Central Minnesota: A Fall Color Paradise
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the beauty of autumn, look no further than Central Minnesota. This region offers a variety of scenic drives, trails, parks, and lakes that showcase the stunning fall foliage. Whether you want to hike, bike, kayak, or just relax, you will find something to suit your taste in Central Minnesota.
One of the best ways to experience the fall colors is to take a drive along the Rainbow Routes, a collection of 10 routes that cover different parts of the state. Each route has its own charm and highlights, such as historic towns, wildlife refuges, waterfalls, and more. You can also find information on lodging, dining, and attractions along the way.
One of the Rainbow Routes that passes through Central Minnesota is the Iron Range Color Tour, which starts from Duluth and loops around the Iron Range. This route offers a mix of color, history, and adventure. You can visit the Sax-Zim Bog, a birding hotspot that attracts rare species such as great gray owls and boreal chickadees. You can also play golf at the Giants Ridge, which has two award-winning courses: The Legend and The Quarry. If you are feeling adventurous, you can try ATVing at the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area, or visit the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame at Eveleth.
Another option for a fall color drive is to explore the Minnesota River Valley, which runs south of Bloomington. This area has rich history and culture, as well as scenic views of the river and the bluffs. You can stop by the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which has hiking trails and observation decks where you can spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and other wildlife. You can also visit the historic sites such as Fort Snelling, Minnehaha Falls, and the Sibley House Historic Site.
If you prefer to stay closer to nature, you can visit some of the state parks in Central Minnesota that are known for their fall colors. One of them is Maplewood State Park, which is located near Pelican Rapids. This park has over 9,000 acres of hardwood forest, rolling hills, lakes, and wetlands. You can hike or bike on the 25 miles of trails, or paddle on one of the eight major lakes. The park also has a campground, picnic areas, and a visitor center.
Another state park that is worth visiting is Big Stone Lake State Park, which is located near Ortonville. This park is situated on the border between Minnesota and South Dakota, along the Big Stone Lake. The lake is 26 miles long and attracts anglers who fish for walleye, northern pike, and bluegill. The park also has a prairie landscape that changes color in the fall, as well as a birding trail that features over 200 species of birds.
If you are looking for a more secluded and peaceful place to enjoy the fall colors, you might want to check out Clitherall Minnesota, a small town in Otter Tail County. This town is surrounded by lakes, such as Clitherall Lake and West Battle Lake, which offer excellent fishing and boating opportunities. You can also find cozy cabins and resorts that cater to visitors who want to relax and unwind.
As you can see, Central Minnesota has a lot to offer for anyone who loves autumn. Whether you want to see the colors from your car, your bike, or your kayak, you will find plenty of options to choose from. So don't miss this chance to experience one of the most beautiful seasons in Minnesota!
