The Enchanting Village In Minnesota That Is One Of The Best Places To Enjoy Autumn

If you’re looking for an awesome place to enjoy fall in Minnesota, you should definitely consider the tiny town of Finland. It’s just minutes away from two state parks, the Finland State Forest, and the Superior National Forest. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is nearby, as well. Surrounded by trees and natural beauty, Finland is about as good as it gets for leaf peeping in Minnesota.

Finland is an unincorporated community of around 200 people in Lake County.

It’s located along Minnesota Hwy. 1, between the North Shore and Isabella.

This tiny village boasts a post office, a gas station, a handful of other businesses, and a really nice town park.

There’s even a local history museum where you can learn more about the community and its roots.

Visit the ​​Finland Minnesota Historical Society website for its hours, events, and additional information.

It’s an awesome place to visit during any season, but given it’s location, it’s particularly stunning when the leaves begin to change over to their fall colors.

George Crosby Manitou State Park, which is just east of Finland, is an excellent place for a little autumn tree bathing. Crosby Manitou is a designated wilderness park, so it’s mostly undeveloped: no gift shop, no plumbing, and no crowds.

​​Hit one of the parks many wooded trails, which wind through mixed upland forest, along the Manitou River and the shores of Bensen Lake.

Another nearby option, just west of Finland, is Tettegouche State Park. One of the jewels of the state park system, Tettegouche has all the amenities that Crosby Manitou lacks, as well as spectacular, rugged scenery.

​​You can enjoy the foliage along Lake Superior, but I personally recommend hitting the trail and taking a hike through the upland forest. Head toward High Falls for an autumn view with a little something extra.

Don’t limit yourself to the state parks, though. Stretch your legs out and enjoy a moderate hike on a section of the Superior Hiking Trail.

​​Starting from the trail head near Finland, you’ll hike the SHT for a little over 2.5 miles to the Fantasia Overlook. And if you time your hike with peak fall colors, you’ll understand exactly where it got its name. The hike is an out-and-back from the trailhead, for a total of 5.2 miles with just over 1,100 feet of elevation gain.

Be sure to eat at one of the eateries in Finland.

​​I’m partial to Four Seasons Supper Club. Under new ownership as of 2023, this spot has been a local favorite for years, and I can personally vouch for the tasty food and potent beverages.

Try and get to Finland during the autumn, but even if you can’t make it then, definitely plan to visit this charming community. You'll find plenty of vacation rentals, as well as a handful of lodges right in the Finland area. If you venture farther afield, down to the Lake Superior shoreline or north, closer to Ely, you'll find even more lodging options.

Have you visited Finland? Let us know in the comments!