Get the most out of fall in Minnesota! We’ve travelled all over the state in the fall, and here are my favorites. Find the best places to visit in Minnesota this fall from the North Shore to the southern part of the state!
Best places to visit in Minnesota this fall
Lutsen, Minnesota
Best for: Lookouts, hiking, biking
Approximate peak colors: End of September – early October
Related post: Must-see stops along Minnesota’s North Shore
Lutsen is located on the North Shore of Minnesota, right on Lake Superior. Honestly, all of the North Shore is great in the fall, but if you want some of the best views, head to Lutsen where you can take the gondola up to the top of the resort to see the fall colors and Lake Superior from arguably the best lookout in the state. While you’re up there, grab lunch at the Summit Chalet! Alternatively, take e-bikes around to the many state parks. Such great trails up here! We rented from Electric Trails.
Red Wing, Minnesota
Best for: Trains, history, hiking
Approximate peak colors: Early – Mid October
We took the train from St. Paul to Red Wing which made for the perfect fall day trip. Hop on the Amtrak and enjoy the colorful Mississippi River views along the way, it only takes 50 minutes and drops you off right downtown! Once youโre there, hike Barn Bluff, grab lunch at Scarlet Kitchen & Bar inside the historic St. James Hotel, then shop downtown (don’t forget a photo by the world’s largest boot at Red Wing Shoes!)
Related post: Wisconsin Fall Road Trips
Winona, Minnesota
Best for: Hiking, small college-town charm
Approximate peak colors: Mid October
Related post: Fall day trip to Winona MN
Winona is located in Southern Minnesota bluff country which makes it a great place to see the colors! Either hike up the bluffs in Winona (after grabbing a donut at Bleodowโs of course!) or cross the border into Wisconsin and admire the colors while you sip wine at the base of the bluffs or grab a bite from a pizza farm. Doesnโt get much better than that! Also a perfect weekend trip.
Montgomery, Minnesota
Best for: Eating and drinking all things fall
Approximate peak colors: Mid October
Related post: Spending a fall day in Montgomery MN
Montgomery is the hidden gem of all hidden gems in Minnesota. This little town in central Minnesota is one of my favorite day trips Iโve ever done. Try the local brewery, pizza restaurant, and winery. But the highlight is visiting the apple orchard where you can pick apples, try flights of their hard cider, and go on a hay ride! Skip the crowds around the Twin Cities and head here instead!
Taylorโs Falls, Minnesota
Best for: Hiking and river cruising
Approximate peak colors: Early October
Related post: Why Taylorโs Falls MN is the ultimate fall day trip
Taylorโs Falls is home of Interstate State Park which follows the St. Croix river and spans both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The hiking here is so unique because you can see everything from glacial potholes to limestone bluffs! If hiking isnโt your thing, take a river cruise on a paddle boat for only $20. So beautiful!
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Best for: Quarry hiking and photography
Approximate peak colors: Early – Mid October
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve is located in St. Cloud and is one of the best hidden gems Minnesota has to offer. The hiking is easy and accommodates all levels. Make sure to stop by Beaver Island Brewery afterwards! Doesn’t get better than that!
Stillwater, Minnesota
Best for: Hiking, shopping, and eating
Approximate peak colors: Mid October
Related post: How to spend a fall day in Stillwater MN
Stillwater is a great destination any time of year, but go in the fall for even more beautiful views of High Bridge and Fairy Falls! Both easy but awesome little hikes. Also make sure to stop by the local apple orchard after you shop and eat downtown.
Related post: Wisconsin Fall Road Trips
That’s it for now, folks! Comment below if you have any other great places to visit in Minnesota this fall!
You forgot to mention the bakery in Montgomery. We visit it every time I go back home to Minnesota.
If you visit Faribault, go a little further east and north to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park & this weekend at St. Johnโs UCC Church is having Germanfest on Sunday 9/29/19, a fun event. Caron Park our that way is also beautiful to explore. Take some goodies from Faribault and go picnic at Nerstrand.
We love Faribault too! Seriously, so charming! We go several times a year!
It’s the cutesy little town! So glad to hear from another Faribault fan!
Granite Falls, MN is such a fun town! Beautiful downtown, small brewery, the best coffee shop, the absolute best bakery and the river flows right through it! One of the nearby towns-belview has a winery as well!