Minnesota Fall Colors Map: Northern Areas Near Peak, St. Cloud Area at 10% to 50%

(KNSI) – The best fall colors in Minnesota right now are up north, according to the latest fall color map released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Much of the northern half of the state is now at 50% to 75% of peak, up from 10% to 50% last week.

The brightest colors are in four areas now at 75% to 100% of peak: the far northwest corner of the state near the Canadian border, the Upper Red Lake area, the tip of the Arrowhead near Grand Portage, and a stretch just inland from the North Shore near Two Harbors. No part of the state has passed peak yet.

Locally, colors are further along north of St. Cloud than south of it. Northern Stearns County and most of Benton County are at 25% to 50% of peak, while southern Stearns County and Sherburne County are at 10% to 25%. The Little Falls and Lake Mille Lacs areas are also at 25% to 50%.

For people planning a drive, the DNR is recommending three state forests this fall. Bear Island State Forest near Ely is in its typical peak window now, with aspen and birch mixed in among the pines. Closer to home, Wealthwood State Forest on the north end of Lake Mille Lacs usually peaks in early to mid-October, with sugar maple, basswood and red oak along the North Shore Forest Road. For a later trip, Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest near Red Wing typically peaks in mid- to late October, and the DNR says Highway 61 between Red Wing and Winona is a can’t-miss drive. There’s no fee to visit or park in Minnesota’s state forests.

The St. Cloud area usually peaks in early to mid-October, followed by the Twin Cities in mid-October and far southeastern Minnesota in mid- to late October. The DNR has said this year’s drought could dull some colors and cause some trees to drop their leaves early.

The DNR updates its Fall Color Finder map every Thursday through the end of October.

___