Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Launches 2024 Fall Color Finder Website

(KNSI) — Soon, the trees will be painted with brilliant reds, oranges and yellows as autumn settles in, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched its fall color finder for the season.

The fall color finder is an interactive online tool that tracks the progression of leaf colors across the state, offering weekly updates on where and when the foliage is most vibrant. DNR officials say the fall color season typically spans from mid-September in the far north to late October in the southern part of the state. There are also recommendations for which state parks and forests to visit that offer the best views. Those closest to the St. Cloud area include Charles A. Lindbergh State Park near Little Falls, Kathio State Park near Lake Mille Lacs, and Sibley State Park out near Willmar, where hikers can get a sweeping view of the changing colors from the top of Mount Tom.

The DNR says that after the devastating drought of 2023, this year’s rainy growing season means trees have the potential to maximize their color production in the fall. The weather in September also has a big impact. Leaves are more likely to display brilliant colors when the days are sunny and the nights are cool, without big temperature swings. Light frosts can help, but a hard freeze or early snow could stop the show in its tracks.

Find the website by clicking here.

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