# Best Places to Experience the Fall Foliage in Minnesota > Minnesota is renowned for its stunning national parks that showcase vibrant fall foliage, with diverse landscapes transforming into a colorful display of reds, oranges, and yellows. The state's deciduous trees, including maples, oaks, and birches, create a breathtaking backdrop for various fall festivals and events celebrating local culture. Key locations for experiencing fall colors include the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which offers urban access to nature, and nearby attractions like Lake Pepin. Additional highlights include Willow River State Park and the Croix National Scenic Riverway, both ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the season. Visitors can enhance their experience by booking accommodations through MINNeSTAY, which provides a range of vacation rentals near these picturesque destinations. *Generated: 2026-01-26T06:42:39.083Z* ## Page Information - **Canonical URL:** https://www.minnestay.com/blog/best-places-to-experience-the-fall-foliage-in-minnesota - **Type:** post - **Last Updated:** January 11, 2026 --- ## Content # Best Places to Experience the Fall Foliage in Minnesota ![Woman throwing colorful fall leaves in the air with beautiful fall foliage in all its glory behind her.](https://minnestaycom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1-scaled.jpg) Minnesota offers some stunning national parks where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage. Minnesota's diverse landscapes, which include expansive forests, winding rivers, and scenic lakes, transform into a picturesque canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall months. The state's abundance of deciduous trees, such as maples, oaks, and birches, create a breathtaking display of vibrant foliage that is a must-see for leaf-peepers. Minnesota hosts a variety of fall festivals and events that celebrate the season and local culture. From apple orchard festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations, there are many opportunities to experience autumn traditions and festivities while surrounded by the beauty of fall foliage. ## Best Fall Foliage Experiences in the National Parks of Minnesota ![A view of Downtown Minneapolis from the water during the fall with a stamp on top that says](https://minnestaycom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2-1-1024x576.jpg) ## Mississippi National River and Recreation Area: Stretching through the Twin Cities and beyond, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area offers urban dwellers a chance to experience fall foliage without leaving the city. Explore the park's trails, forests, and riverbanks to see the vibrant colors of fall reflected in the waters of the Mississippi River. ## Where to Stay in the Mississippi National River Area: The Mississippi National River area is in the midst of beautiful Redwing Minnesota. Minnestay has several amazing properties right on the water near Redwing, MN. Consider booking the Riverfront Inn near Hager City. It is a beautiful property with a deck overlooking the Mississippi River. Enjoy smores and the views from the fire-pit. Enjoy the view from the beautiful sunroom or the patio! You can spend time sipping coffee from the beautiful views inside, or you explore nature. It is really the best of both worlds and perfect for the fall season. ## Fall Foliage Hot Spots in Wisconsin. ![Road through towering trees in the fall with fall foliage in full display. Stamp on top that says](https://minnestaycom.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3-1024x576.jpg) Lake Pepin is just a few minutes away from the Redwing area. It is home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lake Pepin is a local attraction from around Wisconsin. Enjoy the marina, and the quaint Village of Pepin. See the Mississippi Queen and the Delta Queen as they travel up and down the Mississippi River. ## Beautiful Spots for Fall Foliage in St. Croix and Somerset: - Willow River State Park: Located in Somerset, this beautiful park offers stunning hiking trails, a cascading waterfall, and opportunities for bird watching and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the pristine waters of Little Falls Lake during the summer months. - Croix National Scenic Riverway: Experience the natural beauty of the St. Croix River by taking a scenic boat tour or enjoying a leisurely paddle down its tranquil waters. The riverway is a haven for wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers. - Croix State Park is a picturesque destinations offering a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, these charming locations have something for everyone. ## Book Your Fall Foliage Retreat with MINNeSTAY Today! Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or simply a peaceful retreat, you can book with confidence with MINNeSTAY. We have something for everyone in our premier vacation rental portfolio. Plan your trip today and discover all that these charming places have to offer. So many of our beautiful vacation homes are within a short drive to many of these beautiful destinations. We hope to see you soon! 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