As we get closer and closer to the peak of this year’s fall foliage colors in mid-October, you’ll definitely want to head out to the best places to see it before it’s gone. If you’re feeling up to a drive up north, then this tiny town will be a total treat. Pack up a lunch and head out to experience one of the best, most quiet spots in North Dakota for a leaf peeping excursion.

Take a drive up north - way up north - to a tiny little town in Rolette County.
Google maps
The delightful little town of St. John, North Dakota is just a stone's throw away from the Canadian border and is located right on the edge of the beautiful Turtle Mountains.
You'll find that the town is full of and surrounded by trees, which become a vibrant collection of colors this time of year.
St. John, North Dakota/Facebook
St. John was established in 1882 and has a population of about 341 people.
St. John has all the charming characteristics we love about a small town.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
A tight knit community, lovely local businesses, and gorgeous natural scenery all come together to create the perfect town to visit in the fall - or really any time. There are a couple of bar and grills, a grocery store, hardware store, a couple of parks, and plenty of nice residents.

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Because it is located on the edge of the Turtle Mountains, the area it is in is full of forest.
St. John, North Dakota/Facebook
The deciduous forest in this area has tons of varieties of trees, including American elm, quaking aspen, ash trees, and maple trees, among many others. It has a diverse wildlife population and is a nature lover's paradise.
There are also tons of lakes hidden among the trees.
St. John, North Dakota/Facebook
There are countless lakes and ponds surrounding St. John. When fall comes around this creates a picture perfect setting of fiery-colored trees reflecting over blue waters. It's not far from multiple wildlife refuges and state parks, including Lake Metigoshe.
One popular, nearby lake is Lake Upsilon.
Google maps
People love to visit Lake Upsilon for the recreation opportunities. You could cast a line and fish here, or climb into a canoe and glide across the water. It is located just west of St. John.
Whether you come for the lakes, the forests, or the town itself, St. John should definitely be at the top of your list of fall destinations.
St. John, North Dakota/Facebook

Have you ever visited St. John, North Dakota? You’ve probably heard of the nearby Lake Metigoshe State Park, which is pretty amazing in the fall, too!

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