The Under-The-Radar Destination In Minnesota With The Most Beautiful Fall Foliage In The State

Dakota, Minnesota is a small Mississippi River community in the state's Driftless Area. It's perched right on the river banks, between La Crescent and Winona, and it's location makes it a gateway for fall adventure and an ideal autumn destination in Minnesota.

The city of Dakota was originally platted in 1855, when it was the site of a ferry service across the Mississippi River to Wisconsin. However, it did not incorporate as a city until 1955.

This small community of just over 300 is located directly on the banks Mississippi River.

Interstate 90 converges with U.S. Routes 14 and 61 near Dakota, making it easy to reach from just about anywhere in the state.

Surrounded by towering river bluffs and the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest, Dakota is a sight to behold come autumn.

It is also the closest community to Great River Bluffs State Park.

This park is home to the highest river bluffs in the state, some towering more than 500 feet above the Mississippi below.

In autumn, this makes for dramatic views along the bluffs and up and down the Mississippi River valley.

Several trails in Great River Bluffs State Park allow you to soak in the seasonal splendor of fall while enjoying sweeping bluff-top views.

Be aware, however, that cell service isn't always great in the park. ​​AllTrails Plus is a great option for exploring all the trails and downloading interactive ​​trail maps for Great River Bluffs State Park to your smartphone.

Another nearby spot that's fantastic in the fall is the historic Pickwick Mill.

Located about eight miles from Dakota, in the small village of Pickwick, the mill is a scenic setting year-round that becomes even more beautiful in the autumn.

Learn more about this historic site by visiting ​​Pickwick Mill on the web.

When you're ready for a refreshment and a snack, head down to Pete's Bar.

It's a popular riverfront watering hole with a few food options and a large deck that offers beautiful views of the river. ​​Pete's Bar is less than a mile south of Dakota in the township of Dresbach.

There are a few accommodations in the Dakota area, like the charming and rustic Spring Hollow Cabin.

Tucked into a wooded valley, surrounded by foliage, this beautiful two-bedroom, one-bath cottage sleeps up to five people.

It's well-appointed and reasonably priced, making it a perfect base camp for your autumn adventures in the Bluff Country.

To learn more about this property or to make a reservation, visit Spring Hollow Cabin's listing on VRBO.

If you're feeling more water than woods, there's another vacation rental on the river just south of Dakota. It's a former railroad depot that offers awesome river views. You'll also find plenty of accommodation options in the nearby city of Winona, which is a charming autumn destination in its own right. Have you visited Dakota, Minnesota in the autumn or any of the nearby sites I mentioned? Let us know in the comments!