Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
As Minnesota’s colorful fall season reaches its peak, many locals and visitors alike head to the North Shore to witness a stunning array of golden-orange, burnt-amber, and caramel-brown foliage. While no one can deny the beauty of autumn near Lake Superior, other regions of Minnesota offer scenic viewpoints that do not deserve to be missed this season. We have compiled some of the best places to witness Minnesota’s changing colors across the state, so you can fill up your fall bucket list with picture-perfect views.
St. Croix River Crossing
Located just 30 miles outside of the Twin Cities in Stillwater, the St. Croix River Crossing Trail Loop offers an idyllic place to spend a crisp fall day. Recently constructed for strictly walking and biking, this 4.7-mile loop offers city and nature views along the river. The loop encompasses parts of both Minnesota and Wisconsin, with connecting bridges and benches along the route creating vantage points to view the colorful wooded shore.
Hyland Lake Park Reserve
A scenic oasis in Bloomington, Hyland Lake Park Reserve takes advantage of its ski chairlift for one-of-a-kind fall views. Visitors can take chairlift rides Oct. 5-6 to admire the area’s breathtaking landscape and towering trees from above. The park also encompasses nearly 18 miles of paved trails, along with play and picnic areas.
Courtesy of Hyland Lake Park Reserve
‘Lost 40’
Step back in time with Chippewa National Forest’s nearly 2-mile loop known as “Lost 40” in Itasca County. Mistakenly marked as a swampland in 1882, loggers never capitalized on the land and the old pines escaped death by saw. As a result, a forest of towering pines thought to be 300 to 400 years old lives on. The short but remarkable trail encircles its visitors with soaring white and red pines that turn copper and golden in color, and provides views of surrounding lowlands and wildlife.
Sugar Loaf Bluff
Situated almost 600 feet above Lake Winona, Sugar Loaf Bluff provides the perfect height to admire the fall colors reflecting across the lake. Named for its resemblance to a sugar loaf, the bluff used to be a channel of the Mississippi River. Now, Winona’s landmark leads hikers up a 1-mile trail to stellar views overlooking the lake and city. Adventurous visitors can also climb the bluff with the appropriate equipment.
Lone Lake
A lake encompassed by tall trees in Minnetonka, Lone Lake offers many avenues to appreciate the changing colors. Hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, tennis and basketball courts, and a canoe landing area provide opportunities to relish the autumn season.
Courtesy of the City of Minnetonka
Summit Avenue
If you crave a more urban walk through Minnesota’s fall foliage, consider heading to St. Paul’s Summit Avenue. The historic neighborhood showcases hundreds of Gilded Age mansions with trees along both sides of the street. Grab a pumpkin spice latte at a nearby cafe and soak in the crisp autumn air on your walk.
Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
To ensure you hit each location at its peak, we recommend using the Minnesota DNR’s fall color finder.
