MEA Weekend 2026: Fall Colors, Camping and Last-Chance Tours at Minnesota State Parks

(KNSI) – Central Minnesota’s fall colors are expected to make their final push right as kids get a long weekend off school, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging families to head outdoors.

MEA weekend runs October 15th through 18th this year. According to the DNR’s Fall Color Finder, central Minnesota typically sees its last stretch of 75% to 100% color during the break before peak leaves move into the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota.

The closest fall hike to the St. Cloud area on the DNR’s list is the 5.5-mile Big Woods Loop at Lake Maria State Park near Monticello, which winds through old-growth oak, maple and basswood forest. Other suggested routes include the 2.8-mile Hiking Club Trail at Lake Carlos State Park, the 3.3-mile Tom Trail at Sibley State Park, the 2.2-mile Hiking Club Trail at Sakatah Lake State Park and the short but steep Chimney Rock Trail at Whitewater State Park, which climbs more than 100 stairs to a bluff overlooking the Whitewater River Valley.

Families hoping to camp still have options. More than 25 state parks and recreation areas have more than 20 drive-in campsites open for the weekend. Many campgrounds close for the season after MEA, making it one of the last chances to spend a night at a state park this year. Click here for reservations.

The weekend is also the final opportunity of the season to take three popular guided tours: prairie and bison tours at Blue Mounds State Park, Mystery Cave tours at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, and tours of the Soudan Underground Mine, which take visitors 2,341 feet below ground into Minnesota’s oldest and deepest iron mine.

State park naturalists have 56 events planned across Minnesota over the break, including stargazing, naturalist-led hikes, prairie seed collecting and candlelight hikes. Closer to home, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park is hosting a guided hike. Check out the full calendar by clicking here.

Kids can also pick up a free Junior Ranger activity booklet at any park ranger station and earn a patch by turning in the finished booklet. Details are available by clicking here.

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