DNR expects Northern MN fall foliage to begin peak in late September

Minnesota’s Fall Color Finder is live as the seasons shift.

Sept. 1 marked the beginning of meteorological fall – the preferred season marker among scientists and meteorologists in the Northern Hemisphere. Astronomical fall, which marks the shifting season on the calendar, lands on the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.

Past foliage data predict late September to early October as peak viewing time for the changing leaves in Northern Minnesota.

“I'm always observing the colors of all the plants as I go,” Stacy Zeigler said. Zeigler works as the forested wetland manager for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and frequently drives on Highway 2 to her office in Cass Lake.

“The yellows start peeking in, and then you start to see some rusty colors ... I think noticing those in an area where you're surrounded by so much of it and so much beauty,” she said, “I find it fascinating to observe it day to day.”

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MN DNR

The DNR wrote on its website that mild summer drought can enhance fall colors, but severe drought usually dulls them considerably.

September weather can also have an impact — leaves are more likely to display brilliant colors when the days are sunny and the nights are cool.

“Light frosts can help, but a hard freeze or early snow could stop the show in its tracks,” the DNR stated.

Minnesota’s state parks host a number of events throughout the year for children and adults. A fall color bike ride is planned for Sept. 20 at Itasca State Park and fall color walks are slated for Sept. 26 at Lake Bemidji State Park.