13 Of The Most Beautiful Fall Destinations In Minnesota
Here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we have beautiful scenery all year long. Winter brings icy lakes and frost-covered trees, spring brings birds and blooms, and summer is full of sparkling lakes and lush forests. But for many of us, fall in Minnesota is the most beautiful. Our millions of acres of forest turn all shades of red, orange, and yellow, and you can find spectacular beauty everywhere you look. Though there are wonderful fall colors around every corner, we wanted to make a list that will help you get the most out of your fall. If you’re looking for a great place to explore this season, check out any of these beautiful fall destinations in Minnesota:
Minneopa Falls - Mankato
Minneopa Falls, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
Mankato, Minnesota, is home to one of the state's prettiest waterfalls. It's actually a double waterfall, with a smaller dip leading into a 39-foot drop over a beautiful cliff. The whole area is surrounded by trees, and a picturesque bridge makes it look like a fairytale. Head over to Minneopa State Park to see for yourself.
Gooseberry Falls State Park - Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
On Minnesota's North Shore, Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most popular parks in the state - and for good reason. It's home to the gorgeous Gooseberry River, which flows into a set of beautiful waterfalls as it makes its way to Lake Superior. Though the park's crown jewel is
Gooseberry Falls, there are plenty of hiking trails that lead to other great autumn views. It's a wonderful place to explore this fall.
The million-acre
Boundary Waters are one of the most popular wilderness areas in the United States. Though most visitors come in the summertime, the Boundary Waters are also beautiful in the fall. During this time, the many lakes reflect the blazing orange, red, and yellow leaves of the trees surrounding them. It's absolutely spectacular for hiking, camping, or canoeing.
Great River Bluffs State Park - Winona
Great River Bluffs State Park, 43605 Kipp Dr, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Southern Minnesota is not without autumnal beauty. In Winona, you'll find Great River Bluffs State Park. This 3,000-acre park includes high bluffs that rise over the Mississippi River. In the fall, you can hike to the top to see the tops of the colorful trees from above.
Split Rock Lighthouse - Two Harbors
Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Split Rock Lighthouse is another destination in the Two Harbors area that every Minnesotan should see once. Visiting the park itself offers spectacular views of Lake Superior from the lighthouse. But if you want views of the lighthouse on its perch above the lake, you'll want to stop at one of the many viewing areas nearby. Either way, you'll have unforgettable views of autumn leaves.
Tettegouche State Park - Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Tettegouche State Park is another North Shore gem that everyone should visit at least once. It's home to many popular spots overlooking Lake Superior, including Palisade Head and Shovel Point. But the most famous attraction is the High Fall of the Baptism River, Minnesota's second-highest waterfall. The sight of the rushing waters surrounded by rugged cliffs and brightly colored trees is absolutely beautiful.
Minnehaha Falls is one of the most popular natural areas in Minneapolis. This 53-foot waterfall of Minnehaha Creek rushes over a tall cliff. You can view it from the large platform above, or hike down a long set of stairs to see it from below. The park is filled with trees, water views, and trails that all add up to an autumn wonderland.
Itasca State Park - Park Rapids
Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Northern Minnesota is home to Minnesota's very first state park. Though it's not the most popular park, it is definitely among the most beautiful. Itasca is home to many acres of forest, hiking trails, and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. There's even a fire tower that will let you see everything from above. The view of the colorful forest is nothing short of spectacular.
Sawtooth Mountains - Northern Minnesota
Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen Township, MN 55615, USA
Though it's not as big as the Rockies or even the Appalachians, Minnesota has a mountain range all its own. The Sawtooth Mountains are a set of low hills in northern Minnesota that, when viewed from a distance, resemble the edge of a saw. The hills are blanketed in a thick forest that blazes with color every autumn. There are many trails throughout the range, including some that are part of the Superior Hiking Trail.
Interstate State Park - Taylors Falls
Interstate State Park, 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
The St. Croix River, which separates Minnesota from Wisconsin, has plenty of great scenery all year. In the fall, the cliffs that line the river takes on new life as their trees turn shades of red and gold. Hiking through Interstate State Park offers great views of the river from the colorful forest. Some also enjoy kayaking the river for views of the cliffs from below!
Banning State Park - Sandstone
Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
In east-central Minnesota, Banning State Park is a destination for many Minnesotans. This park along the St. Croix River has plenty of hiking trails that lead to rocky cliffs and beautiful trees. There's even a small waterfall hidden in the park. If you're looking for somewhere quiet to visit this fall, this lesser-known state park could be the ticket.
Grand Portage State Park - Grand Portage
Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
If you're willing to travel all the way up Highway 61, you'll soon run into one of Minnesota's most impressive natural wonders. Grand Portage State Park is home to the High Falls of the Pigeon River, which we share with neighboring Canada. The 120-foot waterfall is the tallest in Minnesota. It's a wonderful place to visit in the fall when the cliffs are covered in colorful trees.
When you visit Nerstrand Grand Portage State Park, you'll first find a thick forest that, in the fall, is filled with colorful leaves. But as you hike through the woods, you'll soon stumble upon a small but lovely waterfall. Hidden Falls is just 20 feet tall, so it's not the biggest or most impressive waterfall in Minnesota. But thanks to the scenic and peaceful woods that surround it, this little waterfall is well worth visiting.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy fall in Minnesota? Did we leave any of your favorite fall destinations off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Minneopa Falls, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Great River Bluffs State Park, 43605 Kipp Dr, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Interstate State Park, 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Address: Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
fall in Minnesota
August 19, 2022
Elisa Regulski
Which hiking trails in Minnesota are best in the fall?
Minnesota in the fall is simply stunning. If you really want to enjoy the views, pay a visit to Red Wing. Here, you’ll find the 1.7-mile Barn Bluff Trail. When the colorful trees reflect into the Mississippi River, you’ll see the region in a whole new light. If you loved this short and sweet hike, check out the Ironwood Trail. Located in Pelican Rapids, this .7-mile hike is packed with astounding sights. We also love exploring the Main Falls Trail in Two Harbors. This wheelchair-accessible trail looks gorgeous year-round, but nothing beats the views during autumn. For more ideas, check out our full list of the best fall hikes in Minnesota.
What are the best fall festivals in Minnesota?
There are so many awesome harvest festivals in the area. In fact, they’re some of the best places to visit in Minnesota during fall! For starters, take a trip to the Stillwater Harvest Fest. Here, you can participate in a chili cook off, dance to live music, and enjoy all of the fun the season has to offer. For even more excitement, attend the Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park. People love meandering through the gigantic corn maze, petting cute animals at the zoo, and going on hay rides.
What are the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota?
Looking for one of the best fall weekend getaways in Minnesota? You can’t forget to visit a pumpkin patch! We love going to Thea’s Pumpkin Patch in Pelican Rapids. But they don’t just have a giant pumpkin patch – they also have hay rides, corn mazes and cute animals! Waldoch Farm Garden Center, located in Lino Lakes, is another great place to visit during fall. They have a plethora of autumn activities, so it’s a great place to bring the family! For more ideas, check out our full list of the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota.
Address: Minneopa Falls, South Bend Township, MN 56001, USA
Address: Gooseberry Falls, Silver Creek Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Address: Great River Bluffs State Park, 43605 Kipp Dr, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Address: Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: Interstate State Park, 307 Milltown Rd, Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Address: Banning State Park, 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Tettegouche State Park, 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Address: Grand Portage State Park, 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, Schroeder Township, MN 55613, USA
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Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
