Top Stunning Spots to See Fall Colors in Southeast Minnesota

Fall colors are starting to come in throughout Minnesota, mostly in the northern part of the state. I have a friend who lives up north and she said their leaves are starting to change quite a bit now.

Down here in southeast Minnesota, though, we have to wait a little bit before the colors really start to change. I've noticed one spot north of Rochester along 52 that's changing a bit but that's all so far.

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According to the Minnesota DNR's Fall Color Finder map, we likely won't see a ton of change until early October.

Then, the western part of southeast MN will start to peak in mid-October. Rochester and a majority of the rest of southeast MN will follow a few days later (about October 18th, 19th). And finally, the part along the Mississippi will hit peak between October 19th and 22nd.

In the meantime, now would be a good time to think about where you'd like to go see our beautiful fall colors in the area! Start planning a day trip so that when the colors do hit their peak, you're ready to go.

(Hat tip to Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine and the Minnesota Reddit for some ideas.)

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Altura

The small town east of Rochester is home to one of my favorite state parks, Whitewater State Park! The hiking trails can lead you to some incredible views above the trees, so being there for the fall colors would be incredible.

Lanesboro

Another small town in the area, Lanesboro is always featured for being a great little spot to visit. Visiting in the fall would be an amazing time to go. They've got cute shops and restaurants, plus the Root River Trail. The leaf peeping would be amazing.

Red Wing

Right on the Mississippi River, seeing the fall colors would be beautiful here. Red Wing also has some great shops and restaurants. Red Wing is also home to Memorial Park, where you can get some beautiful views of town and the Mississippi.

Winona

Another town right on the Mississippi that's a for sure stop in the fall is Winona. Winona also has Sugar Loaf Bluff where you can get some insane views of the Mississippi and all of the fall colors.

If there are other spots in southeast MN you think I'm missing out on, let me know! You can shoot me a message on my Instagram (@carlyrossonair).