the largest cities in southern Minnesota, but Mankato’s family-owned businesses and historic downtown area give it a charming, small-town vibe. The Old Town neighborhood is the perfect place to shop small (early holiday shopping, anyone?), with local retailers like Hazelkin & Co., Pond Road Market, and Bumbelou lining the streets. Walk over to Coffee Hag for a pick-me-up before heading out to explore Mankato’s historic sites—the Blue Earth County History Center Museum and Hubbard House offer a glimpse of early life in the city.
Finish your adventure by taking a scenic drive down Old Highway 66, a winding, tree-lined route along the Le Sueur River that showcases a vibrant tapestry of foliage—or explore the scenery by foot or bike on the paved Red Jacket Trail, which runs alongside the highway past Mount Kato Ski Area and across the Red Jacket Trestle (a converted railroad bridge 80 feet above the river). For easy access, park at the Mankato YMCA; the trail starts here and heads southwest.
Provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Redwood Falls
Continuing northwest from Mankato, the Scenic Byway runs through the town of Redwood Falls, home to Ramsey Park, nicknamed the “Little Yellowstone of Minnesota.” At 256 acres, Ramsey Park (also known as Cansayapi, a Dakota name meaning “where they paint the trees red”) is the largest municipal park in the state. Formerly a Minnesota State Park, the site was sold to the city of Redwood Falls for $1 in 1957 and has remained free to the public ever since.
Ramsey Park features two rushing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, deep ravines, footbridges, and wooded trails. Visitors can either stop and explore the scenery or simply drive through and admire the views. Plus, there’s a walkable and drivable zoo on-site for up-close interactions with buffalo, elk, deer, and other wildlife. The park’s centerpiece is Ramsey Falls, a picturesque 30-foot waterfall nestled amid the trees—for a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder, take a hike or drive to the nearby overlook, which is accessible year-round. There’s also the aptly named Redwood Falls, a manmade dam across the Redwood River, which can be traversed by pedestrian bridge.
If you’re coming to town early in the season, swing by the Redwood Area Chamber Fall Festival, which takes place annually on the fourth Saturday in September. The event brings food trucks, crafters, artisans, and other vendors to downtown Redwood Falls to kick off the season.
photo by Ben Stoterau
More to Explore
• Arboretum at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter
• Beaver Falls County Park, Morton
• Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge, Odessa
• Flandrau State Park, New Ulm
• Kasota Prairie Scientific and Natural Area, Kasota
• Lac qui Parle State Park, Watson
Visit mnrivervalley.com for a full list of cities and sites along the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway.
