Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Launches Fall Color Map

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Color Map went live Wednesday morning, and it shows some trees are already starting to turn.

Pockets of the far northwest, in Kittson and Marshall counties, are at 10% to 25% color. So are north-central areas in Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis counties, along with southern spots in Cottonwood, Jackson and Martin counties. The rest of the state is at less than 10%.

Typical peak dates run from late September to early October in roughly the northern third of the state, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, International Falls, Lake of the Woods, Itasca State Park and Moorhead. The middle third, including the St. Cloud metro and up toward Duluth and Lutsen, peaks in early to mid-October. The southern third, including areas from Willmar through the Twin Cities, the northern St. Croix River Valley and the Minnesota River Valley, peaks in mid-October. In far southeastern Minnesota, including La Crescent, Rochester and Winona, peak is usually mid to late October.

Weather affects how vibrant those colors are. A cool, wet spring and early summer can make colors pop, but the hot, dry weather in July and August that led to drought conditions may leave the shades more earthy or dull. September weather also has a big impact. Leaves are more likely to show brilliant color when the days are sunny and the nights are cool.

For a list of fall events from the DNR, click here.

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