The sun illuminates the bright fall colors displayed last year in Wayzata’s Klapprich Park.
(Sun file photo by Jason Jenkins)
Shorter days and cooler night air mean that fall colors are arriving in Minnesota. To kick off this colorful season, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched its celebration of all things autumn with its 2026 color forecast, Fall Color Finder webpage and weekly fall color newsletter.
“Autumn is a perfect time to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s public lands,” said Sarah Strommen, DNR commissioner. “Wherever you go in the state, there are so many amazing views to take in, like bronze prairie grasses in the southwest, golden tamarack needles up north, and deep red maples and a range of fall wildflower colors throughout the state. Whatever outdoor recreation you enjoy — hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, hunting — I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Minnesota this fall.”
Many factors influence the timing and vibrance of fall colors. The strongest are day length and dropping temperatures. Other factors, like the current drought throughout much of Minnesota, have a more subtle impact.
“Severe drought can lessen the brilliance of some colors. It can also cause some trees to drop their leaves or change colors early — or later, depending on the species,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program consultant. “Likewise, warmer temperatures in September can slightly delay peak color, like during the 2023 drought year.”
Peak fall color usually lasts about one week in each area but can vary widely depending on location and weather.
Fall Color Finder, weekly newsletter
Updated every Thursday through the end of October, the Fall Color Finder allows the public to track the progression of color change across Minnesota with color-coded maps and leaf reporting from individual Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
A date slider allows viewers to see what typical colors are like across the state on a certain date based on past years’ data.
Leaf-peeping enthusiasts can sign up for the DNR’s weekly Fall Color Update newsletter, featuring the latest color maps as well as inspiration and tips to get out and enjoy the changing leaves. To subscribe, visit the Fall Color Finder webpage at dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html.
Members of the public can also share their favorite fall photos at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for possible use on the Fall Color Finder photo gallery, DNR social media channels and other materials. Click “share photos” on the Fall Color Finder webpage to submit images.