Posted in Minnesota
September 22, 2020
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 is the time when Minnesota becomes 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:
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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.
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.
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.
Here's another destination in the Two Harbors area that every Minnesotans 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 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.
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.
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.
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 the park offers great views of the river from the colorful forest. Some also enjoy kayaking the river for views of the cliffs from below!
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.
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 Big Woods 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 do you think? Did we leave any of your favorite fall destinations off the list? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re looking for a more unique activity to do this fall, check out Minnesota’s mountain gondola ride.
Address: 54497 Gadwall Rd, Mankato, MN 56001, USA
Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470, USA
Address: 9700 170th St E, Nerstrand, MN 55053, USA
Address: Ely, MN 55731, USA
Address: 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Address: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Address: 43605 Kipp Dr, Winona, MN 55987, USA
Address: Sawtooth Mountains, Lutsen Township, MN 55615, USA
Address: 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072, USA
Address: Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, MN 55417, USA
Address: 307 Milltown Ct., Taylors Falls, MN 55084, USA
Address: 9393 E, MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605
