Fall in Minnesota is a season of color, crisp air, and countless ways to explore. From river bluffs to lake country, from quiet small towns to bustling cities along Lake Superior, every region of our state has its own magic. We asked tourism leaders across Minnesota to share what makes their communities shine in autumn. Here’s what they told us.
Part of our Fall in Minnesota series, this article highlights regional tourism voices.
Southeast Minnesota: Rochester & Winona
In Rochester, the fall season begins at the orchards. “Sekapp Orchard is a third-generation, 60+ year orchard with produce, u-pick apples, a corn maze, straw bale maze, and numerous other attractions,” explained Erin O’Brien of Experience Rochester. She also noted that “Rochester’s paved trail system has 85 miles of interconnected walking and biking paths through a variety of scenery. It’s a great way to see the fall colors.”
Farm families share their traditions in Voices of the Farms.
Further down the Mississippi River, Winona greets visitors with dramatic bluffs and small-town charm. “Winona is situated along the Minnesota Great River Road and sees a steady, annual increase in fall color travelers during September and October,” said Kate Carlson, executive director of Visit Winona. “Our 500-foot bluffs are encrusted with a tapestry of gold, red, and orange each October, and the annual bird migration sends upwards of a million birds up and down the Mississippi River Valley Flyway.”
Families looking to stretch their legs have plenty of options: Lake Park’s five miles of paved paths circling Lake Winona, Bluffside Park’s 15-plus miles of multi-use trails, and the new Flyway Trail that connects Winona to Wisconsin. Carlson added that these are “perfect ways to take in the colors together.”
Central Minnesota: Brainerd Lakes & Buffalo
Central Minnesota combines sparkling lakes with family-friendly festivals and orchards worth the drive. Kathy Reichenbach of the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce described the season this way: “The fall colors are breathtaking around our many lakes; the shops and restaurants are open to greet our visitors. Fall golf, biking, and fishing are very popular during the fall.” She also pointed to community events like the Nisswa Fall Festival and Haunted Hidden Hallows as highlights for families.
In Buffalo, fall outings blend small-town charm with plenty of activity. “Buffalo is a community that is small enough to still have that rural charm, but big enough to offer many amenities,” said Sue Olmscheid of the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. “Families can make a day trip: stop for coffee at Buffalo Books and Coffee, shop the many independently owned businesses, visit the Farmers Market, and spend time at one of our orchards.” She added that Apple Jacks offers over 20 family activities, while Deer Lake Orchard provides wagon rides, a petting farm, and often live music on the porch. “It has a very homey feel,” she said.
Northeast Minnesota: Duluth
In Duluth, fall is framed by Lake Superior and miles of trails, with family traditions rooted in both nature and local experiences. Haley Hedstrom of Visit Duluth said, “Colors usually peak in late September through early October, making this a picture-perfect time for family adventures. Families can explore favorites like Canal Park, Enger Tower, Lester Park, and Hartley Nature Center—all offering trails, playgrounds, and incredible views of Lake Superior dressed in autumn color.”
She pointed families to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, where “kids of all ages will be amazed watching thousands of raptors soar overhead.” Duluth also adds its own special flair with local pumpkin patches, farm stands, and even The Great Pumpkin Train on the North Shore Scenic Railroad, where guests enjoy activities at the Depot before riding out to pick their own pumpkin.
Northwest Minnesota: Thief River Falls
For families looking for peace and authenticity, northwest Minnesota offers just that. “As the crisp air settles in and the leaves burst into brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange, Thief River Falls becomes a picture-perfect autumn destination for travelers seeking beauty, peace, and local charm,” said Elizabeth Wilde of Visit Thief River Falls.
She highlighted Klasen’s Greenhouse in nearby Newfolden as a family-owned spot where visitors can pick the perfect pumpkin and explore fall décor. “It’s the kind of place where memories are made,” Wilde said. She also described the River Walk and Greenwood Trails as peaceful paths along the riverbanks, and encouraged families to catch a sunrise over the water. “The mist rising as the sun spills gold over the river is unforgettable.”
Southwest Minnesota: Marshall
The southwest is wide open, with one standout gem for families. “We don’t have much for fall spots like this, other than Camden State Park, a beautiful gem with amazing fall colors,” said Cassi Weiss of Visit Marshall. She also noted that Explore SWMN highlights nearby counties with orchards and pumpkin patches that families might enjoy.
South Metro: Lakeville
Families in the Twin Cities metro don’t have to go far for a fall outing. Jeanne Hutter of Visit Lakeville pointed to local options: “Here are some of our nearby businesses that we have featured on our website: visitlakeville.org/itineraries/fall-fun/. Families can find local farms, pumpkin patches, and easy outings close to home.”
Closing Invitation
From Rochester to Duluth, Thief River Falls to Marshall, and all the places in between, Minnesota families are surrounded by opportunities to experience fall at its best. Whether it’s hiking the bluffs, picking apples, or taking a wagon ride, this season is an invitation to create new traditions and rediscover the beauty in our own backyard.
Plan Your Trip with Minnesota’s Visitor Bureaus
Planning your own fall adventure? These local CVBs and tourism offices are a great place to find maps, events, and insider tips:
Twin Cities & Metro
Bloomington MN Travel & Tourism — https://www.bloomingtonmn.org
Meet Minneapolis — https://www.minneapolis.org
Visit Saint Paul — https://www.visitsaintpaul.com
Discover Stillwater — https://www.discoverstillwater.com
Visit Roseville — https://www.visitroseville.com
Experience Maple Grove — https://www.experiencemaplegrove.com
Destination Edina — https://www.exploreedina.com
Destination Woodbury — https://www.destinationwoodbury.com
Experience Burnsville — https://www.burnsvillemn.com
Visit Eagan — https://eaganmn.com
Visit Eden Prairie — https://edenprairie.org
Southern Minnesota
Experience Rochester — https://www.experiencerochestermn.com
Explore Albert Lea — https://www.explorealbertlea.com
Visit Mankato — https://www.visitmankatomn.com
Visit New Ulm — https://www.newulm.com
Visit Austin — https://www.austinmn.com
Visit Marshall — https://visitmarshallmn.com
Visit Fairmont — https://www.visitfairmontmn.com
Owatonna Area CVB — https://www.owatonna.org
Faribault Area Tourism — https://www.visitfaribault.com
Pipestone Area CVB — https://www.pipestonechamber.com
Lanesboro Area Chamber & Visitors Center — https://www.lanesboro.com
Red Wing CVB — https://www.redwing.org
Wabasha–Kellogg CVB — https://www.wabashamn.org
Central Minnesota
Explore Brainerd Lakes — https://www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
Visit Greater St. Cloud — https://www.visitstcloud.com
Visit Alexandria — https://www.explorealex.com
Visit Buffalo — https://www.buffalochamber.org
Visit Sauk Centre — https://www.visitsaukcentre.org/
Visit Hutchinson — https://www.explorehutchinson.com
Mille Lacs County Tourism — https://www.millelacs.com
Little Falls CVB — https://www.littlefallsmn.com
Fergus Falls CVB — https://www.visitfergusfalls.com
Perham Area CVB — https://www.perham.com
Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber — https://parkrapids.com
Northern Minnesota
Visit Duluth — https://www.visitduluth.com
Visit Bemidji — https://www.visitbemidji.com
Visit Grand Rapids — https://www.visitgrandrapids.com
Visit Ely — https://www.ely.org
Visit Cook County (Grand Marais) — https://www.visitcookcounty.com
Iron Range Tourism Bureau — https://ironrange.org
Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau (International Falls) — www.rainylake.org
Thief River Falls Tourism — https://visittrf.com
Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau — https://www.detroitlakes.com
Crookston Visitors Bureau — https://visitcrookston.com
Statewide & Associations
Explore Minnesota — https://exploreminnesota.com
Minnesota Tourism Association — https://tourismmn.com/
Plan your own adventure with the overview in Fall in Minnesota.
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