Five Great Fall Color Drives To Enjoy In Minnesota

]Looking for those bright red leaves against a background of incredible yellows and oranges?

We are getting closer and closer to the best time to view those fall leaves. Here are five great places in Minnesota to go to if you want to fill your brain with fall colors.

MINNESOTA'S BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

One of my favorite things about fall in Minnesota is that you don't have to plan a huge vacation to see some absolutely beautiful scenery. This state is so driveable that when the leaves start changing, you can get up early on a Saturday morning and plan a pretty incredible road trip. All you need is a full tank of gas, a good playlist, maybe a coffee stop along the way, and a little time to enjoy the scenery. I'd tell you to pack a picnic lunch, but honestly, one of my favorite parts of a road trip like this is finding a little diner to enjoy along the way. Maybe one on your way out, and one on your way back! Why not!

The tricky part about planning a fall color trip is figuring out exactly WHEN to do it. The leaves don't all change at the same time, and the timing can vary from year to year depending on where you are and what the weather has been doing.

[brandedapppromo

HOW TO FOLLOW THE FALL COLORS

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says fall color typically moves across the state from north to south, with northern Minnesota generally changing first. Peak color in a particular area can be fairly short, sometimes lasting only about a week, so checking the DNR's Fall Color Finder before you leave is a smart idea. For many areas of northern Minnesota, late September through early October is a good time to start watching closely. In other parts of the state, peak color can arrive later in October.

So don't pick a date and assume the leaves will cooperate. Pick your destination first, then check the color report before you get in the car.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU PLAN?

That depends on where you're going. Some of these destinations make a great day trip, while others are worth turning into a weekend getaway.

Photo by rod m on Unsplash

FIVE MINNESOTA DESTINATIONS FOR AN INCREDIBLE FALL COLOR ROADTRIP

1. NORTH SHORE SCENIC DRIVE

If someone tells me they want to see dramatic fall colors in Minnesota, the North Shore is probably the first place that comes to mind.

Highway 61 follows Lake Superior from Duluth toward Grand Marais, and the scenery just keeps changing as you drive. You get colorful forests, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, small towns, and beautiful views of Lake Superior all in the same trip.

This is one of those drives where you don't want to be in a hurry.

Stop at the overlooks. Pull into the state parks. Get out of the car and walk around. Take pictures. Find a little restaurant or coffee shop along the way.

And don't forget that some of the best parts of the North Shore aren't necessarily the places you planned to stop. Sometimes you'll see a view that makes you pull the car over because the colors are just that good.

If you can, give yourself at least two days for this trip. You could drive up and back in a very long day, but spending a night or two gives you time to actually enjoy the scenery instead of watching most of it disappear through your windshield.

2. TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK

Tettegouche State Park is another North Shore destination that can make you feel like you've traveled much farther than you actually have.

This is where the fall colors meet the dramatic landscape of Lake Superior. You've got forests, cliffs, overlooks, hiking trails, and water all competing for your attention.

And that's what makes the North Shore so special in the fall.

You're not just looking at trees. You're looking at trees against a giant blue lake, rocky shoreline, and changing skies.

If you like taking pictures, bring your camera or make sure your phone has plenty of storage.

Tettegouche can easily be part of the same trip as the North Shore drive, so you don't have to make it a separate vacation.

Give yourself several hours here if you want to get out and explore instead of simply driving through.

OTHER STORIES BY KELLY CORDES

Central MN Tell Us What They Are Thinking Twice About Buying

3. JAY COOKE STATE PARK

If you don't want to drive all the way up the North Shore, Jay Cooke State Park near Duluth gives you another beautiful fall option.

The St. Louis River runs through the park, and the combination of water, rocks, forest, and hills makes this a completely different kind of fall-color experience.

The famous swinging bridge is one of the places people recognize immediately, but don't make the mistake of thinking the bridge is the only reason to visit.

Give yourself several hours here. Take a walk, find a scenic overlook, and let yourself wander a little.

This would make a great day trip if you're coming from Central Minnesota and want a fall adventure without committing to a full weekend.

And because it's close to Duluth, you can easily add lunch, dinner, or another stop to make a full day out of it.

4. GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK

Waterfalls and fall colors are a pretty hard combination to beat.

Gooseberry Falls State Park gives you both.

The park is located along the North Shore and has trails that take you around the waterfalls and through the surrounding forest. When the leaves are changing, you get bright colors surrounding the rushing water, with Lake Superior nearby.

And you don't have to be a serious hiker to enjoy Gooseberry Falls.

There are shorter trails and plenty of places where you can get out, see the scenery, and continue on your way.

If you're making the North Shore drive, Gooseberry Falls is an easy stop to add to the itinerary.

I'd allow at least two or three hours if you want to walk around and enjoy it rather than simply pulling over for a quick picture.

5. ITASCA STATE PARK

If you want a fall road trip that feels completely different from the North Shore, head toward Itasca State Park.

This is where the Mississippi River begins, but that's not the only reason to visit. The park is filled with forests, lakes, winding roads, and beautiful fall scenery. You can spend the day exploring the park, walking through the woods, checking out the headwaters, and simply enjoying one of Minnesota's most beautiful natural areas.

Itasca is farther away for many Central Minnesota residents, so I'd make this one an overnight trip if you have the time; that way you're not spending most of your day in the car. I have a great photo with one of my best friends from years ago at this beautiful park. If you've never been to Itasca to see the fall colors, this could be the year to finally make the trip.

PLANNING YOUR PERFECT FALL COLOR DRIVE

• I've got a few tips for you if seeing the fall colors really brings you joy. I feel like the biggest things to remember are:
• Don't get too locked into a particular weekend. Have some flexibility. If you have some vacation to use up, going during the week instead will be a lot lighter on traffic.
• Watch the DNR's Fall Color Finder, look at the forecast, and be willing to change your plans by a few days if the leaves aren't ready yet.
• Don't make this a complicated vacation. Keep it simple and be flexible.
• Pick one destination and make it a day trip.
• Or... pick the North Shore and make it a two-day trip.
• Don't forget to pack a sweatshirt.
• Pack your favorite snacks
• Have your favorite fall playlist ready to go in the car.
• Leave yourself enough time to stop when you see something beautiful.
• Don't forget your camera!
• If you're a musician... bring a notepad...and your acoustic guitar.
• Finding a place to park in the middle of inspiring beauty is always a great way to put your thoughts down on paper.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP AND SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH US

You never know when you're going to round a corner and see a hillside covered in brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves. When that happens, you'll be very glad you decided to take the drive, and you'll be glad you snapped some great photos. Be sure to share them with us, and we may put together a fall photo gallery for you to enjoy all year round. Send your beautiful photos and permission to use them to kelly.cordes@townsquaremedia.com.