Fall brings endless possibility to Minnesota! The state comes alive with the gorgeous colors of the season, making just about everywhere you look a beautiful landscape waiting to be explored. This is especially true of Minnesota’s state parks, where fire towers, hikes, waterfalls, and more make it easy to see the changing leaves. It is in a Minnesota state park where you’ll find the Swinging Bridge, an historic bridge crossing the beautiful St. Louis River. It provides great views year-round, but it’s especially lovely in autumn, when it offers a gorgeous view of Minnesota’s fall colors. Read on to learn about the park where you can find the Swinging Bridge.

Jay Cooke State Park is a northern oasis for Minnesota nature lovers. It covers more than 8,000 acres along the St. Louis River.
rockyjoe/TripAdvisor
The park is known for the rocky gorge that makes up much of the river’s expanse. The choppy waters tumble over jagged rocks along the route.
rweinthewoodsyet/TripAdvisor
It's beautiful no matter when you go, but you might want to pay the park a visit in the fall. The many trees that live in this park create a beautiful autumn backdrop.
Brett Whaley/Flickr

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Any hike in the park will give you an up-close view at the changing leaves. But one of the best - and easiest - is a trek across the famous Jay Cooke State Park Swinging Bridge.
Nick Burkhard/Google
Originally built in 1924, the Swinging Bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt several times in its history, most recently in 2012. Today, it's safer than ever, and a great way to see Minnesota's fall colors.
Paul Rosemeyer/Google
As you walk across the Swinging Bridge, you'll be surrounded by the spectacular hues of autumn. The park usually starts to turn in mid-September, with peak around the beginning of October.
Paul Rosemeyer/Flickr
Next time you want to go on a short and easy trek through nature, consider a visit to the Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge. You'll absolutely love the sights and sounds of the leaves and the water. It's one of the prettiest places in the state!
Jay Cooke State Park/Google

Have you been to the Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park? What did you think? If you’re looking for more ways to see the changing leaves in the Jay Cooke State Park area, check out our 2-hour road trip through Minnesota to see this year’s fall colors.

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